K-12 Resources

Let’s get energized! We provide extensive, though not all inclusive, links to STEM and clean energy resources for K-12 educators, parents, and students throughout our state. Divided into four categories for your convenience, you’ll find:

  • Places to Visit – hydroelectric projects, wind farms, visitor centers, and science museums/centers in Washington state
  • Summer Programs – travel and learning opportunities for students, work-based learning, and STEM camps/academy’s
  • For Educators – lesson plans, information sources, teacher learning centers, and tours/field trip sites that include in-person and virtual options
  • At Home – facts and information, science projects, energy and electrical safety cartoons and games, activity books, and career maps and information

Not included? Contact us to be added to our resources.

Places to Visit

HostLocationNotesWebsite
Bonneville Lock & DamStevensonThere are visitor centers on each side of the dam (WA & OR), with history, fish ladders, and views of the operating powerhousehttps://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/bonneville/
Bonneville Power AdministrationPortland, onlineEducational activities, classroom presentations, library and visitor center (closed for 2022 due to COVID-19)https://www.bpa.gov/learn-and-participate/community-education
Boundary Hydroelectric ProjectMetaline FallsVisitor's gallery and tours, The Vista House (a separate site with interpretive displays) (Boundary Tours are cancelled for 2022 due to COVID-19)https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/in-the-community/tours-recreation-and-education/boundary-tours-and-recreation
Box Canyon DamIoneTours begin in the Visitor Center with an explanation and demo of how electricity is made and history of constructionhttps://popud.org/projects/box-canyon-dam/
Grand Coulee Dam Visitor CenterCoulee DamGuided public tours with free admission, hands on exhibits, nightly laser light showhttps://www.usbr.gov/pn/grandcoulee/visit/gcvc.html
Grant PUD Visitor CenterBeverlyFree admission, Wanapum Dam and fish bypass viewing, interactive featureshttps://www.grantpud.org/visit-us
Mobius Discovery CenterSpokaneEnergy conservation and safety exhibits, STEAM kits, field trips & STEAM workshops, engineering workshophttps://mobiusdiscoverycenter.org/
North Cascades InstituteRockportVirtual Skagit River Hydroelectric Project tours, leadership and school programs (In-person tours of Skagit River Hydroelectric Project & boat tours of Diablo lake are cancelled for 2022)https://ncascades.org/discover/learning-center
Oregon Museum of Science and IndustryPortland, onlineK-12 summer camps & classes, virtual or in-person school and group programs, science at home activities, Teen Science Alliancehttps://omsi.edu/
Pacific Science CenterSeattleIn-person and virtual field trips and PreK-12 programshttps://pacificsciencecenter.org/
Puget Sound EnergymultipleTours and recreation at multiple locations: Snoqualmie Falls, Baker Lake, Hopkins Ridge Wind Facility, Lower Snake River Wind Facility, Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facilityhttps://www.pse.com/pages/tours-and-recreation
Rocky Reach Discovery CenterWenatcheeFree hands-on exhibits, in-person events, class visits/field tripshttps://www.chelanpud.org/learning-center/rocky-reach-discovery-center
WET Science CenterOlympiaVirtual STEAM activities, hand-on activities about water, education programs for 5th grade and olderhttps://wetsciencecenter.org/
Wild Horse Renewable Energy CenterEllensburg60 min. walking tour that explores a solar array, wind turbine blade, turbine generator, gearbox & additional displayshttps://www.pse.com/pages/tours-and-recreation/wild-horse

Summer Programs

HostLocationNotesWebsite
AvistaSpokaneEnergy Pathways Program: four week summer program for high school juniors and seniorshttps://www.myavista.com/about-us/working-at-avista/get-into-the-trades/energy-pathways-program
Benton Rural Electric AssociationProsser, West RichlandBREA members Youth Tour Program for high school juniors, with an opportunity to travel to Washington D.C., scholarshipshttps://bentonrea.org/member-programs/youth-programs-and-scholarships/
Big Bend Electric CooperativeRitzvilleBBEC members Youth Tour Program for high school juniors, job shadowing, scholarshipshttps://www.bbec.org/community/youth-tour/
Chelan County PUDWenatcheeFWEE Hydropower & STEM Career Academy; Rocky Reach Discovery Center: hands-on exhibits, in-person events, class visits/field tripshttps://www.chelanpud.org/learning-center/rocky-reach-discovery-center/fwee-hydropower-and-stem-career-academy
Energy NorthwestRichland, onlineHigh school work-based learning programs for juniors and seniors, college internshipshttps://www.energy-northwest.com/whoweare/joinourteam/Pages/Student-Programs.aspx
Foundation for Water & Energy Education (FWEE)onlineSTEM career academy hosted at Rocky Reach Discovery Center, activity book, curriculum, and kitshttps://fwee.org/education/teacher-student-opportunities/academy/
Grant PUDMoses Lake, onlineFWEE Hydropower & STEM Career Academy hosted at Rocky Reach Discovery Centerhttps://www.grantpud.org/education
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)nationalPre-university resources, engineering summer camps for high school students, STEM education resourceshttps://www.ieee.org/
Nespelem Valley Electric CooperativeNespelemYouth Energy Seminar (YES), a 4 day spring event for sophomores and juniors to learn about rural electrification; Youth Program support including 4-H, Junior Rodeo, career days, and job shadowinghttps://www.nvec.org/community/
Oregon Museum of Science and IndustryPortland, onlineK-12 summer camps & classes, virtual or in-person school and group programs, science at home activities, Teen Science Alliancehttps://omsi.edu/
Tacoma MESA (Math Engineering Science Achievement)TacomaHands-on STEM classes, summer camps, competitionshttps://www.plu.edu/mesa/
Tanner Electric CooperativeNorth Bend, Anderson IslandTEC members Youth Tour Program for high school juniors, with an opportunity to travel to Washington D.C.https://www.tannerelectric.coop/youth-tour

For Educators

HostLocationNotesWebsite
Benton PUDKennewickSafety education including high voltage safety trailer demonstration, how power works (descriptions and videos for hydro, nuclear, solar, & wind)https://www.bentonpud.org/Safety-Education/Safety-Trailer/Safety-Trailer-Demonstration
Benton Rural Electric AssociationProsserClassroom Presentations & Live-Line Safety Demonstrations (life-size electrical safety demonstration trailer)https://bentonrea.org/member-programs/youth-programs-and-scholarships/
Big Bend Electric CooperativeRitzvilleEducational resources, job shadowing, scholarshipshttps://www.bbec.org/community/youth-tour/
Bonneville Environmental FoundationPortland, onlineTeacher learning center, K-12 STEM activities, online learning resourceshttps://cebrightfutures.org/
Bonneville Power AdministrationPortland, onlineEducational activities, classroom presentations, library and visitor center (closed for 2022 due to COVID-19)https://www.bpa.gov/learn-and-participate/community-education
Career Connect WashingtononlineCareer exploration, prep and launch information, support resourceshttps://careerconnectwa.org/
Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD)onlineK-12 lesson plans, energy careers, high school energy career academy frameworks, other K-12 education resourceshttps://cewd.org/educators/cewd-industry-curriculum/
Chelan County PUDWenatcheeFWEE Hydropower & STEM career academy; Rocky Reach Discovery Center: hands-on exhibits, in-person events, class visits/field tripshttps://www.chelanpud.org/learning-center/rocky-reach-discovery-center/fwee-hydropower-and-stem-career-academy
Department of EnergyonlineInformation on energy sources, STEM, energy newshttps://www.energy.gov/
Foundation for Water & Energy Education (FWEE)onlineActivity book, curriculum & kits, career academyhttps://fwee.org/education/
Franklin PUD, Kids' CorneronlineSafety cartoons for kids, games, teaching guideshttps://kids.esfi.org/
Get Into EnergyonlineFind schools, apprenticeship information, pre-employment testing, teacher resources, explore careershttps://getintoenergy.org/
Get Into STEMonlineLesson plans for K-12, STEM career info, competitionshttps://stem.getintoenergy.com/
Grant PUDMoses Lake, onlineWanapum Dam and video tour, worksheets, solar-powered car event for 5th graders, library programs, FWEE Hydropower & STEM career academy, salmon & energy educationhttps://www.grantpud.org/education
Idaho National LaboratoryonlineResource library for teachers, parents guide to STEM, students resources, career explorationhttps://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/partnering-with-inl/k-12-stem/
Idaho PowerOregon, IdahoStudent energy efficiency kitshttps://www.idahopower.com/energy-environment/ways-to-save/savings-for-your-home/tips-and-resources/
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)nationalPre-university resources, engineering summer camps for high school students, STEM education resourceshttps://www.ieee.org/
Lewis County PUDonlineActivity book & coloring pages, videos, teacher resources, science labshttps://www.lcpud.org/public-power-week/
Mason PUD 3SheltonIn-class presentations, curriculum assistance, worksheets & handouts, Energy Expo, Public Power Weekhttps://www.pud3.org/service/in-your-community/community-events/energy-expo
Mobius Discovery CenterSpokaneEnergy conservation and safety exhibit, STEAM kits, field trips & STEAM workshops, engineering workshophttps://mobiusdiscoverycenter.org/
National Energy Education Development (NEED)onlineStudent and teacher resources: including science fair projects, information, games & activities, distance learning resources, professional developmenthttps://www.need.org/
National Energy FoundationUtah, onlineIn-class presentations, curriculum development, teacher professional development, electrical safetyhttps://nef1.org/
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)Colorado, onlinePrograms for students, teachers, competitions, virtual campus tours, virtual high school summitshttps://www.nrel.gov/
Northwest Hydroelectric AssociationonlineEducator's Toolbox: scholarships, guest speakers for your class, videos, curriculum, posters, coloring sheets, & school group tourshttps://www.nwhydro.org/resources-for-educators.html
NorthWestern EnergyMontana, onlineTeacher resources, "Louie the Lightning bug" gameshttps://www.northwesternenergy.com/safety/kids-corner
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)onlineK-12 lesson plans & science projects; career maps, internships, fellowshipshttps://www.energy.gov/eere/education/eere-stem-and-education
Oregon Museum of Science and IndustryPortland, onlineK-12 summer camps & classes, virtual or in-person school and group programs, science at home activities, Teen Science Alliancehttps://omsi.edu/
Pacific Education InstituteSeattle, Longview, ColtonField-based activities, career-connected learning, integrated learning, teacher resourceshttps://pacificeducationinstitute.org/
Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryTri-Cities & onlineResources and live online presentationshttps://www.pnnl.gov/stem-education
Pacific Science CenterSeattlePreK-12 programs, field trips (in person and virtual)https://pacificsciencecenter.org/
Pend Oreille PUDNewportPersonalized educational visits for K-12 and safety tipshttps://www.popud.org/top-links/safety-and-education/
Portland General ElectriconlineKids' Safety Education, links to e-SMART Kids (Classroom resources, games, videos, live and virtual presentations)https://portlandgeneral.com/outages-safety/safety/kids-safety-education
Save on EnergyonlineColoring workbooks with "Nico the Ninja"https://www.saveonenergy.com/kids-learning-center/
Science BuddyonlineScience projects, hand-on experiments, lesson plans and classroom kits for teachershttps://www.sciencebuddies.org/
Science KidsonlineFun science and technology for kids; experiments, games, facts, projects, lessonshttps://www.sciencekids.co.nz/index.html
Seattle City LightSeattleK-8 electrical safety classroom presentation, renewable energy workshop, energy and sustainability workshophttps://www.seattle.gov/city-light/in-the-community/tours-recreation-and-education/educational-programs
Snohomish PUDEverett & onlineK-12 classroom & online, student contests, career connected learning, field trips, work bookshttps://www.snopud.com/community-environment/in-our-communities/education/
Tacoma MESA (Math Engineering Science Achievement)TacomaHands-on STEM classes, summer camps, competitions, after school enrichment, scholarshipshttps://www.plu.edu/mesa/
Tacoma Public UtilitiesmultipleTours of hydro facilities for schools, businesses, and recreational groups (currently cancelled due to COVID-19) also associated with FWEEhttps://www.mytpu.org/community-environment/clean-renewable-energy/support-renewable-energy/hydro-power/
U.S Energy Information AdministrationonlineTeacher guides and lesson plans, science fair experiments, online kids resourceshttps://www.eia.gov/kids/
University of Washington- Clean Energy InstituteSeattle UW graduate and undergraduate students in STEM fields who lead students in hands-on activities at K-12 schools around Washington statehttps://www.cei.washington.edu/education/educators/ambassadors/
Vera Water and PowerSpokane ValleyElectrical safety demo for 4th graders (or any age group)https://verawaterandpower.com/safety/powertown-electrical-safety-demos/
WET Science CenterOlympiaVirtual STEAM activities, hand-on activities about water, education programs for 5th grade and olderhttps://wetsciencecenter.org/

At Home

HostLocationNotesWebsite
American Clean PoweronlineClean power facts (including land-based and offshore wind, solar, energy storage, and transmissionhttps://cleanpower.org/facts/
AvistaSpokaneEnergy Pathways Program: four week summer program for high school juniors and seniorshttps://www.myavista.com/about-us/working-at-avista/get-into-the-trades/energy-pathways-program
Avista KidsonlineEnergy efficiency and safety activities and coloring pageshttps://www.myavista.com/safety/kids-center
Benton PUDonlineHow power works (descriptions and videos for hydro, nuclear, solar, & wind), and safety education https://www.bentonpud.org/Safety-Education/Safety/Hydro-Electric
Benton Rural Electric AssociationProsserBREA members Youth Tour Program for high school juniors, with an opportunity to travel to Washington D.C., scholarshipshttps://bentonrea.org/member-programs/youth-programs-and-scholarships/
Big Bend Electric CooperativeRitzvilleEducational resources, job shadowing, scholarshipshttps://www.bbec.org/community/youth-tour/
Bonneville Environmental FoundationPortland, onlineTeacher learning center, K-12 STEM activities, online learning resourceshttps://cebrightfutures.org/
Bonneville Power AdministrationPortland, onlineEducational activities, classroom presentations, library and visitor center (closed for 2022 due to COVID-19)https://www.bpa.gov/learn-and-participate/community-education
Career Connect WashingtononlineCareer exploration, prep and launch information, support resourceshttps://careerconnectwa.org/
Career Explore NWSpokane, Tri-Cities, onlineVirtual field trips, career information, apprenticeship information, scholarship resourceshttps://www.careerexplorenw.org/
Chelan County PUDWenatcheeFWEE Hydropower & STEM career academy; Rocky Reach Discovery Center: hands-on exhibits, in-person events, class visits/field tripshttps://www.chelanpud.org/learning-center/rocky-reach-discovery-center/fwee-hydropower-and-stem-career-academy
Clark PUDonlinePowerzone: kids games, information, projects, career explorationhttps://powerzone.clarkpublicutilities.com/
Electric ChoiceonlineElectricity for kids guidehttps://www.electricchoice.com/kids/#tableofcontents
Energy NorthwestRichland, onlineEnergy 101: energy sources information; High school work-based learning programs for juniors and seniors, college internshipshttps://www.energy-northwest.com/whoweare/joinourteam/Pages/Student-Programs.aspx
Foundation for Water & Energy Education (FWEE)onlineActivity book, career academy (Rocky Reach Discovery Center)https://fwee.org/education/
Franklin PUD, Kids' CorneronlineSafety cartoons for kids, gameshttps://kids.esfi.org/
Get Into EnergyonlineFind schools, apprenticeship information, pre-employment testing, teacher resources, explore careershttps://getintoenergy.org/
Get Into STEMonlineLesson plans for K-12, STEM career info, competitionshttps://stem.getintoenergy.com/
Grant PUDMoses Lake, onlineWanapum Dam and video tour, worksheets, solar-powered car event for 5th graders, library programs, FWEE Hydropower & STEM career academy, salmon & energy educationhttps://www.grantpud.org/education
Idaho National LaboratoryonlineResource library for teachers, parents guide to STEM, students resources, career explorationhttps://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/partnering-with-inl/k-12-stem/
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)nationalPre-university resources, engineering summer camps for high school students, STEM education resourceshttps://www.ieee.org/
Just energyonlineLearning center, blog with posts for kids electricity activities https://justenergy.com/blog/electricity-for-kids/
Lewis County PUDonlineActivity book & coloring pages, videos, science labshttps://www.lcpud.org/public-power-week/
National Energy Education Development (NEED)onlineStudent resources: including science fair projects, information, games & activitieshttps://www.need.org/
Nespelem Valley Electric CooperativeNespelemYouth Energy Seminar (YES), a 4 day spring event for sophomores and juniors to learn about rural electrification; Youth Program support including 4-H, Junior Rodeo, career days, and job shadowinghttps://www.nvec.org/community/
NorthWestern EnergyMontana, online"Louie the Lightning bug" gameshttps://www.northwesternenergy.com/safety/kids-corner
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)onlineCareer maps, internships, fellowships, student competitions and prizeshttps://www.energy.gov/eere/education/eere-stem-and-education
Oregon Museum of Science and IndustryPortland, onlineK-12 summer camps & classes, virtual or in-person school and group programs, science at home activities, Teen Science Alliancehttps://omsi.edu/
Portland General ElectriconlineKids' Safety Education, links to e-SMART Kids (Classroom resources, games, videos, live and virtual presentations)https://portlandgeneral.com/outages-safety/safety/kids-safety-education
Save on EnergyonlineColoring workbooks with "Nico the Ninja"https://www.saveonenergy.com/kids-learning-center/
Science BuddyonlineScience projects, hand-on experiments, lesson plans and classroom kits for teachershttps://www.sciencebuddies.org/
Science KidsonlineFun science and technology for kids; experiments, games, facts, projects, lessonshttps://www.sciencekids.co.nz/index.html
Snohomish PUDEverett & onlineK-12 classroom & online, student contests, career connected learning, field trips, work bookshttps://www.snopud.com/community-environment/in-our-communities/education/
Tacoma MESA (Math Engineering Science Achievement)TacomaHands-on STEM classes, summer camps, competitions, after school enrichment, scholarshipshttps://www.plu.edu/mesa/
Tanner Electric CooperativeNorth Bend, Anderson IslandTEC members Youth Tour Program for high school juniors, with an opportunity to travel to Washington D.C.https://www.tannerelectric.coop/youth-tour
U.S Energy Information AdministrationonlineTeacher guides and lesson plans, science fair experiments, online kids resourceshttps://www.eia.gov/kids/

 

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