Teachers on the Estuary Workshop for Elementary Educators

Using resources like the Ocean Sciences Sequences Curriculum and Padilla Bay's Estuary Curriculum as a framework, this multi day, in person art and science workshop for formal and non-formal elementary educators adds an estuary twist. Enjoy learning with colleagues at beautiful Padilla Bay. In this workshop, educators will engage in:

• field investigations in mudflat and eelgrass meadows
• hands-on art lessons
• explorations of local online data
• activities from NOAA’s Estuaries 101 online curriculum
• creating original artwork
• explorations of ocean and climate science activities for your students.

Ocean Sciences Curriculum Sequences are in-depth curriculum units that deliver rich science content correlated to the Next Generation Science Standards, with an emphasis on the Practices of Science. The Grades 3–5 Sequence engages students in exploring ocean currents, habitats, organism diversity, food webs, and human interconnections with the ocean.

We will be blending science lessons with art activities . By integrating art and science we will deepen conceptual understanding and increase student engagement by learning how to transform abstract scientific data into relatable, human experiences.

There will be an optional field trip on June 25th. Participants will head to the Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA) in La Conner to learn about educational art resources available for teachers from MoNA. We will enjoy a picnic lunch followed by an art walking tour of the town of La Conner.

Participants will receive:

• a $100 stipend for attending the full workshop
• lessons from Ocean Sciences Sequence curriculum
• supplies for lessons with your students
• 15 Free WA State STEM clock hour credits
• lunch and refreshments
• inexpensive overnight accommodations available in Padilla Bay’s guesthouse.

Space is limited, so sign up today! Registration ends June 18, 2026