PORTLAND, Ore. — A new learning opportunity is afoot for elementary school children in the Hillsboro School District.
Students at the new Tamarack Elementary School in Hillsboro have the unique ability to participate in a hands-on science and technology lab, led by OMSI, right on their doorstep. During the school year, students can visit the lab built inside the building as part of their "specials" rotation, along with music and physical education.
"I think this is the first partnership of this kind where OMSI has a classroom and a space inside an elementary school in Oregon," said Travis Reiman, superintendent of the Hillsboro School District, "so this is an unprecedented opportunity for our students."
A dedicated OMSI educator is there to deliver all science, technology, engineering, math, environment and other hands-on lessons. Students from around the district are also able to visit the lab for field trips.
Reiman said that it is a "unique partnership" that will ensure children have access to OMSI.
"We have students in Hillsboro who can go and visit OMSI on the weekend, and we have some students in Hillsboro that have never been to Portland," Reiman added.
Christina Walters, the principal at Tamarack Elementary School, said the lab gives students a chance to apply what they have learned in reading, science, math and other subjects through projects.
"They get to imagine and follow their curiosity," she added.
Tamarack Elementary School opened in August 2023. Over the summer, OMSI hosted a series of learning programs in the lab space in preparation for the new school year.
“We don’t want it to be an experience where they (children) are only getting to OMSI once a month or even once a year or maybe not even at all," said Maddie Ehl, regional engagement strategist for OMSI. "We want them to be familiar with OMSI’s mission to create hands-on learning experiences for kids."