MORNING AND AFTERNOON ECOLOGISTS
An in-person, outdoor program on Bainbridge Island to deepen science knowledge, strengthen problem-solving skills, and inspire teamwork.
Afternoon Ecologists
Bringing Science Learning Outside
New this school year, Afternoon Ecologists is an in-person, outdoor program on our Bainbridge Island campus for students in 3rd – 6th grades!
Designed to align with Washington’s 3rd – 6th grade science curriculum, this program is a fun, engaging opportunity for kids to safely connect with friends, deepen science knowledge, and strengthen problem-solving skills.
Led by current University of Washington Master’s Students in Education and experienced staff instructors, the Afternoon Ecologists program gets students learning outside with peers while deepening their understanding of the impact science and engineering can have on their communities and the planet.
This was a program we created in response to the needs of children during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is no longer running now that we can run regular school day programs again!
Our Approach: Project-Based Learning
Like many of our programs, Afternoon Ecologists is designed to support culturally responsive, project-based learning. Project-based learning (or PBL) allows students to investigate, explore, and develop skills and knowledge by analyzing real world problems and thinking critically about potential solutions. Basing our programs in this approach helps drive curiosity and encourages students to engage with their learning. Students will pursue projects throughout their eight weeks in the program that will spark creativity, enhance science knowledge, and strengthen collaboration skills.
“This program is an amazing opportunity for children to get out of the house, stop worrying about school, and just have a chance to be a curious kid!”
– Jaimee L., Afternoon Ecologists Parent
COST: Tiered Pricing
We are committed to making sure this opportunity is financially accessible for all 3rd – 6th graders who are interested in participating. To support this commitment, we are offering tiered pricing and scholarships.
Additional financial support is available for families who find our tiered pricing beyond their reach. Please contact joanh@islandwood.org for more information.
Session Pricing:
- $360 – This is the full cost of the program. Please choose this option if you’re able to do so.
- $180 – Please choose this option if it’s the right financial fit for you.
**If you have the capacity to help make this program accessible for other children, please consider adding a donation during the registration process. Thank you in advance!**
“My daughter is loving the program. She comes home jazzed with all sorts of cool info. So nice for her to have a place to be outside with friends and amazing instructors. Thankful for your program. It’s really boosting her spirits in these crazy times.”
– Stephanie P., Afternoon Ecologists Parent
SAFETY AND LOGISTICS
The Afternoon Ecologists program will be run in alignment with the WA State Department of Health’s guidelines for safe outdoor programming. For more details, click the link below.
Frequently Asked Questions
We hope this will help answer some of the questions you may have. If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Joan Hutchinson at joanh@islandwood.org.
We are following all of the COVID-19 safety precautions as outlined by the WA State Department of Health. For more details, please visit our Safety & Logistics page.
Yes! Students who have participated in Afternoon Ecologists before can expect to participate in new activities and build new skills, as well as revisit a few favorite IslandWood activities and strengthen existing science knowledge.
Yes! Each session will focus on different themes!
Students will only be indoors to use the bathrooms and in the case of inclement weather. If there’s bad weather, each group will use separate indoor spaces.
Yes, we’re happy to accommodate requests and to see friends exploring together! When you register, there is a form field that will ask you about any friend requests.
Unfortunately not. We often have a waitlist for programs, and in fairness to those on the waitlist, we don’t allow transfers to anyone outside your family.
Because the majority of our campus is a protected wildlife area, pets are not allowed. If you do bring your pet with you to pickup, we ask that it remains in your vehicle. The only exceptions to this rule are Service Animals, which are allowed unconditionally in all buildings, on the trails, in the bog tree house, learning tree house, Millworker’s Cabin, suspension bridge, and in wild zones. Thank you for helping keep our campus a safe and secure zone for wildlife!
No. Given COVID-19, we’re limiting the number of people on campus to reduce the risk to our staff and children participating in the program.
Yes, the program is open to all 3rd – 6th graders in the Puget Sound area!
Yes! In the registration form, where it asks you for any friend requests, you can share that your child is part of a pod, along with the name of each child in the pod that’s also signing up. Please note, your child will still need to wear a mask and participate in social distancing while at IslandWood.
Help Make Outdoor Learning Accessible for All 3rd - 6th Graders in the Community
As you know, many families have been hit hard by COVID-19. Would you help ensure that every 3rd – 6th grader has the opportunity to participate in this program, regardless of their financial situation?
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