Education Programs
FOR SCHOOL GROUPS AND CLASSROOMS
We offer free STEM-focused and Next Generation Science Standards-aligned virtual wastewater and stormwater lessons for schools in the greater Seattle area.
Our multi-day, residential School Overnight Program on Bainbridge Island extends learning beyond the classroom, engaging students in critical thinking, scientific investigations, and actions that build awareness of and concern for the wellbeing of people and our planet.
We offer programs in Woodinville and the Seattle area that connect stormwater science learning to students’ lives and communities.
Community Waters is a highly-rated 4th grade science unit that involves students in asking questions and solving real community environmental problems through engineering. In the process, students deepen their science knowledge, come to view science as relevant to their lives and future, and engage in science in socially relevant and transformative ways.
“I think IslandWood has tremendous potential to help in developing stronger, healthier, more sustainable communities.”
– Steve Garlid, Bryant Elementary Teacher
FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE EDUCATORS
The IslandWood Graduate Program in Education for Environment and Community is a 10-month immersive residency in justice-oriented environmental education; experiential, student-centered learning; and culturally-responsive teaching and curriculum development.
Our professional development opportunities are designed to support place-based, culturally responsive learning experiences that connect to students’ lives and communities.
Curated by our educators, these tools, strategies, and ideas are designed to help teachers engage students in meaningful learning that leverages their homes, neighborhoods, and communities as powerful sites of exploration and discovery.
Made possible thanks to funding from an anonymous donor at the Seattle Foundation, the annual Patsy Collins Award for Excellence in Education, Environment, and Community honors extraordinary teachers in Washington K-12 schools who extend learning beyond the classroom.
“The biggest takeaway from IslandWood was my philosophy of education—more specifically, how I see my students as whole children, not just learners in my classroom…Children are not just experiencing the world but are instead using their past experiences to shape the world around them.”
– Kacey Lebby, IslandWood Graduate Program in Education for Environment and Community, Class of 2014
FOR ADULTS AND FAMILIES
Designed to align with Washington’s 3rd – 6th grade science curriculum, this in-person, outdoor program on Bainbridge Island deepens children’s science knowledge, strengthens problem-solving skills, and inspires teamwork.
Our staff naturalist, Christina Doherty, leads this five-week series designed to deepen your observations of the natural world and build your skills in botany, wildlife tracking, zoology, birding, marine ecology, and reading the forested landscape.
Designed for 3 and 4-year-olds, our Hand in Hand Nature Explorations series creates opportunities for little ones and their adults to spend one-on-one time exploring, discovering, and making memories together on our Bainbridge Island campus.
Safely connect with loved ones and enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons while exploring IslandWood’s trails. See how many species of evergreens you can find, cross the Suspension Bridge, and visit our magical Bog Treehouse!
From explorations of our environment to immersive experiences with art, science, and culture, IslandWood hosts a variety of free and low-cost public events and programs each year.
Summer Day Camps on our Bainbridge Island campus boost children’s imaginations in a rich natural setting. Our instructors are experienced environmental educators with a passion for creating experiences that unlock curiosity and understanding about our environment and our world.
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