Learning Center

Each week throughout the summer one or more programs are offered at the Rocky Reach Learning Center.  Taught by visitor center staff, these classes are tailored for the grade school scientist. Classes are 60 minutes in length.  

The Wenatchee River Salmon Festival is a four-day natural resource education event held each fall to celebrate the return of the salmon to the Wenatchee River. The festival is held on the grounds of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, located at the mouth of the scenic Icicle Canyon near Leavenworth, Washington.

An exciting menu of hands-on activities and "edutainment" gives visitors a unique opportunity to discover and appreciate the complexities of the natural world and the significance of salmon to people of the Northwest. Students from schools throughout North Central Washington visit the festival during the two special school days. On Saturday and Sunday the event attracts thousands of visitors from the Northwest.

For more information, visit the Wenatchee River Salmon Festival Website.

Chelan County PUD participates in a unique educational partnership for grades K, 2 and 4, with three neighboring PUDs (Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan) and the North Central Educational Service District. The program is supported by hands-on science activities and teacher training. In the past year, over 400 teachers in the four-county ESD service area received information about the science programs; 11,000 students learned about electrical energy through the use of over 400 educational kits. Teacher surveys indicate strong support for these programs.

The District contracts with the North Central Educational Service District to present a comprehensive electrical safety and education program in Chelan County schools. The program is presented to all third graders in the county, which includes 39 public school classes and two private schools. Each year, over 1,200 students attend an hour-long presentation featuring "Hazard Hamlet" -- an energized safety demonstration board with figurines exposed to various electrical hazards. Children see firsthand what can happen when safety rules are not followed. The program includes bilingual study and testing materials, including a home safety review to be conducted with parents. At the conclusion of the program, District line crews visit each school to answer questions and display equipment.

The District has assisted in the development and marketing of an exciting new curriculum for Northwest middle schools. "Nature of Water Power" was developed by the Foundation for Water and Energy Education. The "Nature of Water Power" teacher guide and kit explores the scientific and social links between the hyrologic cycle, rivers, the generation of electricity and the environment. The curriculum was developed with teachers and curriculum specialists, and is aligned with national and state science standards for Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana. To support the curriculum, the District sponsors training for North Central Washington teachers. The curriculum currently is being used in area schools. A newly designed assessment package is now being delivered to schools. This assessment package complements "The Nature of Water Power" curriculum.

The Foundation for Water and Energy Education (FWEE) provides balanced information to help the general public make informed choices. Anyone interested in water and energy issues may purchase materials through the Foundation. Check out the Foundation's Website.