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INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF
VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMPS
Through a combination of group sessions, activities, and outdoor projects, our virtual summer camps are a flexible and fun way to spark wonder, creativity, and curiosity.
From learning more about the plants and animals in your neighborhood, to exploring the natural world through art, to making a difference for the planet through science and engineering, there’s something to inspire every child.
DISCOVERY NEVER STOPS
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve suspended our community events, private events, and education programs, with the exception of the graduate program, until further notice. But, discovery never stops. For younger and older, in cities and in suburbs, there is always something new to discover about the world around us.
That’s why we’re excited to share how we’ve been working to adapt existing programs and create new opportunities for discovering, exploring, and learning together. Specifically, we’ve been focused on opportunities to support teachers, our current graduate students, and our community.
SUPPORTING TEACHERS
During this time, supporting teachers has been a significant part of our efforts and focus. This coming year, teachers will need more support than ever, as districts move to different learning models.
As a part of the OSPI ClimeTime project, our Urban School Programs Team has provided a free online teacher training course, presented workshops at a statewide virtual conference, and led multiple teacher professional development workshops.
Throughout the year, we will be providing free teacher professional development courses, workshops, and focused 1:1 supports to help teachers navigate this challenging time. Upon completion of each course, teachers will also earn a stipend and STEM clock hours!
Learn more and register here →
SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY
Though we can’t gather in person, we are working hard to create fun and informative opportunities for people of all ages to explore, learn, and connect.
Even though the majority of our in-person programs are currently on pause, we are still committed to fostering a sense of discovery for our community each and every day.
That’s why, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we launched 50 Days of Discovery. For 50 days, we shared a tip, a fact, a resource, an activity, or an opportunity to discover on our website and social media channels.
Explore seasonal changes with our educators, docents, and graduate students with our Phenology Friday series. Each edition features a phenological highlight – an example of seasonal change – that we have been noticing in the natural world. Recent Phenology Friday videos had us learning how to make dandelion lemonade, exploring ways to protect pollinators, and examining sand dollars at the beach!
Typically one of our most highly-anticipated events of the year, we couldn’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the world of Amorous Amphibians with you – even from afar! Check out this video presentation from IslandWood naturalist Christina Doherty to learn more about native frogs, their calls, and habits. Then, discover how you can find breeding frogs, toads, salamanders, newts and their eggs in your backyard or nearby frog-filled wetland, pond, or puddle.
SUPPORTING OUR GRADUATE STUDENTS
This past spring proved to be a testament to the creativity, resilience, and strength of our graduate program community, as faculty and staff re-designed the program to take place completely online. Regular Zoom check ins helped keep our cohort connected from afar!
This fall, we look forward to welcoming an exceptional group of students to the program. Fall quarter will most likely combine both in-person and online elements, while remaining true to our program’s vision and learning goals. Since the School Overnight Program will be closed until January 2021, our graduate program staff and faculty are currently redesigning the teaching practicum to provide alternative options for graduate students to apply their learning in meaningful, justice-oriented ways that meet the unique needs of schools and teachers during this time.
OUR PROGRAMS
We create experiences that help students and educators deepen their understanding of their environment and the impact they can have on their world and community.
OUR APPROACH
Through experiential education, we take urgent issues and make them relevant to young people, shedding light on the power we all have to change the world for good. This approach prepares the next generation of inspired environmental problem solvers to work together to make an exponential impact on the planet, now and in the future.
OUR COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSIVITY (JEDI)
At IslandWood, we are focused on building a race equity culture. We are focusing on race equity, not because we believe other inequities don’t exist or aren’t vitally important, but because in the United States one’s race – more than any other factor – is the biggest determinant of educational outcomes, wealth, health, exposure to environmental pollutants and hazards, and life expectancy.
We understand there is an inextricable connection between educational justice, environmental justice, and racial equity. This work is not ancillary, or “outside” of IslandWood’s mission. It is central to our work in environmental education, and of inspiring healthy communities and a healthy planet.
OUR IMPACT
20,000+ STUDENTS IMPACTED ANNUALLY
3 in 4 teachers report an enduring positive effect on student learning, collaboration, and engagement months after our programs.
800+ EDUCATORS & TEACHERS REACHED EVERY YEAR
More than 70% of teachers report an increase in teaching outdoors as a result of participating in our programs.
STORIES
Environmental Education Field at Risk
As the COVID-19 crisis continues, it’s become increasingly clear that th...
SHIFTING SCIENCE EDUCATION FROM SCHOOL TO HOME
Here’s what teachers have been telling us since COVID forced schools to ...
Phenology Friday #12
Want to know what causes flowering plants to bloom? Curious about the po...
UPCOMING EVENTS
ONLINE INFORMATION SESSION – EDUCATION FOR ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY GRADUATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
ASK AN ISLANDWOOD GRAD: WEBINAR ON THE EEC GRADUATE PROGRAM EXPERIENCE
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