A Project for Teachers and Students

The Elwha River dam removal is an unprecedented scientific experiment and learning opportunity for students of all ages.  Whether you teach Earth Science, Biology, Geography, History or English, the Elwha Science Education Project will inspire your students and provide an outstanding backdrop for interdisciplinary studies.  Located just 12 miles from the Elwha River, Olympic Park Institute is a perfect location to base your field investigations.... Read full project description.

Get Your Class Involved

Focusing on inquiry-based learning, our talented education staff uses the National Park, Elwha River, and regional beaches as our classroom, giving new dimensions to school-based studies. We also have fully-equipped science labs to facilitate learning. Our three core themes are sense of place, interconnections and stewardship.  The Elwha Science Education Project is designed for Middle and High School groups, and is one of 4 curriculum options for a 3 to 5 day field science program at OPI.  For any questions about getting your class involved, call Margaret Stultz at 360-928-3720 ext. 10.

Take a Teacher Workshop

A Family Retreat
Join Olympic Park Institute for 3 days of workshop sessions that will help you apply inquiry-based field science in your classroom and your school’s local environment.   Families are welcome to join you on campus during these retreats. (download flyer or learn more and register today)

Using Inquiry to Study Environmental Science
If you want a more intensive 2 or 4-day workshop, join us for a weekend of hands-on field science.  Similar to our retreat above, we will focus on inquiry-based field science while exploring sites like the Elwha River, as well as Barnes Creek and Lake Crescent adjacent to our campus. (download flyer or learn more)

Connect to Curriculum

Bring this inspiring restoration event into your classroom with our curriculum connection.  This growing online service can enhance your students' history, literature and science studies. 
Visit our resources today!

See a Slide Show

See photos of Olympic Park Institute students engaged in field studies and various sites in the lower 20 miles, from the mouth of the river to the rugged floodplain above the dams.  Photos have been graciously donated by Scott Church, Robert Lundahl and Jerda Smeltzer.