Educational Programs

"We learned each step we took ... Every day, no matter what we were doing, we were always learning something new." --Student, 6th Grade

Since 1987, Olympic Park Institute has been working to offer environmental education at the highest possible level. Our focus is on inquiry-based field science programs for grades 4-12, and our curriculum is closely aligned with state and national standards in its use of inquiry methods to engage students in academic studies that connect their learning to real-world science.

Our programs place students in small study groups to discover the natural world. Our professional educators guide participants as they explore and observe in the field, research and study in the lab, and develop inquiry projects that help understand the scientific process and the workings of the environment. All of our experiential, inquiry-based academics are enhanced by activities that encourage cooperative learning.

Enhancing your Environmental Education

We make our field science education programs highly customizable, using pre-trip visits, direct student and teacher input, and questionnaires to ensure that we are focused on individualized priorities including academic goals, community and team building, and personal growth. We offer programs in four distinct areas of study which incorporate a diverse range of activities and daytrips—one class may spend the day studying geology during a challenging hike up Mount Storm King, while another makes the trip out to the incredible Hoh Rainforest to learn about forest ecology.

We also offer pre- and post-trip classroom visits and lesson plans to help maximize the impact of your visit.

"Olympic Park Institute went above and beyond to ensure the permanence of the lessons ... Our students will hold onto this new knowledge, respect and appreciation for nature, and great memories for their entire life." --Robert Blank, Teacher, Cascade Heights Public Charter School

 
 

Established Benefits

Inquiry-based, experiential education has established benefits that distinguish it from traditional classroom learning. In a study of teachers and students attending field programs at Olympic Park Institute and other NatureBridge campuses, researchers from Stanford University's School of Education found that:

• 77% of field science programs contained elements of inquiry.
• 100% of all programs addressed at least 3 out of 8 intelligences (e.g. verbal-linguistic, bodily-kinesthetic, and visual-spatial).
• 93% of students actively communicated during activities.

View a complete report of the study's findings and recommendations.

Additionally, the American Institutes for Research determined that California students attending outdoor education programs:

• Raised their science scores by 27%
• Demonstrated increased motivation to learn
• Showed identifiable improvements in cooperation, self-esteem, conflict resolution, peer interaction, and classroom behavior

View a summary or a complete report.

Natural Connections

Multiple Seattle-area schools receive in-class visits from Olympic Park Institute staff to help prepare the students for their residential program on our campus, as well as follow-up post-trip visits.  We strive to make connections between what students have experienced in the National Park and their home community.

Bring your class to Olympic Park Institute!

For more details, call our office at 206.382.6212 x. 13 or complete our online inquiry form.