The National Park Service recognizes that one of the best ways to reach students is through their teachers and non-formal educators (such as scout leaders). In order to do this, we present a variety of workshops through the year that enable teachers to teach concepts related to Whitman Mission, the environment, and the National Park Service.

Workshops are offered free or for a minimal fee to cover costs. Depending on the topic, the workshop may be anywhere from three hours to two days, weekdays, weekends, and evenings. We arrange for Clock hours through ESD #123, and in the future we plan on arranging continuing education units.

At this time, we offer five different workshops (descriptions follow):

• Whitman Mission National Historic Site and the Classroom
• Project Archaeology
• Project WET (and Aquatic WILD)
• Project WILD
• Project Learning Tree (and Forests of Washington)

Check this site for planned workshop dates. If you are interested in attending one or more of these workshops, even if none are scheduled, please call and let us know; WE WILL SCHEDULE MORE WORKSHOPS IF DEMAND WARRANTS IT!

To register for a workshop, express interest in a future workshop, or for general education questions, please call (509) 522-6357 and ask for the Education Specialist or e-mail WHMI_Education@nps.gov

Workshop Calendar:

Workshop Descriptions:

Do you teach about the Whitmans but want to learn more about them yourself? Do you bring your class to Whitman Mission each year, but aren't sure what to do with the kids when they're outside? Do you want to learn more about the Cayuse culture? Do you want to know more about the Oregon Trail and how the ruts came to be at Whitman Mission? Then this workshop is for you. We will discuss the history and culture of the Whitmans, the Cayuse, the Oregon Trail, The National Park Service, and related issues, as well as some of the natural history of the park. We will also be covering the logistics of a class field trip: when and how to make reservations, what materials are available to teachers before, during, and after a visit, and how to make the most of your trip. You will learn about resource materials available free or to little cost for educators and about some of the related educational sites in our area. By the end of the day, you will be armed to lead the best Whitman Mission field trip or give the best Whitman lesson ever. Oriented to grades 3-5, but other grades welcome. 4-7 hour workshop, FREE.

Through archaeology, we can gain insight into how various cultures have lived throughout history. In addition to interdisciplinary lessons in social studies, math, science, art, communication, and language arts, participants in this workshop will be provided with means to increase environmental awareness, higher level thinking skills, stewardship values, and multicultural appreciation. Project Archaeology was developed by the Bureau of Land Management to teach students about the nation's cultural heritage -- how we learn about it and how we can protect it. The curriculum is oriented towards grades 4-7 but is easily adapted to older grade levels. The workshop will be facilitated by two park rangers, one with experience as a teacher and the other with experience doing archaeology. They will be guiding teachers through the lessons at the same time as teaching them the fundamental skills of archaeology and the cultural and legal constraints under which archaeology is done. Teachers will receive the Intrigue of the Past activity guide as well as information about local archaeology and how to fit archaeology into the curriculum. Grades 4-7, 10+ hours.
Project Archaeology National Website

Project WET, Water Education for Teachers, gives educators the tools to teach about water as a natural and cultural resource. This one resource, the existence of which makes life on Earth possible, lends itself readily to interdisciplinary hand-on learning. The lesson themes include:

• Water has physical and chemical characteristics
• Water is essential for all life to exist
• Water connects all earth systems
• Water is a natural resource
• Water resources are managed
• Water resources exist within social constructs
• Water resources exist within cultural constructs

The information in the workshop is oriented to local water resources and issues, and is aligned with Washington EALR's. The workshop may or may not include a field trip. Participants will receive the Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide and the Project Aquatic WILD activity guide and information about local educational resources and opportunities. Grades K-12, 6+ hours.
Project WET National Website

Project WILD is an interdisciplinary, supplementary conservation and environmental education program emphasizing Wildlife. Through hands-on activities suing wildlife as the theme, students learn about the themes of: Awareness and appreciation; diversity of wildlife values; ecological principles; management and conservation; people, culture, and wildlife; trends, issues and consequences; and responsible human actions. Specific theme WILD workshops may include "WILD about Elk," "WILD Endangered," or "Aquatic WILD." In each case, workshop participants will receive the Project WILD K-12 Activity Guide as well as information on local and national wildlife education resources. The workshop may or may not include a field trip. Grades K-12, 5+ hours.
Project WILD National Website

PLT's Mission: "Project Learning Tree uses the forest as a 'window on the world' to increase students' understanding of our complex environment; to stimulate critical and creative thinking; to develop the ability to make informed decisions on environmental issues; and to instill the confidence and commitment to take responsible action on behalf of the environment." For over 25 years teachers have been using this excellent resource to help them teach children about the environment around them. Even if you do not live near a forest, there's something in this curriculum for you. There are several different books: Project Learning Tree Environmental Education Pre-K Activity Guide, and the PLT Secondary EE Program modules: Focus on Risk, Municipal Solid Waste, The Changing Forest: Forest Ecology, Focus on Forests, Introductory Handbook for the Secondary Modules. The Washington Forest Protection Association also produces two books which will be distributed at this workshop: Forests of Washington: Forest Ecosystems and People and Forests of Washington: History. Which books are distributed at a given workshop usually depends on the grade level of the educator. Grades K-8 and/or 6-12. 5+ hours.
Project Learning Tree National Website