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: 68

Theme

Level

Length

Organization

Keywords

Field Studies > Day Trips   > land use  
1 - 25 of 68

Chesapeake Bay Discovery Tour

Explore the rich heritage of the people who have made the shores of the Chesapeake Bay their home. Learn how this estuary has attracted a diverse population, shaping the lives of early Native Americans to current residents and find out why the Chesapeake Bay plays an important role in our nation's story. On this tour walk through a lighthouse that's over 125 years old, pick up a working decoy, encounter hunting skiffs, stand on a recreated tobacco wharf and much more.

Organization(s): Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Location: 213 N. Talbot Street St. Michaels, MD 21663 (Map It)
Theme(s): History and Culture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: land use, culture and watermen, John Smith and colonial times, Native American
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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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Conservation of Natural Resources Program

Explore the influence of human activity on ecosystems, learn the differences in renewable and nonrenewable resources and about the management of these resources. Then learn how to conserve water and energy and reduce waste.

Organization(s): Apple Ridge Farm
Location: 541 Luck Avenue Roanoke, VA 24016 (Map It)
Theme(s): Pollution and Pressures, Restoration, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: land use, development, water and energy conservation, ecosystem and biomes, forest, habitat and niche, renewable resource
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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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Down to Earth

Soil is the beginning of all land use decisions we make. In this course the students will learn how to identify soil types, how each is made, the properties of each type of soil and how soil type and distribution determine land use for farming, building and support of life. Students will examine erosion and sedimentation to observe how they affect soil and land use, and be introduced to Best Management practices used on HBF.

Organization(s): Alice Ferguson Foundation
Location: 2001 Bryant Point Rd Accokeek, MD 20607 (Map It)
Theme(s): Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: land use, erosion
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The Pumpkin Ash Trail Tour

This tour is designed to introduce students to the environment, agriculture, and the rich human culture and history of the Chesapeake Bay region. Students will walk a quarter-mile nature trail through a forest and a wetland ecosystem before arriving on an eight-acre organic farm. The tour will address forest, wetland, and farm ecosystem dynamics; natural resource conservation; sustainable agriculture; and the interdependence of humans and nature, with a special focus on the unique relationship between Piscataway Indians and the natural environment of their homeland. Students will be provided with a field guide as they explore this eclectic piece of Piscataway Park.

Organization(s): Accokeek Foundation
Location: 3400 Bryan Point Road Accokeek, MD 20607 (Map It)
Theme(s): History and Culture, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: land use, agriculture, John Smith and colonial times, Native American
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Eve of the Revolution

Students take on the role of colonial reporters doing research for an article on how the rising conflict with England is affecting the life of an ordinary tobacco planter and his family in 1775. With press passes in hand, the “reporters” ask questions (pre-determined and their own) as they walk from the Potomac River with its view of Mount Vernon through the property of middling tobacco planter Benjamin Bolton. They also interview costumed interpreter “Mrs. Bolton” about how her life is being affected by the threat of war.

Organization(s): Accokeek Foundation
Location: 3400 Bryan Point Road Accokeek, MD 20607 (Map It)
Theme(s): History and Culture, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: land use, agriculture, John Smith and colonial times
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Time Traveling the Seasons of a Colonial Farm

Traveling back in time to 1775, students explore the Bolton farm from the perspective of 8-year-old Ben Bolton and 12-year-old Charity Bolton. They learn the important roles played by children in producing the cash crop of tobacco. They discover how each season brings its own set of tasks, from planting and caring for crops in the spring and summer, to harvesting and preserving food in the fall, to carding, spinning and knitting wool in the winter.

Organization(s): Accokeek Foundation
Location: 3400 Bryan Point Road Accokeek, MD 20607 (Map It)
Theme(s): History and Culture
Level(s): Elementary School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: land use, agriculture, John Smith and colonial times
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Colonial Farm Life

What would life have been like in 1775 for the children of a middling tobacco planter? Each child carries the picture of an object that was important on this farm and assists the museum educator when that object is discussed. Children help with the chores and try their hand at colonial games in this very hands-on tour.

Organization(s): Accokeek Foundation
Location: 3400 Bryan Point Road Accokeek, MD 20607 (Map It)
Theme(s): History and Culture, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Elementary School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: land use, agriculture, John Smith and colonial times
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Sprouts

This nature-themed program pairs time spent outdoors with stories, songs, crafts, and games, to introduce preschoolers to the wonders of the natural world. Six seasonal themes are available: Seeds, Garden Colors, Garden Insects, Garden Birds, Autumn Leaves, and Rivers.

Organization(s): Accokeek Foundation
Location: 3400 Bryan Point Road Accokeek, MD 20607 (Map It)
Theme(s): Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Early Learning, Elementary School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: land use, agriculture
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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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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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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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Reading the Signs Program

Reading the Signs provides students with a look at the archaeology in the Chesapeake Bay area from the perspective of examining change through biological specimens uncovered during excavation. Working with charcoal specimens and oyster shells, students will learn to see a linear progression from what the Bay was like 400 years ago to what is here today and what may be here in the future.

Organization(s): Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
Location: 3200 King's Landing Road Huntington, MD 20639 (Map It)
Theme(s): History and Culture
Level(s): High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: land use, development, culture and watermen, erosion, John Smith and colonial times, Native American, sediment, soil and rocks, economics
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Colonial Lifeways Program

The Europeans that settled in the Chesapeake Bay region during the 17th century had to learn many new skills to survive. Explore how 17th century Maryland colonists adapted to their new home. Students begin by examining historical drawings, artifacts, and replicas. In addition they will grind corn using a wooden mortar and pestle, learn how to start a fire using flint and steel, and make a cedar shingle using a beadle and froe.

Organization(s): Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
Location: 3200 King's Landing Road Huntington, MD 20639 (Map It)
Theme(s): History and Culture
Level(s): Early Learning, Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: land use, culture and watermen, John Smith and colonial times, Native American
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BVW School Programs

Geared to address specific environmental concepts in outdoor classrooms through hands-on experiential learning and are focused around the farm, forest, field, pond and stream habitats located nearby.

Organization(s): Brandywine Valley Association
Location: 1760 Unionville-Wawaset Road West Chester, PA 19382 (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, water cycle and movement, wetland, land use, watershed, agriculture, ecosystem and biomes, experiments and investigations, forest, habitat and niche, identification, predator prey relationships, sediment, soil and rocks, stream study, water quality, water testing, wildlife
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Otter Point Creek Environmental Survey

In this real world scenario, students are asked to play the role of an environmental survey team hired to help Harford County Government's Planning and Zoning Department determine whether or not to give a permit to a private company for a marina expansion project on Otter Point Creek.

Organization(s): Anita C. Leight Estuary Center
Location: 700 Otter Point Road Abingdon, MD 21009 (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, land use, watershed, stream study, water quality, water testing
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Susquehanna Watershed Education Program (SWEP)

The Susquehanna Watershed Education Program (SWEP) is a hands-on mobile watershed education program that enables students to explore local rivers and streams in central Pennsylvania, monitoring the effect of agriculture and other land uses on water quality. Traveling by canoe on a local creek, river, or lake, students investigate the local flora and fauna, perform water quality tests and biological surveys, and explore local issues, history, and geography.

Organization(s): Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Location: 14 North Front Street, Suite G Harrisburg, PA 17101 (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, development, ecosystem and biomes, habitat and niche, restoration, water testing
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Clagett Farm Program

CBF’s 285-acre, organic working farm in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, provides both day and overnight programs that foster in-depth discussions about agriculture’s impact on the watershed. Exploring the farm by foot and hay wagon, or canoeing on the nearby, Patuxent River, students gain true awareness of environmental issues, sharpen critical thinking skills, and practice problem solving. Student action projects may be available. This meaningful watershed experience can be tailored to engage students in 2nd through 12th grade.

Organization(s): Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Location: 11904 Old Marlboro Pike Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 (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 Multi-Day Trips
Keywords: non-point source, land use, agriculture, erosion
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Urban Ecology and Environmental Policy, Baltimore Harbor Program

During this one-day program, students board the workboat Snowgoose to access areas surrounding superfund sites, brownfields, waste-water treatment plants and power plants, as well as a variety of local industries. Water quality investigations are complemented by the sampling of benthic, planktonic, and other aquatic communities. CBF field educators work individually with each instructor to design a program that meets their curricular needs. This program is suited for high school AP classes, college/university courses and other adult special interest groups.

Organization(s): Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Location: 501 E. Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, History and Culture, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, point source, land use, watershed, habitat and niche, water quality, water testing
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Baltimore Harbor Program

The workboat Snowgoose provides a unique platform from which participants study the dynamic relationship between the Port of Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay’s Patapsco River. Students investigate environmental issues and trends, often within the context of urban ecology. The Baltimore Harbor program is an excellent venue for students to learn about the fragility and the resiliency of ecosystems under the pressure of a modern working river.

Organization(s): Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Location: 501 E. Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (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
Keywords: pollution, point source, land use, watershed, habitat and niche, stream study, water quality, water testing
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Stanley Norman Skipjack Program in Annapolis

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. Programs run out of Annapolis. CBF instructors utilize on-board 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: City Dock, Randall Street Annapolis, MD 21401 (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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