Due to the Coronavirus and the cancellation of on-site and off-site educational activities in 2020, the WMF moved the in-person programs into a virtual on-line opportunity. In the spring of 2020, the WMF and ESD105 partnered together to offer the first Virtual STEM Teacher Archaeology, Paleontology, and Geology Summer Camp. Teachers earned 15 STEM clock hours upon completion of the class.
Teachers around Washington State were able to register for the 3 week online class where they were introduced to the Wenas Creek Mammoth Dig Site, Wenas Mammoth Foundation, archaeology, paleontology, and geology methods that were used at the site, STEM careers in earth science, and resources for their classroom and students. Classes included a weekly ZOOM session and on-line lessons through Canvas. The goal is to give teachers the resources to bring local earth science into their classroom. The WMF has also developed this online curriculum into Google Classroom for teachers, youth, communities, families, or any youth organization to access.
There are several classes and topics to choose from. In 2021 the WMF reopened the Wenas Mammoth Dig Site and our Outreach Program for limited events, following CDC Guidelines. However, we have continued to update and enhance our on-line opportunities and encourage teachers to contact us about accessing this resource for their classroom. Teachers can teach the lesson and follow up with a WMF Virtual Interview.
The WMF plans on offering virtual on-line classes for youth, teachers, and communities in 2022, which will be hosted from the Wenas Creek Mammoth Dig Site. For more information visit www.WenasMammoth.org or call (509) 945-4921.