4J/EEP for Teachers

Hello 4J Teachers,

The 4J/EWEB Education Partnership (4J/EEP) is a grant funded program within Eugene School District 4J. About 30 years ago, this phenomenal partnership was formed to support and supplement science education, particularly in the areas of energy and water. Prior to the pandemic, the program was slightly revisioned with a new theme:

Our Changing Planet-Preparing for Our Future

The purpose of the 4J/EEP program is to provide and support educational activities that develop and strengthen understanding of our local energy and water resources and processes, in addition to the interrelationship between humans, our environment, and changes that are upon us due to the global climate crisis. The new vision includes many of the same educational opportunities previously offered with a new lens highlighting climate change mitigation/adaptation and disaster preparedness.

We are all faced with an opportunity in the midst of what we are up against. As we reflect on what was and what isn't, we can move forward with what is. Our planet needs our help and our students desperately need hope and inspiration from all of us. They also desire and deserve to learn, dialogue, and act on that knowledge in regards to global climate crisis. It's time we rise up for justice through education. Everything is connected. When equipped with knowledge and support, we can begin, together, to understand the path forward.

Below is our menu of services and programs 4J/EEP provides to you for your enriching your students' learning experience, free of charge. We'd love to work with you and your students! Email-shepard_t@4j.lane.edu to schedule any of these experiences for your class today!

Salmon Education

Each fall, salmon education in the classroom with the Oregon Department of Wildlife's Fish Eggs to Fry program is 4J/EEP's most popular program with both students and teachers. Students have the opportunity to raise salmon in the classroom and benefit from having a live phenomena to question and wonder about for a prolonged period of time. This allows students to deepen their understanding of the keystone species-Chinook Salmon and their importance on our planet. Priority for 3rd and 4th grade. (Oct-Dec)

K-4 Wonder Wander

Wonder Wanders are designed for K-4 students and their teachers to GET OUTSIDE to notice and wonder in their school yard surroundings. This 45-60 minute experience includes an introduction and optional read aloud story, an outdoor Wonder Wander guided by 4J/EEP's Eco Chick, time for students to take advantage of the teachable moments being outdoors in a non-recess moment provides, time to share with partners and the whole group, and an optional follow-up SeeSaw lesson. And, they are FUN! Rain ponchos, fingerless gloves, and hand lenses are provided to get a macro and micro view rain or shine.

K-5 Give Me an A...STEAM!

The Give Me an A...STEAM! project is designed to bring an art element to any of your environmental based STEM classroom learning. Based on your needs, 4J/EEP's Eco Chick will provide a hands-on art experience for your students related to your topic. Let's connect and discuss how to get your students creating. This can be a 45-60 minute activity or longer and spread over a few sessions.

K-8 Eugene's Three Water Systems Gallery Walk

Eugene's Three Water Systems involves a small group gallery walk with various learning materials to engage with. It is designed to help students gain an understanding of our local water systems and why water conservation and protection is vital to life on the planet. This activity includes a Blue River watershed model demonstration. (45-60 minutes)

7th grade Wind Energy Unit

Our Wind Energy unit is a great bridge for the 7th grade iQWST weather and energy units. The Wind Energy unit is designed for teacher check-out with delivery by 4J/EEP staff. The purpose of this unit is to provide a hands-on learning opportunity to understand wind as an energy source and to design blades to capture as much wind as possible to create as much energy in joules as possible. The kit includes a beautiful set of 4-8 wind tunnels equipped with Lab Quest equipment for data collection, 4 gear options, turbine bases with motor and hub ready to plug and play student made blades. All materials provided. Some EEP staff support available for blade testing days. (1-2 weeks)

8th grade EV Challenge

The solar challenge has been rebranded to the EWEB EV Challenge. The EV component offers a real-life approach with today’s vehicle options and renewable energy to the challenge. We are gearing up for a modified version of the annual Challenge.

The challenge event takes place at individual sites, rather than a multi-district Saturday event. This will provide a more equitable and site centered competition. Students will participate in the EV project and have the opportunity for the culminating speed car race. (4-6 weeks)

The EV challenge consists of three different options:

1. A 20 meter drag race of EV speed cars

2. A concept car competition judging student creativity in terms of art.

3. A concept car competition judging student creativity in terms of science.

K-12 Green Your School

Want to start a "green" team? Engage your students in a service learning project? Are there things you've noticed that could use a little sustainability boost around your building? I'm here to help! Reach out and let's chat about ways I can help work with you and your students to help your school become "greener".