IslandWood and Washington State’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Provide a Nature-based Science Program for Middle-school Children of Farm Workers
Bainbridge Island, WA (PRWEB) June 25, 2014 -- IslandWood, the Puget Sound-based outdoor learning center, is set to welcome 94 children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers from across Washington State for a powerful week-long science learning experience. The program, Voices from the Field, takes place June 23rd-27th on IslandWood’s Bainbridge Island campus. It is the third consecutive year Voices from the Field has been offered at IslandWood.
Washington State ranks third in the country with approximately 35,000 children of immigrant farmworkers. Voices from the Field, which began in 2012, is the result of a partnership between IslandWood and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. The program was created to close the achievement gap, in science and other core subjects, for children of agricultural families who face unique academic challenges due to frequent school transitions.
“It is critical that we prepare young people from diverse backgrounds to be the next generation of scientists, community leaders, and caretakers of our natural environment,” says Ben Klasky, IslandWood’s President and CEO. “Voices from the Field helps shape this future for our region by giving participants a deeper exposure to a wide range of science concepts in a stimulating outdoor setting.”
During the week at IslandWood, participants will explore IslandWood’s forest and wetlands, conduct scientific investigations in nature, and practice skills like note taking, knowledge retention, and building confidence. Graduate students studying at the University of Washington’s College of Education will teach participants.
About IslandWood
IslandWood is a nationally recognized outdoor learning center that connects thousands of children and adults every year to the natural world in communities throughout the Puget Sound region. IslandWood offers programs for Seattle-area schools; a graduate program in partnership with the University of Washington; Conference Programs for nonprofits and corporations; and camps and community programs for families. Learn more: islandwood.org
Thatcher Heldring, IslandWood, +1 6619794509, [email protected]
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