EDUCATION
World's Richest Classroom
For over 30 years, our educators have developed and delivered theme-based education programs for learners of all ages.
We use an innovative combination of formal and informal educational programs to inspire life-long passion for science. We understand the importance of quality and relevant education efforts to raising a society of scientifically and ecologically literate citizens who are prepared to promote strong economies based on the sustainable use of renewable resources. By using a whole-society approach, we interact with all sectors of society to broaden their understanding of how we affect, and are impacted by, the environment around us. Through our efforts, we help students and adults develop the necessary skills to succeed in the 21st Century, including communication, team work, problem solving and critical thinking.
Our education partners and funders include (but are not limited to): Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program, AT&T, ConocoPhillips Alaska, Copper River School District, Copper River Watershed Project, Cordova Arts, Cordova School District, GCI, KCHU radio, Native Village of Eyak, Oil Spill Recovery Institute, Prince William Sound Audubon, Prince William Sound Community College, Prince William Sound/Copper River Marketing Association, Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council, Rasmuson Foundation, Saltchuk, United States Forest Service, Valdez School District, Wrangell Institute for Science and Environment, and many more.
Summer Programs
The Science Center’s environmental science camps are an opportunity for campers to experience the amazing landscape that surrounds us in an educational and exciting way. Through camp experiences, we’ll hike in the rainforest, observe glaciers up close, canoe through the wetlands, and explore the tide pools and ocean. We are dedicated to helping campers develop their understanding of the world around them through scientific inquiry, positive outdoor experiences, leadership skills, and ecosystem stewardship.
Discover Cordova
Discover Cordova programs are designed to engage our younger audience. These programs encourage hands-on exploration of local ecosystems, plants, and animals.
LEARN MORECamps
Through camp experiences, we’ll hike in the rainforest, observe glaciers up close, canoe through the wetlands, and explore the tide pools and ocean.
LEARN MOREFestivals
The Science Center often hosts youth activities at many of our local festivals. Come visit us!
LEARN MOREPreK-12 Education
We use an innovative combination of classroom, hands-on, and field activities to inspire a life-long passion for science. Our programs are a unique balance of adventure, exploration, data collection, and content knowledge that create an immersive learning experience. Guided by experts, our students can often be found in chest waders holding salmon fry as they learn the salmon life cycle, collecting plankton samples in Prince William Sound to understand marine food web dynamics, investigating geology and plant succession at Sheridan Glacier, canoeing throughout the Copper River Delta ponds to study migrating birds, and so much more. If you’re a teacher interested in organizing a field trip, visiting presentation, virtual field trip, or project, contact us to help set up an engaging, hands-on learning experience!
Curriculum
OCEAN AND OIL SPILL TECHNOLOGIESOCEAN MONITORING
NATURE JOURNALING: WINTER WINDOW LOOKOUT
NATURE JOURNALING: COLD CREATURE SNAPSHOT
Discovery Room
Guiding K-6th grade students in hands-on and virtual STEM education experiences.
LEARN MORENational Ocean Sciences Bowl
An academic competition focusing on marine sciences. Our education staff coaches the local Cordova team in this state-wide competition.
LEARN MOREDiscovery Outreach
Outreach Discovery expands the geographic scope of our programs to communities outside of Cordova.
LEARN MORECommunity Engagement
Our public engagement programs are educational opportunities offered to the general community members for lifelong learning experiences beyond the classroom walls. This work contributes to advancing scientific literacy by offering programs, for people of all ages, opportunities to connect with scientists and experiences to interact with nature. Together, we create the space for dialogue, discussion, and interaction among community members and facilitate new knowledge and understanding of how science and society can best interact for positive outcomes.
Tuesday Night Talks
A series for scientists and experts to share their research and findings with the communities of Cordova and beyond.
LEARN MORENature Journaling
An experience designed to inspire curiosity, connect with nature, and practice mindfulness. Currently a course taught at the local High School and also shared with the community through social media prompts.
LEARN MOREDiscovery Packs
To inspire our community towards exploration and understanding of our dynamic ecosystems, we offer educational Discovery Packs free for borrow.
LEARN MOREDelta Sound Connections
Our annual natural history and science news publication is dedicated to the ecosystems of Prince William Sound, the Copper River watershed, and northern Gulf of Alaska.
LEARN MORERecent Posts
