Lancaster Watershed Exploration - Summer 2026

Open to any teacher in DC, MD, PA, VA.

Join fellow educators for a three-day immersive professional learning institute in Lancaster County focused on environmental literacy, place-based learning, and PA STEELS-aligned instruction. Designed for grades 4–8 (all educators welcome), this hands-on experience pairs high-impact pedagogy with field investigations at Horn Farm Center, Lancaster County Environmental Center, and exploration on the Conestoga River. Participants will explore land use, school gardens, water quality, and climate change while modeling inquiry-based, phenomenon-driven teaching strategies. Leave with ready-to-use lessons, community partnerships, and practical tools to bring meaningful outdoor learning back to your classroom.

• Length & Location: Three-days of collaborative, outdoor learning at Horn Farm Center, Climbers Run Nature Center, and other local areas in and around Lancaster County, PA. Please note, teachers from outside the course location area are encouraged to register but are responsible for their own travel and accommodation.
• Course Credit: Upon successful course completion, participants may be eligible for continuing education credit or contact hours. See details on the Professional Learning Credits page.
• Orientation Date: A virtual orientation took place Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. A link to the slide deck will be avialable in your confirmation email.
• Cost: $375
• Discounts: Pennsylvania teachers in IU12, 13, and 15 interested in this program, use promo code 26PAIU to reduce the cost of this Chesapeake Classrooms course to $0.
• Scholarships: Teachers may apply for a full or partial scholarship using this form. If eligible, a promo code will be provided to reduce the cost of the course.
• Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made six weeks before the course's start date will receive a full refund minus a $75 processing fee. No refunds will be granted after June 16, 2026; however, we are happy to transfer registration to another course if space allows. All cancellation and transfer requests must be made in writing and sent to the Chesapeake Classrooms team.

Registration closes July 7, 2026.

Return to the Chesapeake Classrooms page.

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