Through our partnership with the Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation, schools and districts have the opportunity to implement the Outdoor Adventurescurriculum—a comprehensive program for K-12 classrooms covering fishing, camping, archery, wildlife conservation, and more.
Why Bring Outdoor Education to Your Classroom?
Outdoor education nurtures a love for nature, strengthens conservation awareness, and promotes active learning. It enriches subjects like science and geography while developing problem-solving skills, building confidence, and fostering environmental stewardship.
Inspire the Next Generation of Outdoor Enthusiasts
We also offer a variety of free and easily-accessible resources, including lesson plans, activities, and professional development.
Aquatic Education Resources
SAFETY COURSES & RESOURCES:
Boater Education Course:LDWF offers a free, in-person boater education course that meets requirements and is completed in 6 to 8 hours
Native Fish In the Classroom Project:LDWF and Louisiana Sea Grant created Native Fish in the Classroom, a hands-on aquaculture project where middle and high school students raise native fish while learning about fisheries, biology, and aquatic resources.
Wetland Education Teacher Workshop (WETshop): This LDWF-sponsored week-long, immersive educator workshop connects selected participants with scientists, researchers, and other educators looking to bring coastal science and wetland stewardship into their classroom settings. It is held each summer at the LDWF Grand Isle Fisheries Research Lab in Grand Isle, Louisiana. Registration usually opens in January.
Green Schoolyards America: A compilation of outdoors-focused curriculum from across the web; perfect for traditional and nontraditional classrooms and educators teaching a variety of subjects
Louisiana Science Teachers Association: An affiliate of the National Science Teachers Association, LSTA strives to maintain close ties with other state science teacher organizations in an effort to remain on the cutting edge of current issues and challenges facing science education.
Louisiana Sea Grant: Promoting knowledge and stewardship of Louisiana’s rich coastal resources, Sea Grant produces science-based materials for K-12 teachers and informal educators. This program is based at Louisiana State University, and is part of the National Sea Grant Program.
National Wildlife Federation Educator Resources: Online resource library filled with engaging educational materials, such as videos, posters, coloring activities, and interactive presentations.
Project WILD: An interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program that focuses on wildlife and habitat created by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
eBird Citizen Science Project: Managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, eBird is the world’s largest biodiversity-related citizen science project that encourages bird-watchers to log bird sightings. More than 100 million bird sightings are contributed by eBirders every year around the world.
iNaturalist: An app that helps you identify plants and animals while connecting with a community of over 750,000 scientists and naturalists. By sharing observations, anyone can contribute valuable data to support nature conservation. A partnership between the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society.
Connect Even Further
Professional Development For Educators
WETshop participants touring the algae room of the oyster hatchery.Wetland Education Teacher Workshop (WETshop): This LDWF-sponsored week-long summer immersive connects educators with scientists, researchers, and other educators looking to bring coastal science and wetland stewardship into their classrooms. It is held each summer at the LDWF Grand Isle Fisheries Research Lab in Grand Isle, Louisiana. Registration usually opens in January.
North American Association For Environmental Education: NAAEE offers fellowship programs, certification opportunities, forums, and leadership opportunities for environmental educators who want to develop and deliver high quality, effective environmental education.
Louisiana Science Teachers Association Conference: The annual conference provides professional development and networking opportunities for all math and science educators throughout the state of Louisiana.
Family-Friendly Workshops & Events
National Hunting & Fishing Day: An event celebrated by all 50 states every year on the fourth Saturday in September to celebrate the conservation contributions of our nation’s hunters and anglers.National Hunting and Fishing Day has hand-on activities for kids and adults
Family Fish Fest: A day of bank fishing and fun fishing activities.
Get Out & Fish! Community Fishing Program: Provides easy and affordable access to quality fishing at locations close to cities and towns. Through this program, LDWF partners with local governments and community organizations to stock community fishing ponds with adult channel catfish in the spring and fall and rainbow trout in the winter, weather permitting.
NRA’s Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC): Provides a fun and educational environment for youth 18 and under to enhance their hunting, marksmanship, and safety skills through simulated hunts, live fire exercises, and responsibility-focused events.
Family Understanding Nature (F.U.N.) Camp: Parents and their children (ages 10-13) can spend a weekend outdoors, strengthening bonds, building skills, and enjoying nature through fun activities.
Big Bass Rodeo & Fishtival: LDWF and New Orleans City Park host a free family fishing rodeo and student competition featuring fishing, arts and crafts, music, and demonstrations for students across Louisiana.
Workshops For Nature-Lovers
Women learning shooting skills at Becoming an Outdoor Woman Weekend.Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Weekend: LDWF-sponsored hands-on multi-day weekend workshop modeled after the national Becoming an Outdoors Woman program that teaches basic outdoor education courses to women 18 and older, including 30 specialty courses in hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Advanced Workshops also available seasonally.
Other Events & Opportunities
LDWF student intern assisting with gopher tortoise project. Louisiana Outdoor Writers Youth Journalism Contest: Open to all youths 18 and under, the contest is designed to stimulate an interest in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and most outdoor activities.
Fishing Workshops: Beginner-friendly LDWF Fishing Course Series offered throughout the year and focusing on different skills and fish species; women-only classes are also available.
LDWF Student & Internship Program: LDWF offers mentored internships to provide prospective biologists with relevant experience to help guide their future career decisions.
