These two-hour science enrichment units for upper-elementary students build on the materials presented in the school programs with hands-on activities focused on strengthening science concepts and experiential stewardship opportunities.

The after-school programs complement the science inquiry component of the academic SECRETS of Our Forest Home program while also giving upper-elementary school students the opportunity to increase their academic achievement, providing extracurricular opportunities for underserved youth, and building a local stewardship and restoration ethic for public lands among our youth.

Course Descriptions

Currently under development, these two hour programs build on the ecological concepts introduced in each weekly SECRETS classroom lesson with hands on projects and experiential learning. Students use the school yard and surrounding parks as a learning laboratory, and are able to see ecological concepts come to life in the after-school setting. .

May Street Elementary School (MSES) Wild Bird Habitat and Learning Lab
In Fall 2002, the Gorge Ecology Institute (formerly Rainshadow Institute) partnered with MSES teachers, the MSES parent-volunteer co-op, and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to build a wild-bird habitat in a new courtyard at the school. The project was made possible, in part, by a grant from EPA Region 10. We'd like to thank all the people that helped make the after-school science program such a success!