This free after school program focuses on giving 5th grade students an opportunity to participate in hands-on science experiments and dive deep into environmental topics relevant to Douglas County. Based on an environmental education curriculum developed in 2013 by AmeriCorps VISTA member, Roland Wang, our Science Wednesday program continues to expand and teach students fundamentals in watershed stewardship and relationships in ecology. Every year our AmeriCorps educator rotates to different Elementary Schools in the district and teaches after school on Wednesdays for 6-8 weeks.
Science Wednesdays is supported by grants from the Gray Family Foundation!
Currently, some of our topics are:
- Water Chemistry
- Food Webs and Forest Ecology
- Compass and GPS Navigation
- Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Critical Thinking about Environmental Problems
- Water Quality Testing for Phosphates and Nitrogen
- Bird Watching and Discovery
Our educators work closely with schools to tailor the program to best fit the students’ needs by choosing topics, program length and duration, and the need for Instructional Assistants. Educators also invite experts from the community to talk about environmental topics and allow students to explore future career options.
The program is free to students and schools! Currently we partner with Fir Grove, Fullerton, Lookingglass, Hucrest, and Eastwood Elementary Schools. If you’re interested in participating in this program or volunteering with us, please contact the Education Committee Chair, Ken Carloni (ken@umpquawatersheds.org).