About
Laughing Crow Curriculum LLC is dedicated to the development, design, and publication of custom science education materials. We are passionate about making science accessible, authentic, and personally relevant to learners of all ages. Our dedication to producing curricular products that are aesthetically engaging and beautifully designed sets us apart from other educational publishers.
In 2001, company founder Kristen Bergsman identified a need in the education community: while youth programs need engaging curriculum, many organizations lack staff members who have specific curriculum development experience or the time to manage the curriculum development process.
In order to serve that need, Laughing Crow Curriculum was launched to support clients with curriculum development, design, production, and publication services. Our focus includes STEM, science, environmental, health, and sustainability education. We create and publish educational materials for both formal and informal learning environments.
- Curriculum Development, Design, and Publication
- Educational Product Design
- Professional Development for Teachers
- Creative Nature Journaling Workshops
Laughing Crow Curriculum LLC is a Seattle-based limited liability company.
Our Pedagogical Approach
The company’s pedagogical approach includes focusing on interdisciplinary, place-based learning experiences that engage each learner as both a member of their community and as an inhabitant of their local environment. Laughing Crow Curriculum LLC is dedicated to promoting scientific and environmental literacy through its curricula and products. We are also committed to providing opportunities for parents, caregivers, and educators to interact with children in meaningful ways to develop inquisitive, responsible, and compassionate global citizens. We use a “backward design” approach to curriculum development, which begins with the end in mind–with a focus on learning objectives, educational standards, and assessment tools. Depending on our clients’ needs, our curriculum products incorporate inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, and/or problem-based learning models.
Our Staff
Our company founder, Kristen Clapper Bergsman, is a science educator, educational product designer, and writer. In addition to her work with Laughing Crow Curriculum LLC, Ms. Bergsman also co-owns BrightStart Learning LLC, a publisher of early childhood education books and learning materials.
Previously, Ms. Bergsman worked as the Curriculum Developer for the University of Washington’s Center for Ecogenetics and Environmental Health. Prior to that, she managed the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center in Bellevue, Washington, one of the largest providers of environmental education in the state. Ms. Bergsman oversaw the growth of the Lake Washington Watershed Internship Program, an award-winning program providing yearlong internships for local high school students interested in watershed education.
Currently, Ms. Bergsman volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, 826 Seattle, and St. Edward Environmental Learning Center. She previously volunteered as a Board Member for the Environmental Education Association of Washington, a Writer-in-Residence for the Shoreline School District, a crow surveyor for the University of Washington, and a youth career mentor.
Ms. Bergsman holds a M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Science Education from the University of Washington (Seattle, Washington) and a B.A. from Huxley College of Environmental Studies (Bellingham, Washington) in Environmental Education and Interpretation, from which she graduated magna cum laude. She and her husband happily share their Seattle neighborhood with many crows.
Our Partners
We partner with a pool of talented graphic designers, illustrators, copyeditors, and other professionals as needed to meet our clients’ unique needs. Our featured graphic designer/illustrator partner is Clayton DeFrate Design.
Our Awards
2007 Finalist in the YA/Children’s Chapter Book Category
Pacific Northwest Writer’s Association Literary Contest
Manuscript: Valley of the Jade Dragon by Kristen Clapper Bergsman
2001-2002 Community Catalyst Award
Environmental Education Association of Washington
Awarded to the Lake Washington Watershed Internship Program. At the time of the award, Kristen Bergsman managed the program.
2002 Bringing Kids and Science Together Award
Pacific Science Center, Awarded to Kristen Bergsman
