Environmental Science Center Programs

PROGRAMS

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

ESC serves elementary school students as its primary emphasis. Our two-part field-based programs target grades K-6 and combine visual aids (slides, puppets, art), creative dramatics, and field trips to engage all learning styles and reinforce learning. Typically, a one hour classroom session is followed by a 90-minute inquiry-based field program at a location such as Seahurst Park or the Normandy Park Cove. Education in the environmental setting encourages students to think critically and creatively and effectively guides them in learning about the relationship between human actions and their impact on the natural world. School programs are based on curricula aligned with Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) and Environmental Education Standards.

2008-2009 Curriculum

We offer the following subject matter for the K-8 grade programs, which can be adapted for different ages and special interests by request of the teacher.

Exploring Intertidal Puget Sound:

Class and Field Trip

Powerpoint presentation and activity focusing on 1 of 4 topics:

1) Identification of marine invertebrates;
2) Intertidal zones and invertebrate survival;
3) Prey and predators of marine invertebrates;
4) Organization of marine invertebrates by Phylum.

Beach etiquette and stewardship are stressed on the field trip. Classes can be customized to specific needs.
Grades K-8.
Cost: $50 for class and $150 for beach field trip. *

Salmon and You:

Class and Field Trip

This class explores the lifecycle of salmon, provides hands-on experience with internal/external fish anatomy, identifies habitat needs and limiting factors, and analyzes water quality. The 1 hour pre-class and 3 hour field trip help students make connections as they investigate a local stream site to determine the stream's suitability for salmon.
Grades: 4-8.
Cost: $50 for the class and $200 for the 3 hour field trip. *

Digging up Dirt - A Field Investigation Using the Scientific Method:

Three 1 hour Class Sessions:

1) Identification of the steps involved in planning a field investigation: Hypothesis, Materials, Procedures, Data Collection and Conclusion.
2) Data collection phase in which transect lines are used to collect soil from two different locations on the school grounds and tools are used to measure the results.
3) Graphing and scientific analysis to accept or reject the hypothesis.

Students will draw conclusions, and connect information to environmental issues.
Grades: 4-8.
Cost: $200 *

Eelgrass Beds - It's a Jungle Out There:

Classroom Activity

We will focus on eelgrass beds found in the Puget Sound. After discussing why and how marine inhabitants use these underwater, meadow-like habitats, students will construct models of eelgrass beds. Time requirement is 1 1/2 hours.
Grades: 4-6.
Cost: $75. *

Water Heroes - What you can do to keep our watershed healthy:

Classroom Activity

A presentation covering the water cycle, watersheds, storm drains and what we can do to keep our watersheds healthy. Activities help students understand how we are all connected to the water that surrounds us. Class runs 1 1/2 hours and includes an activity.
Grades: 4-8.
Cost: $75. *

ESC strives for a ratio of 1 instructor for every 10 students in the field in order to provide high quality instruction and personal attention for every student.

To sign up for the class offerings, call the Environmental Science Center at (206) 274-9524 or E-mail <Nicole>

All programs are aligned with Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements and Environmental Education Standards. ESC staff will work with teachers to modify programs for different age groups and to fit their curriculum needs.

* For schools with more than 50% of the student population on free or reduced lunch, please contact us regarding a fee waiver.

SUMMER PROGRAMS

ESC offers summer programs in partnership with the City of Burien's Camp Craz, New Futures' Marine Camp and the Highline School District Summer Science Blast Camp. All our offerings are designed to contribute to student appreciation and enjoyment of science - a key to students becoming self-directed learners and gaining confidence in this core competency. In the future, as staff capacity allows, ESC plans to extend offerings to fill most of the summer weeks.

RESTORATION PROGRAMS

The ESC seeks partnerships with organizations that are implementing local restoration projects to determine if there is an education and outreach component the ESC can deliver. We specialize in projects that will benefit the health of the Puget Sound ecosystem. Currently, ESC is annually monitoring the south Seahurst Park beach restoration site using habitat and biodiversity metrics, performing forage fish egg monitoring at the same site and is a partner in the City of Burien's Shorewood Park Adopt-a-Park program for the removal of invasive plants in a 3 acre site a half mile from Puget Sound.

ADULT / FAMILY PROGRAMS

We offer week night and weekend programs on an ongoing basis. ESC has offered a variety of program formats in the past: lectures — e.g. Oil Spill Disaster- Is Burien Ready; Family- Friendly outdoor programs- e.g. Salmon at Seahurst, Beach Critters at Seahurst Park, Starlight Beach Walk and adult recreation/educational- e.g. Puget Sound Geology from Your Kayak. Future plans include a speaker's series similar to our popular The Science of Seahurst.