EDUCATION

Anacortes Teachers Discuss Using Ship Harbor for Teaching Science

Dr. Tom Marrs, Anacortes School District Superintendent, Dr. Gisele Muller-Parker, and about 20 Anacortes School District teachers shared ideas with Ship Harbor Interpretive Preserve (SHIP) program organizers on how K-12 teachers would like to use this local wetlands area for science education. The SHIP Education Workshop was hosted by Western Washington University's Shannon Point Marine Center. .

Karen Lippy, environmental educator from the North Mason School District, provided the Anacortes educators with additional ideas on environmental education projects and curriculum she has helped develop at the wetlands area along Hood Canal, near Belfair. The 135-acre Hood Canal Wetlands feature the Hood Canal Watershed Project Center and a 4-mile trail system with exhibit and educational buildings, native plant gardens, and viewing platforms with interpretive signs. Lippy said that the 25-acre Ship Harbor wetland area, although smaller, has enormous potential for Anacortes schools. "This local, easily accessible outdoor site in Anacortes," she said, "is another great opportunity for teachers to help students discover the world of science."

The all-day workshop also included a discussion of science benchmarks and science education reform, moderated by Dr. Marrs, after a presentation on the new Science Essential Learning requirements by Jack Horne, science coordinator for North Central ESD, representing the Commission on Student Learning. "This workshop starts the dialogue," Dr. Marrs told the teachers. "We've just touched the tip of the iceberg in discussing science curriculum, environmental science, and use of the SHIP program. There's a lot here to continue exploring." Some of the ideas for use of the SHIP program from workshop participants included:

Opportunities for students to get involved could include planning trails and interpretive materials, monitoring impacts, collecting data, and observing wildlife.

SHIP program could provide knowledgeable people to help teach in classrooms and lead field trips plus field guides and background material.

Similar programs have opened up opportunities for students to do projects and train for jobs.

Involving the schools builds the sense of community ownership. Funding for this workshop was provided by the Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team, Western Washington University and the Anacortes School District.

The Ship Harbor Interpretive Preserve project is being coordinated by the Anacortes Parks Foundation. Partners in the project also include the Port of Anacortes, Shannon Point Marine Center, Evergreen Islands, Anacortes School District, Samish Indian Nation, Anacortes Community Forest Lands and a number of other private and public groups. The SHIP project currently has more than 60 local volunteers observing and reporting on wildlife, plants and water levels; taking photographs for monitoring across all seasons and for educational use; researching history and culture of the area; and applying for grants and other funding.