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: 26

Theme

Level

Length

Organization

Keywords

Field Studies > Habitats and Critters   > fish  
1 - 25 of 26

Ecology Cruise

In this ecology-based program, students learn about the diverse animals, plants, and environment of the Chesapeake through hands-on activities onboard the Mister Jim, our replica buy boat. Students explore the Bay watershed from large to small, starting with maps of the Chesapeake’s waterways and populations, moving to water quality testing, dredging for oysters, and finishing by examining the animals and organisms that call an oyster reef home.

Organization(s): Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Location: 213 N. Talbot Street St. Michaels, MD 21663 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, History and Culture, Pollution and Pressures
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: oyster, blue crab, culture and watermen, habitat and niche, wildlife, fish
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Marsh Walk & Otter Habitat

This program is recommended March through October. Explore the relationship between marsh creatures both above and below the water. This outdoor exhibit is a living study of the plant and animal communities that inhabit saltwater, freshwater, and upland marshes. Includes a visit to our otter habitat where students interact with these most social of animals. Students learn the critical role the marsh plays in protecting the environment and investigate the clues animals leave behind to identify inhabitants in the marsh. Our Maritime Exhibit explores over 400 years of life on the Patuxent River, touching on Native Americans, colonists, boat builders, watermen, military training, recreation and research. We offer three different field trips in this area.

Organization(s): Calvert Marine Museum
Location: 14200 Solomons Island Rd Solomons, MD 20688 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: wetland, ecosystem and biomes, habitat and niche, Native American, wildlife, fish
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Fossils of Calvert Cliffs

Ten million years ago southern Maryland was a watery world inhabited by whales, snails crocodiles and giant sharks. Discover how the famous Calvert Cliffs were formed, examine teeth, jaws, shells, skulls, and other specimens from the paleontology collections. Learn how scientists collect these specimens and how they use them as clues in their study of the past.

Organization(s): Calvert Marine Museum
Location: 14200 Solomons Island Rd Solomons, MD 20688 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, History and Culture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: ecosystem and biomes, erosion, sediment, soil and rocks, fish
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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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Learn How To Fish

Students discover a basic understanding of natural resources and fishing ethics through a hands-on fishing experience. Before handing students fishing equipment, we teach basic fishing skills and knowledge of equipment. A comprehensive lesson plan for successful fishing includes fish biology and behavior, reproduction and growth, fish senses, aquatic communities and food chains, water quality, and fish management and conservation. Teachers receive training and supplemental tools such as an instructor’s basic fishing manual and fishing booklets for students. These tools teach students about the relationships between making responsible choices and maintaining quality aquatic resources for future generations.

Organization(s): Aquatic Resources Education Center
Location: Anacostia Park Washington, DC 20020 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: fish
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Fish and Aquatic Resources Education Lessons

Students discover interesting facts about a variety of local fish and aquatic species and communities. The Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) houses a living collection of local fish species and other aquatic wildlife in 20-1,500 gallon display tanks. Scheduled programs include hands-on demonstrations and activities on the following topics: Fish Biology – learn basic fish anatomy and identification of local species Chesapeake Bay watershed – discover how individual actions impact our local habitats and wildlife Water as a Resource - investigate the importance of water for humans and animals Wetlands – explore local wetland habitats and how they function Teachers acquire additional activities to use with their students after a visit to the AREC. Teachers will be given support and assistance to answer any scientific questions relevant to our local urban fish and aquatic species.

Organization(s): Aquatic Resources Education Center
Location: Anacostia Park Washington, DC 20020 (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: water cycle and movement, wetland, watershed, ecosystem and biomes, habitat and niche, wildlife, fish
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Aquatic Ecology

Students are introduced to the aquatic habitats using dip nets and organism identification keys. Students explore, collect, observe, and identify from Apple Ridge's pond and woodland creeks.

Organization(s): Apple Ridge Farm
Location: 541 Luck Avenue Roanoke, VA 24016 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures
Level(s): Early Learning, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: food web, adaptation, habitat and niche, stream study, water quality, water testing, wildlife, fish
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Fish Adaptation

Students examine the external and internal anatomy of fish to discover clues to their habitats, feeding patterns and defense strategies. They learn how to ‘Read a Fish’ to understand its adaptations for survival in its habitat.

Organization(s): Alice Ferguson Foundation
Location: 2001 Bryant Point Rd Accokeek, MD 20607 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: food web, fish
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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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Anacostia Park as an Outdoor Classroom

Students explore interesting facts about a variety of local fish and aquatic species and their water environment with teacher-guided lessons. Support for programs will be provided by Aquatic Resources Education staff.

Organization(s): Aquatic Resources Education Center
Location: Anacostia Park Washington, DC 20020 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters
Level(s): Early Learning, Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: ecosystem and biomes, habitat and niche, wildlife, fish
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Exploring By Canoe Program

Learn basic paddling skills while exploring Abbott's Pond, home to beaver, turtles, waterfowl, and the occasional otter. Use seine nets and microscopes to collect and examine aquatic organisms. Learn how historic Abbott's Mill influenced the environment in the 1800's. Canoes, paddles and life preservers included in cost, no canoeing experience required.

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
Level(s): Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: boats, canoes and kayaks, wetland, watershed, ecosystem and biomes, habitat and niche, stream study, water quality, water testing, wildlife, fish
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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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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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Life in the Chesapeake Bay - A "Meaningful Watershed Experience" Program

Compare marine vertebrate and invertebrate phyla to discover the amazing diversity of life in the Bay. Identify and classify live and preserved specimens such as sea stars, anemones, whelks and crabs, as well as bony and cartilaginous fish. Animal adaptations and survival strategies are emphasized.

Organization(s): Virginia Living Museum
Location: 524 J Clyde Morris Boulevard Newport News, VA 23601 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, History and Culture, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: adaptation, watershed, blue crab, ecosystem and biomes, habitat and niche, predator prey relationships, stream study, water quality, water testing, 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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Discovering Wetlands

Upper elementary students define and explore the wetland communities of Renfrew Park. They learn the three major types of wetlands and examine the plants, animals, soils, energy flow and water chemistry of these special ecosystems. Hands-on activities involve soil sampling, water testing for pH, plant study, and macroinvertebrate investigation. Students use watershed models to see how wetlands act as sponges and filters.

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): Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: water cycle and movement, wetland, watershed, habitat and niche, stream study, water quality, water testing, wildlife, fish
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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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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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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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Cells and Microscopes Fifth Grade Program

During their visit students receive instruction on the use of a microscope. They explore the stream for macroscopic life, and collect and examine plankton samples. Activities reveal the important connections between these two worlds. Following a break for lunch, students hike to collect natural objects to view under field microscopes, and engage in activities designed to reinforce the parts of plant and animal cells.

Organization(s): Fair Hill Nature Center
Location: 630 Tawes Drive Elkton, MD 21921 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters
Level(s): Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: food web, habitat and niche, stream study, water quality, water testing, fish
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Sultana Center Programs

Sultana's state-of-the-art aquarium system is home to creatures from the Chester River including perch, rockfish, oysters, catfish, snapping turtles, Atlantic blue crabs and more! On the first Friday of each month, the Sultana Center welcomes children ages 3-12 for hands-on educational programs provided by Sultana's educational staff. Programs can include examining historic artifacts, Native American crafts and even handling fish and crabs in a special touch tank.

Organization(s): Sultana Projects
Location: 107 South Cross Street Chestertown, MD 21620 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, History and Culture
Level(s): Early Learning, Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: wetland, oyster, blue crab, ecosystem and biomes, habitat and niche, John Smith and colonial times, Native American, wildlife, fish
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Fisheries Management Program

Cruise on the Choptank River and Chesapeake Bay to explore how fish are caught for food and test the water quality and find out why it is important to their health.

Organization(s): Phillips Wharf Environmental Center
Location: 21604 Chicken Point Road Tilghman, MD 21671 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, History and Culture, Pollution and Pressures
Level(s): Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: boats, canoes and kayaks, pollution, culture and watermen, water quality, water testing, fish
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Estuary Ecology Program (Grades 2-5)

Learn about estuaries and watersheds through activities including water quality testing (dissolved oxygen and turbidity, primarily), a shoreline walk, fish seining, and watershed lessons.

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
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, watershed, sediment, soil and rocks, stream study, water quality, water testing, fish, dissolved oxygen
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Chesapeake Champions and Teasure Our Waters

During the 30-minute program each week, students meet people who work on, work with, or are inspired by the Chesapeake Bay and together they explore the natural and cultural history of the Chesapeake Bay through hands-on experiences and exploration opportunities not available in school. The first six weeks have included a boat ride, an in-depth exploration of oysters and terrapins, meeting a working waterman, and writing their own Bay-inspired song with singer-songwriter Janie Meneely.

Organization(s): Annapolis Maritime Museum
Location: 723 2nd St Annapolis, MD 21403 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, History and Culture, 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: boats, canoes and kayaks, pollution, watershed, oyster, habitat and niche, water quality, wildlife, fish
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