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Home > Academics > Eighth Grade > OPI Info & Links
Olympic Park Institute Information
What is OPI?
OPI stands for the Olympic Park Institute. It is located in Port Angeles, WA, north of Seattle. OPI borders the Olympic National Forest, which humans can enter only by trail. OPI is a center for students to experience science in the outdoors, including forest ecology, watershed science, and geology/earth science.
This is an annual trip we offer to our eighth grade students to complement their science curriculum. It also serves as a way for them to network with each other and students from other schools. It is an opportunity to grow academically, socially and spiritually
What is the Elwha River Project?
Beginning in 2008, the Elwha River Project will be the largest dam removal in history. Scientists and researchers are currently researching the river's native ecology in the upper part of the Elwha Watershed and investigating ways to restore native salmon and trout to the river after the dam removal. While at OPI, students are involved in activities such as testing water pH, oxygen content in water, macro invertebrate observations, forest ecology studies, and wildlife observations.
What else do students get out of the OPI trip?
While at OPI, students partake in small group cooperative activities and discussions, large group evening programs, day hikes, and recreation time where they can interact with other visiting schools.
What is the cost of OPI?
For the 2005-2006 school year, the cost for each student to attend OPI for 5 days is $239. The cost for each adult is $189. The cost for a 40-passenger bus in 2005 was about $85 dollars per person, which means the total cost of the entire trip will be about $325 dollars per student.
What fundraisers can we do to raise this money?
In 2005, the students sold butter braids, cookie dough, popcorn, and wrapped presents at Barnes and Noble during Christmas time. Other fundraiser ideas are carwashes in the summer/fall, winter carnival, and popcorn sales year round. We are also exploring the availability of grant money to offset the cost of the trip. Other ideas???
How do we make this trip happen?
The OPI trip is a very special experience for the students. In order to make the experience a reality, I need parents and students to help organize and run fundraisers, oversee students during fundraisers, and to chaperone during the trip. The Olympic Park Institute fosters a positive and adventurous environment for the students to learn, grow, and have fun!
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This page was last updated by garyplett on Tuesday, December 15, 2009. Login above to edit this page. Copyright © 2010 St. Mary's Catholic School. All Rights Reserved. |
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