What is CREST?

  •  The Center for Research in Environmental Sciences and Technologies (CREST) is an environmental education center operated by the West Linn-Wilsonville School District. Opened in the 2001-2002 school year and dedicated by Dr. Jane Goodall, the center offers programs and curricular support for students and teachers in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District.

    For more information please see our FAQ. 
     

    What's new at CREST?

     
    Bird Cam!  Check out this livestream of CREST's bird feeders and see who is visiting us today!  One of the many ways we are watching the seasons change, and studying the phenology of the natural world.  Phenology is the study of cycles of natural phenomena, especially related to climate and plant and animal life.
     
    The Spring Chinook Salmon fry were released on Wednesday, 12/22.  Here's video of the release: CREST Salmon Release on YouTube   
    These Chinook salmon fry hatched on November 19, 2021, and third graders across the district observed the growing salmon life stages and researched the effect of temperature on development rate.  Thanks to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Oregon Fish Eggs to Fry Program for providing salmon eggs and expertise to help us bring this live learning experience to our students!
     

This is CREST

  • Students work at the CREST Farm
    Since its establishment, CREST staff have helped thousands of students and teachers learn through doing – by engaging them in field experiences, independent student research, gardening, service learning, and hands-on, inquiry-based science.
    CREST staff directly work with students in the field, at school, or at one of our two sites. We also provide curricular support for teachers in the areas of science and education for sustainability. With the exception of our day camps and summer camps, CREST is a free resource for students, teachers and parents of the West Linn-Wilsonville School District. 

    CREST fully supports the mission statement of the district: How do we create learning communities for the greatest thinkers and most thoughtful people…for the world?
     
    Compost Ecology
       Through our different programs, we strive to:
    • Foster a sense of wonder, understanding and stewardship for the natural world
    • Help students achieve science literacy and develop a lifelong appreciation for science
    • Increase personal wellness through connections to local food systems and outdoor activities
    • Promote and inspire sustainability through education and demonstrations
    • Support teachers in teaching science and environmental education
     The main CREST facility was dedicated in 2001 by Dr. Jane Goodall, who is also the namesake of our annual district science fair, the CREST-Jane Goodall Science Symposium.  The center, adjacent to Boones Ferry Primary and Inza R. Wood Middle School in Wilsonville, includes two classroom spaces, a ½-acre vegetable garden, orchard, pond, greenhouse, and access to 250-acres of forests and wetlands.  Classes often visit to meet our education animals and to utilize the gardens, pond, and forest for field studies.

     

    Overview of CREST Programs:
    Program

    		 Grades

    		 Description
    School-day
    Lessons & Field Experiences


    		 K-8



    		 CREST Staff lead a variety of lessons and field experiences that target specific science standards
    and engage students in place-based learning.  Students consider topics about the natural world,
    their connection to it, and develop skills to become active stewards in their community.
    Student Scientific Research




    		 6-12




    		 Students engage in active scientific inquiry by developing independent research projects in science
    or engineering.  CREST staff assist with the development of research plans and connect students
    with professional mentors who can provide guidance.  Final projects are showcased at the annual
    CREST-Jane Goodall Science Symposium.
    Farm-to-School




    		 K & up




    		 This program utilizes the CREST  to demonstrate agricultural practices and components of local
    food systems.  Students learn about local food systems, science, and personal wellness and are
    directly engaged in the operation of CREST garden spaces. 
    Learning-on-the-go (LOTG)
    *fee based


    		 K-8



    		 Day camps and summer camps provide students with unique learning experiences when school is
    out of session.  CREST staff engage students in activities that increase their understanding of
    science and nature.
    Student Internships 10-12 Individualized internships provide students with real work experience at CREST and also at community organizations.
    Teacher Training & Support



    		 K-12



    		 CREST staff provide support to individual teachers, teaching teams, and school staff to encourage
    self-efficacy in teaching science and environmental education.  This includes providing lesson plans,
    materials, equipment, and training.
    School-wide Initiatives



    		 K-12



    		 CREST staff provide general support for the establishment of school-wide programs that encourage
    scientific inquiry, sustainability, and environmental education.  Examples include: helping build and
    maintain school gardens and supporting school science fairs.
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