Field Studies

Field studies coupled with classroom activities are an integral part of Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences. Find a field study program that gets your students' feet wet and hands dirty.

Find a Program Near You

Begin by choosing the criteria for your search. Matching field study programs will be displayed as pin-points on the map below. Click on a pin-point for details about each program. Be sure to scroll through all your results using the "next" button at the bottom of the page.

If you know of a great field study not included in the Bay Backpack let us know by suggesting a field study.

Create Your Own Field Study

Learn how to create your own field study at a local park or on your school grounds.

All Studies by Location
Records: 105

Theme

Level

Length

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Keywords

Field Studies > pollution  
1 - 25 of 105

Stanley Norman Skipjack Program in St. Michaels

The Stanley Norman, one of the last of the Chesapeake's famous fleet of skipjacks, provides an authentic setting to study the Bay's resources. Originally built in 1902, the Stanley Norman is an unforgettable venue for participants to dredge for oysters, test water quality, and imagine what it was like to work on a 65 wooden sailing vessel. CBF instructors utilize activities to deepen participants’ understanding of local ecosystems and give relevance and depth to the classroom curriculum. Our goal is to actively engage students and promote higher order thinking skills by learning through active experience.

Organization(s): Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Location: 213 North Talbot St. St. Michaels, MD 21663 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, History and Culture, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: boats, canoes and kayaks, pollution, land use, oyster, blue crab, culture and watermen, habitat and niche, water quality, water testing
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Hashawha Environmental Center Education Program

Carroll County Outdoor School provides sixth grade students with a unique opportunity for intensive study in a "living laboratory." Each sixth grader has the opportunity to attend a week-long residential environmental education program at the Hashawha Environmental Center. Instruction and supervision are provided by the Outdoor School team, high school student counselors, and visiting classroom teachers.

Organization(s): Carroll County Outdoor School
Location: 300 John Owings Road Westminster, MD 21158 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips Multi-Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, land use, watershed, habitat and niche, water quality, wildlife
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Distance Learning Programs

If you can't come to the museum, we can come to you through our Distance Learning Programs. We are very excited to offer these programs to people in our region, across the country and around the globe.

Organization(s): Calvert Marine Museum
Location: 14200 Solomons Island Rd Solomons, MD 20688 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, History and Culture, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, wetland, land use, watershed, culture and watermen, ecosystem and biomes, erosion, forest, habitat and niche, John Smith and colonial times, Native American, sediment, soil and rocks, wildlife, fish, economics
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Rice Rangers

The Rice Rangers program equips teachers with training, lessons, and materials necessary to empower students to grow native wetland plants from seed in the classroom and transplant into tidal marshes. It also provides students with a service learning opportunity to increase filtering capacity and habitat in the rivers that flow into the Anacostia River and Chesapeake Bay. During the course of the project, students will investigate the Anacostia Watershed’s built and natural environments, and analyze the effects of human activities that alter the equilibrium of natural processes. Specifically, participants will learn that stormwater runoff from the built environment contributes to a variety of pollution issues, which pose serious challenges to a watershed system. The students actively learn to restore equilibrium of natural processes through wetland restoration.

Organization(s): Anacostia Watershed Society
Location: 2000 Half Street, SW Washington, DC 21046 (Map It)
Theme(s): Pollution and Pressures, Restoration
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, stormwater, water quality
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Poplar Island Restoration Tour

Poplar tours and educational programs are available to the public Mondays through Fridays, from March through November. Students will receive an abbreviated tour of Poplar Island while participating in a variety of wetland activities. A variety of topics such as water quality, erosion, relationship to the Port of Baltimore’s economic impact, wetland studies, terrapin studies, birding, Maryland’s Dredged Material Management Program, and restoration techniques can be tailored to fit your group.

Organization(s): Amry Corps of Engineers
Location: 21548 Chicken Point Rd. Tilghman, MD 21671 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Restoration
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, wetland, ecosystem and biomes, erosion, habitat and niche, restoration, water quality, wildlife
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K-12 Aquatic Resource Programs

ALLARM partners with greater Carlisle elementary, middle, and high schools as well as youth-based organizations to teach students about aquatic ecosystems and connect students to their local environment. Our programs are developed for different age groups and are tailored to meet the goals of partnering organizations. In our K-12 program ALLARM works together with teachers on an individual basis to design presentations to fit seamlessly within their lesson plans. ALLARM currently has longstanding partnerships with a dozen local teachers but will also respond to ad-hoc requests throughout the year.

Organization(s): Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring
Location: Dickinson College - Environmental Studies Dept. College & Louther Streets Carlisle, PA 17013 (Map It)
Theme(s): Pollution and Pressures, Restoration
Level(s): Early Learning, Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Multi-Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, water cycle and movement, watershed, stream study, water quality, water testing
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Rivers in Action

Students create watershed in miniature, using stream tables and diatomaceous earth. They create gorges, waterfalls, floodplains and deltas as they study how water shapes the landscape and affects human land use decisions.

Organization(s): Alice Ferguson Foundation
Location: 2001 Bryant Point Rd Accokeek, MD 20607 (Map It)
Theme(s): Pollution and Pressures
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, land use, watershed, water quality
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Exploration By Canoe

Students will experience the ecology of an aquatic environment from the viewpoint of the plants, fish, birds and mammals that live there. As they learn basic canoeing techniques they will explore the shorelines and marshes of historic Piscataway Creek. They will study plant and animal interactions in complex energy cycles, adaptations to aquatic habitats, and the impact of humans on the watershed. This class is paired with the Habitat Hike. Only offered in late spring through early fall. Water + air temp must be 120 degrees F.

Organization(s): Alice Ferguson Foundation
Location: 2001 Bryant Point Rd Accokeek, MD 20607 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, adaptation, water quality, wildlife
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Hard Bargain Farm Overnight Field Study

The three major concepts that are taught during your trip to Hard Bargain Farm are watershed, biodiversity and adaptations, and cycles. Located on the Potomac River, students will see a watershed up close and personal, and learn how the land use decisions of our working farm influence the watershed. The core curriculum for field studies is comprised of the Habitat Hike and Farm Life Exploration programs. Throughout the hike and on the farm, students will make observations of biodiversity and how certain species of plants and animals have adapted to these ecosystems. Students will also study the energy cycle by identifying producers, consumers and decomposers in food chains and food webs.

Organization(s): Alice Ferguson Foundation
Location: 2001 Bryant Point Rd Accokeek, MD 20607 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Multi-Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, land use, agriculture, erosion, sediment, soil and rocks, stream study, water quality, water testing
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Wetlands on Wheels

The Wetland on Wheels is a 38' mobile classroom that visits elementary schools and events in the Delmarva area. Highly qualified wetland educators travel with the mobile classroom to events and schools. During school visits educators teach wetland lessons to children in grades K -5

Organization(s): Environmental Concern
Location: 201 Boundary Lane St Michaels, MD 21663 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures
Level(s): Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, wetland, ecosystem and biomes, experiments and investigations, habitat and niche, wildlife, fish
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Aquatic Adventure Program

This program introduces students to wetland ecology focusing on the concepts of biodiversity and interrelatedness using a comparative study of chemical, physical, and biological water quality indicators collected from salt and fresh marsh systems.

Organization(s): Environmental Concern
Location: 201 Boundary Lane St Michaels, MD 21663 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures
Level(s): Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: nitrogen and carbon cycle, pollution, wetland, biodiversity, habitat and niche, water quality
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Stream Ecology & Stream Watch

Learn about Delaware Stream Watch while studying the variables that indicate the health of a body of water. Collect macro-invertebrates and perform physical and chemical water quality testing, such as pH and dissolved oxygen. Examine water samples under a microscope, looking for the minute plants and animals that are the basis of the stream food chain. Emphasis is placed on the possible harmful effects of human activity in the watershed. This program qualifies your class to adopt a stream.

Organization(s): Abbott's Mill Nature Center
Location: 15411 Abbott's Pond Road Milford, DE 19963 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, water cycle and movement, land use, food web, watershed, development, stormwater, ecosystem and biomes, experiments and investigations, habitat and niche, stream study, water quality, water testing
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Stream Study

Conduct physical tests to determine the health of Johnson's Branch. Learn about different types of pollution and how they impact aquatic habitats. Become a raindrop and take an exciting journey downstream. Explore ways you can help to protect our aquatic habitats.

Organization(s): Abbott's Mill Nature Center
Location: 15411 Abbott's Pond Road Milford, DE 19963 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Early Learning, Elementary School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, water cycle and movement, watershed, stream study, water quality, water testing, fish
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Overnight and Extended-Day Programs

Overnights and Extended Days are a special adventure for everyone! One to three day programs are developed collaboratively with school leaders, assuring that educational standards and objectives are integrated into program design. The nature preserve supports a variety of forested, field and wetland habitats along Johnson and Tantrough Branch. Hiking trails, boardwalks and teaching stations provide unique education opportunities discovering the natural wonders of Southern Delaware.

Organization(s): Abbott's Mill Nature Center
Location: 15411 Abbott's Pond Road Milford, DE 19963 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, History and Culture, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips Multi-Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, wetland, land use, food web, adaptation, watershed, biodiversity, ecosystem and biomes, forest, habitat and niche, predator prey relationships, water quality, wildlife
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VIMS Discovery Labs

The monthly Discovery Lab series provides fun, family-friendly experiences and lifelong learning. Each lab focuses on a specific topic through a series of stations that provide hands-on activities for kids and adults. Participants look through microscopes, observe live animals, partake in crafts and games, and view research posters.

Organization(s): Virginia National Estuarine Research Reserve at VIMS
Location: Gloucester Rd Gloucester Point, VA 23062 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Restoration, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, land use, watershed, blue crab, experiments and investigations, habitat and niche, restoration, water quality, wildlife, fish
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Chesapeake Bay Ecology Program

This hands-on, 90-minute program allows students to explore the Chesapeake Bay estuary through its history, bounty, and ecology. Beach seining, aquaculture, and seagrass restoration activities help students to understand the complex nature of estuarine systems and our coastal environments.

Organization(s): The Watermen's Museum
Location: 309 Water Street Yorktown, VA 23690 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, wetland, watershed, oyster, blue crab, aquatic grass SAV, ecosystem and biomes, habitat and niche, restoration, water quality, wildlife, fish
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Strawberry Hill Educational Programs

Strawberry Hill programs are fun as well as educational, featuring hands-on activities that involve all the students. Programs can range from 90 to 240 minutes in length. Programs are offered both at Strawberry Hill and at your site. Programs cover a diversity range of topics such as watersheds, wetlands, ecology, adaptation, energy.

Organization(s): Strawberry Hill Nature Center
Location: 1537 Mount Hope Road Fairfield, PA 17320 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Early Learning, Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, water cycle and movement, wetland, land use, adaptation, watershed, water and energy conservation, ecosystem and biomes, forest, predator prey relationships, stream study, water quality, water testing, wildlife
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Lifesavers of the Chesapeake Bay

Students launch on a journey to four high-activity learning stations. Earning a large wooden lifesaver at each station, students gain important information about the geography, biology, and ecology of the Chesapeake Bay. They discover its relationship to themselves as watershed residents and ways they can help to preserve and protect the estuary and our local waterways. In the process, students see that the water quality in our local stream, the Antietam Creek, is directly related to the health of all water bodies downstream, including the Bay. Point and non-point sources of pollution are discussed.

Organization(s): Renfrew Institute for Cultural and Environmental Science
Location: 1010 East Main Street Waynesboro, PA 17268 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, point source, water cycle and movement, watershed, water and energy conservation, ecosystem and biomes, forest, habitat and niche, stream study, water quality, water testing, wildlife
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Audubon Watershed Experience (Signature Program)

Audubon Watershed Experience is designed to connect students in a tangible way to their place in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed through meaningful experiences reinforced by comprehensive in-class activities. Through fishing, seining and bird watching, students will learn about the environment, conservation, and their own relationship to the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Organization(s): Pickering Creek Audubon Center
Location: 11450 Audubon Lane Easton, MD 21601 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips Multi-Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, water cycle and movement, wetland, watershed, ecosystem and biomes, habitat and niche, stream study, water quality, water testing, wildlife, fish
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Emerging Scientist Project

The Emerging Scientist Project (ESP) connects high school classrooms with local NOAA resources to expose students to oceanic and atmospheric research in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The program encourages students to pursue scientific careers and challenges them to seek local solutions to problems facing the Bay. ESP has been used by biology, environmental science, and other science teachers to assist in teaching standards and concepts while actively engaging their students in local environmental issues.This flexible program is designed to be carried out over the course of one semester during normally scheduled classes.

Organization(s): National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Location: 410 Severn Ave Annapolis, MD 21403 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): High School
Program Length(s): Multi-Day Trips
Keywords: nitrogen and carbon cycle, pollution, point source, non-point source, wetland, land use, watershed, agriculture, blue crab, development, aquatic grass SAV, ecosystem and biomes, experiments and investigations, forest, habitat and niche, stream study, water quality, water testing, wildlife, salinity, fish, dissolved oxygen, student action
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Basic Observation Buoys (BOBs)

Basic Observation Buoys—BOBs—can be built and deployed by teachers and students to enhance outdoor experiences that build upon the NOAA Chesapeake Exploration curriculum or other data-driven meaningful watershed educational experiences. The BOB is a small buoy that measures about 60 cm on a side and is built with basic PVC parts. The buoys are outfitted with sensors that can include air and water temperature, conductivity, salinity, pH, current speed, water depth, and dissolved oxygen.

Organization(s): National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Location: 904 S. Morris Street Oxford, MD 21654 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures
Level(s): Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, weather, experiments and investigations, water quality, water testing, salinity
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Field Trips to the Baltimore Aquarium

Take a self-guided through the exhibits or schedule a tour with aquarium staff. Explore the wonders of the underwater world and fish from all over the globe.

Organization(s): National Aquarium in Baltimore
Location: 501 E. Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures
Level(s): Early Learning, Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, wetland, food web, adaptation, watershed, oyster, biodiversity, ecosystem and biomes, habitat and niche, predator prey relationships, restoration, water quality, wildlife, fish
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Kids’ Bay Adventures Program

This program consists of several week-long educational sessions focused on different environmental topics. Children are given the opportunity to have fun in the outdoors, while learning about science and nature in their “own backyard.” Craft projects, games, and other activities are included as part of the educational experience. This program is offered for children entering pre-K – 8th grades in the upcoming school year.

Organization(s): Horn Point Laboratory
Location: 2020 Horn Point Road Cambridge, MD 21613 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Early Learning, Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Multi-Day Trips
Keywords: boats, canoes and kayaks, pollution, water cycle and movement, wetland, land use, watershed, ecosystem and biomes, forest, habitat and niche, stream study, water quality, water testing, wildlife
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Horn Point Environmental Education Program

The Horn Point Environmental Education (EE) Program provides hands-on age appropriate educational activities that focus on science and the ecology of the local environment. Primarily targeting pre-K – 5th grade student

Organization(s): Horn Point Laboratory
Location: 2020 Horn Point Road Cambridge, MD 21613 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Early Learning, Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Multi-Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, water cycle and movement, photosynthesis, wetland, food web, adaptation, weather, watershed, ecosystem and biomes, forest, habitat and niche, predator prey relationships, stream study, water quality, water testing, wildlife, fish
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Farm Tours

In connection with their study of the Chesapeake Bay, students visit various farming operations in Harford County to observe the application of best management plans and their desired effect on water quality. Students may have opportunities to assist farmers in collecting data applicable to completion of their annual management plan.

Organization(s): Harford Glen Environmental Education Center
Location: 502 West Wheel Road Bel Air, MD 21015 (Map It)
Theme(s): Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, agriculture, erosion, sediment, soil and rocks
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