Field Trip Options: Grades 3-6
Typical field trips to our facilities include 3-one hour sessions, of which can be chosen from the list below, and last from 9:30am - 1:30pm. Time during lunch will be allotted for children to shop in our Gift Shop, if you so choose. While Lowe-Volk Park is the most requested, field trips can be scheduled to most parks.
What to expect:
Please have classes divided into 3 groups.
Field trips will go on rain or shine. DRESS APPROPRIATELY, not only for the weather, but for your chosen programs. Trails may be muddy, especially in the spring.
All equipment will be provided (unless otherwise noted).
A fun and educational day!
1. Stream Study- Students will learn about the health and ecology of the Sandusky River by wading, collecting, observing and identifying macro invertebrates in their natural environment. With the use of kick seines, nets and water quality monitoring kits students will collect and record data that will allow them to determine the overall health of the stream. This survey involves counting, classifying, describing physical characteristics and getting wet!
2. Wetland Wonders- Explore the life cycles between animals and plants and what makes this wetland a unique ecosystem. The students will have the opportunity to observe the different types of plants and animals and how they derive their existence through their unique characteristics they have adapted for survival. They will be collecting and/or observing examples of aquatic and plant life to study and better understand different stages of development.
3. Reptiles- Discover life cycles and habits of Ohio’s native reptiles. Students will have up close encounters with live examples and be able to compare their common traits that distinguish them as reptiles. They will also learn how and what they eat in their natural environment and their seasonal activity patterns.
4. Amphibians- Discover life cycles and habits of Ohio’s native Amphibians. Students will learn up close the distinct and unique characteristics of these part-time aquatic and part-time terrestrial animals. Students will also learn of amphibians’ seasonal activities and their sensitivity to pollutants. Can be included with the reptile program.
5. Animal Tracks & Scat- Students will learn behaviors of specific animals and how they are interacting with their natural environment by studying what evidence they have left behind. Through observation students should be able to derive the identity of the animal, where the animal might be going, what it might have ate, and where it might live.
6. Forest Ecology- Students will learn that a forest is not only trees but a natural interaction of all things living and nonliving. Through the study of symbiotic relationship between plants, animals, and soil, students will discover the diversity life within the forest. There will be an emphasis on the flow of energy and how organisms have adapted to specific ecosystem.
7. Rocks, Minerals & Soil- The rock cycle and geological concepts are the focus of this program. Concepts such as the influence rock types have on soil properties and how the parent materials of soil came from rocks will be discussed. Hands on identification and classification will involve students sorting rocks according to their origin and allowing them to distinguish between rocks and minerals.
8. Birding for Beginners- This program will introduce students to bird characteristics. Emphasis on migration and their adaptations will help students understand why they live where they do and what and how they eat. Hands on bird beak and owl pellet activities can also be offered with this program.
What to expect:
Please have classes divided into 3 groups.
Field trips will go on rain or shine. DRESS APPROPRIATELY, not only for the weather, but for your chosen programs. Trails may be muddy, especially in the spring.
All equipment will be provided (unless otherwise noted).
A fun and educational day!
1. Stream Study- Students will learn about the health and ecology of the Sandusky River by wading, collecting, observing and identifying macro invertebrates in their natural environment. With the use of kick seines, nets and water quality monitoring kits students will collect and record data that will allow them to determine the overall health of the stream. This survey involves counting, classifying, describing physical characteristics and getting wet!
2. Wetland Wonders- Explore the life cycles between animals and plants and what makes this wetland a unique ecosystem. The students will have the opportunity to observe the different types of plants and animals and how they derive their existence through their unique characteristics they have adapted for survival. They will be collecting and/or observing examples of aquatic and plant life to study and better understand different stages of development.
3. Reptiles- Discover life cycles and habits of Ohio’s native reptiles. Students will have up close encounters with live examples and be able to compare their common traits that distinguish them as reptiles. They will also learn how and what they eat in their natural environment and their seasonal activity patterns.
4. Amphibians- Discover life cycles and habits of Ohio’s native Amphibians. Students will learn up close the distinct and unique characteristics of these part-time aquatic and part-time terrestrial animals. Students will also learn of amphibians’ seasonal activities and their sensitivity to pollutants. Can be included with the reptile program.
5. Animal Tracks & Scat- Students will learn behaviors of specific animals and how they are interacting with their natural environment by studying what evidence they have left behind. Through observation students should be able to derive the identity of the animal, where the animal might be going, what it might have ate, and where it might live.
6. Forest Ecology- Students will learn that a forest is not only trees but a natural interaction of all things living and nonliving. Through the study of symbiotic relationship between plants, animals, and soil, students will discover the diversity life within the forest. There will be an emphasis on the flow of energy and how organisms have adapted to specific ecosystem.
7. Rocks, Minerals & Soil- The rock cycle and geological concepts are the focus of this program. Concepts such as the influence rock types have on soil properties and how the parent materials of soil came from rocks will be discussed. Hands on identification and classification will involve students sorting rocks according to their origin and allowing them to distinguish between rocks and minerals.
8. Birding for Beginners- This program will introduce students to bird characteristics. Emphasis on migration and their adaptations will help students understand why they live where they do and what and how they eat. Hands on bird beak and owl pellet activities can also be offered with this program.
