CREST Introduction

Center for Research in Environmental Sciences & Technologies

CREST

The Center for Research in Environmental Sciences and Technologies (CREST) is an environmental education center that serves students and teachers of the West Linn-Wilsonville School District. Since its establishment in 2001, 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?

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 and teachers 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.

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	3 & up	Individualized internships provide students with real work experience at CREST
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.