Getting Out of the Classroom: Hands-On, Experiential Learning with Treleen Cox

In this episode of The Lake Doctor Podcast, we sit down with Treleen Cox, a first-grade teacher at Leesburg Elementary who is passionate about hands-on learning. Treleen shares how she introduces her students to the wonders of the natural world through exploration, curiosity, and interactive experiences. From outdoor, exploratory lessons to engaging classroom experiments, her approach shows how even the youngest learners can begin to see how the world around them has so much beauty and complexity.Together, we discuss the power of experiential education and how fostering curiosity early can lead to lifelong environmental stewardship. Treleen’s stories highlight the impact of connecting children with lakes, wetlands, streams, and the outdoors—helping them not only understand science but also develop respect for the world around them. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or lifelong learner, this episode offers inspiration for cultivating wonder in the next generation.Learn more about the Lilly Center's work at https://lakes.grace.edu/.Have a question we could answer on the podcast? Send an email to [email protected] or submit a comment below.Help us improve the podcast by filling out this short survey: https://forms.gle/MzGSXHcnkEQC8T74A.