GreenSTEM and Next Generation Science Standards Make Major Progress

This summer will see the start of major progress in greenSTEM education (i.e., education in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as well as environmental and sustainability science) reform both nationally and in Washington State. The final version of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) was released in April (http://nextgenscience.org).   Along with the major informal science organizations in Puget Sound (e.g., Burke Museum of History and Culture, Islandwood, Museum of Flight, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, Pacific Education Institute, Environmental Science Center, and NatureBridge), the Whidbey GeoDome is supporting the adoption and implementation of the NGSS in Washington State.  We are currently developing short fulldome presentations to act as learning starters for the twelve core and component elements of the Earth and Space Science domain of the NGSS.  We will pair them with complementary exDome learning activities drawn from the CLEAN Collection of reviewed geoscience education resources (http://cleanet.org and now syndicated at http://www.climate.gov/teaching) and  with arts-based facilitation (see http://www.powerofhope.org for our approach).  In the late fall we return to offering K-12 school programs, now based on these new NGSSs.

Open House at New Arts and Education Center in Old Bayview School

New Office Location on Whidbey Island

The Whidbey GeoDome and New Stories have moved into a new arts and education center that was formerly the Bayview School.  Last Fall, the Bayview School was rented by several non-profits with the intention of creating a collaborative work space and art/education center open to the public.  Whidbey GeoDome and New Stories joined with WICEC (Whidbey Island Community Education Center) and The art Center@WICEC, NILA (National Institute for Literary Arts)  in remodeling and updating the space.

Now the work is done and we are ready for the reveal.  Saturday April 27th from 10-3 we will co-host an open house showcasing all we will have to offer the community.  The GeoDome will be open to the public for the day in one of the newly remodeled classrooms showcasing our Earth Portal production and live tours of the Universe.  NILA will host author and poet readings and WICEC will have class and workshop demos throughout the day including a 3-D printer demo and Tai Chi. During the open house, The art Center@WICEC will also provide Encaustic painting demonstration and a local art show on display.

From 6-8 pm The art Center@WICEC will host a gallery opening and reception for new and up and coming local artists.  WICEC has created The art Center@WICEC which has lead the revitalization of the art studio space which will serve as the classroom for WICEC artist workshops. The GeoDome will also be present from 6-8 for a personal tour of our new office and productions spaces.  Refreshments and snacks will be provided.  Come by and meet the crew.