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.

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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.

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

All Studies by Location
Records: 33

Theme

Level

Length

Organization

Keywords

Field Studies > History and Culture   > John Smith and colonial times  
1 - 25 of 33

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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Early Encounters: Native Americans & Colonists

The world that John Smith encountered was very different from the Chesapeake Bay we know today. On his 1607 voyages to map the Chesapeake Bay, he also mapped the Native American villages he saw along the way, and took careful notes about his encounters with the native people. It is from these notes, maps and journals, coupled with the drawings of John White, that we know as much as we do about the world at that time. Students will have the opportunity to explore these primary resources and draw their own conclusions about life 400 years ago. They will learn how to read and interpret John Smith’s map and play “Chesapeake Millions” to display their new skills.

Organization(s): Calvert Marine Museum
Location: 14200 Solomons Island Rd Solomons, MD 20688 (Map It)
Theme(s): History and Culture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: John Smith and colonial times, Native American
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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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Hunter-Gatherers

People have lived at this site in Accokeek for at least 10,000 years, finding food, clothing and shelter in this woodland-riverine environment. Students will step back in time and use recreated artifacts to explore how ancient people used the natural resources found here to live, work and play. Pairs well with Corn.

Organization(s): Alice Ferguson Foundation
Location: 2001 Bryant Point Rd Accokeek, MD 20607 (Map It)
Theme(s): History and Culture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: John Smith and colonial times, Native American
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Antique Tools

Students will learn how technology has changed over time and have the opportunity to use hand tools that would have been used on a farm before machinery was available.

Organization(s): Alice Ferguson Foundation
Location: 2001 Bryant Point Rd Accokeek, MD 20607 (Map It)
Theme(s): History and Culture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: John Smith and colonial times, Native American
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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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Catch of the Day Program

designed to address Virginia's Standards of Learning for Kindergarten through third graders. Every year, over 1,500 students from our region participate. Each classroom involved receives a pre/post visit activity book to help teachers prepare and reinforce the lessons learned in the program. Once they arrive for their Museum visit, students see and touch live oysters, clams and crabs; learn to identify and sort shellfish by type; tong for oysters; and hear about the methods used locally to gather seafood, from those used by the region's Native Americans to the ones used today. Each student participating receives a take-home activity bag and coupons to return free with family members.

Organization(s): The Watermen's Museum
Location: 309 Water Street Yorktown, VA 23690 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, History and Culture, Pollution and Pressures
Level(s): Early Learning, Elementary School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: watershed, oyster, blue crab, culture and watermen, habitat and niche, John Smith and colonial times, Native American, restoration, water quality, water testing
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Historical Program

Take your students on a journey through ideas and events of the past. Students will discover the fascinating world of the Gilded Age, both the lives of the new millionaire class in America and the lives of the working class in a period of dramatic economic, social and technological change.

Organization(s): Maymont
Location: 1700 Hampton Street Richmond, VA 23220 (Map It)
Theme(s): History and Culture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: culture and watermen, John Smith and colonial times
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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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Discovering Archaeology Program

Experience how archaeology helps unravel the mysteries of the past in this interactive learning program. Students will visit a mock archeological site to discover artifacts and our recreated Indian Village to learn what they can tell us about Maryland’s early inhabitants.

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): Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: culture and watermen, John Smith and colonial times, Native American, sediment, soil and rocks
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Tidewater Lifeways Program

European colonists and American Indians lived side by side in 17th century Maryland. Explore how each culture used the natural resources of the rich woodland environment as you grind corn with a mortar and pestle, make a clay pot and try to strike a spark the 17th century way.

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): Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: culture and watermen, John Smith and colonial times, Native American
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Native American Lifeways Program

Native peoples were living in the Chesapeake Bay region for over 9,000 years before the European colonists arrived. Explore the rich culture Maryland’s first inhabitants created from their woodland environment. Students begin by examining historical drawings, artifacts, and replica tools. In addition they will grind corn using a stone mortar and pestle, create a clay pot, and learn to make string from natural plant fibers.

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: John Smith and colonial times, Native American
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Native Americans of Eastern Woodlands

This field trip takes place at Irvine's Native American campsite and wigwam. Students will explore the direct relationship that pre-Colonial Native Americans had with their environment. Groups will rotate between station-based activities that focus on Native American use of local natural resources, friction fire making, Native American games and communication.

Organization(s): Irvine Nature Center
Location: 11201 Garrison Forest Road Owings Mills , MD 21117 (Map It)
Theme(s): History and Culture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: forest, John Smith and colonial times, Native American
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Bay Icons Program

This 4th grade program occurs as 3 half days. Students are exposed to pre-programming by staff and volunteers in the classroom before their 3-day fieldtrip. While visiting AMM and Sarles Boat Yard, students are exposed to the important icons of the Chesapeake Bay watershed through topics of marine culture, history and ecology.

Organization(s): Annapolis Maritime Museum
Location: 723 2nd St Annapolis, MD 21403 (Map It)
Theme(s): History and Culture, Pollution and Pressures
Level(s): Elementary School
Program Length(s): Multi-Day Trips
Keywords: boats, canoes and kayaks, pollution, watershed, culture and watermen, John Smith and colonial times, water quality, economics
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John Smith Trail Expeditions

Sultana Projects’ John Smith Trail Expeditions program is a great way to get your students out onto the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. The program uses a traveling fleet of canoes that is brought to a waterway near your school, where your students then embark on a 3 to 5 hour field exploration. Activities include paddling, water quality sampling, shoreline and marsh exploration, and visiting sites of importance to local Native American communities.

Organization(s): Sultana Projects
Location: 107 South Cross Street Chestertown, MD 21620 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, History and Culture
Level(s): Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips Multi-Day Trips
Keywords: boats, canoes and kayaks, pollution, wetland, watershed, ecosystem and biomes, habitat and niche, John Smith and colonial times, Native American, smart growth, water quality, water testing, wildlife
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Echoes of 1608 Classroom Program

This program introduces students to the world of 17th century Chesapeake Bay seen through the eyes of John Smith and the Native American tribes he encounter. Hands-on activities will bring the past to live connecting students with historic images and artifacts. Learn about the culture, history and natural environment of 1608!

Organization(s): Sultana Projects
Location: 107 South Cross Street Chestertown, MD 21620 (Map It)
Theme(s): History and Culture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: John Smith and colonial times, Native American
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Tea and Taxes Classroom Program

Sultana educators bring this hands-on maritime history program, Tea and Taxes, to your classroom. In this hour long lesson, students learn about 18th century navigation and the enforcement of "Tea Taxes". Students will learn how to measure the depth of the water and to determine the speed of a the boat.

Organization(s): Sultana Projects
Location: 107 South Cross Street Chestertown, MD 21620 (Map It)
Theme(s): History and Culture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: boats, canoes and kayaks, John Smith and colonial times
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Colonial Walking Tours

Go on the Sultana Projects' walking tours to discover the colonial history of one of Maryland's best preserved 18th century ports. On this hour long tour, students will hear stories of colonial Chestertown's culture, customs and architecture.

Organization(s): Sultana Projects
Location: 107 South Cross Street Chestertown, MD 21620 (Map It)
Theme(s): History and Culture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: John Smith and colonial times
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Shipyard Programs

Sultana Projects' Shipyard Programs offer hands-on, interactive tours of the Sultana shipyard to students of all ages. During these hour-long sessions, students learn about traditional boatbuilding techniques using Sultana as a case study for 18th century naval architecture.

Organization(s): Sultana Projects
Location: 107 South Cross Street Chestertown, MD 21620 (Map It)
Theme(s): History and Culture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: boats, canoes and kayaks, John Smith and colonial times
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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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Java History Plantation Trail

This self-guided 1.3-mile trail through field, forest and marsh explores the history of the land and the people who lived there. Using the interpretive panels along the path the self-guided walk teaches students about Native Americans and colonial settlements. The trail also includes a boardwalk through the marsh so students can get a closer look at the flora and fauna of the tidal wetlands.

Organization(s): Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Location: 647 Contees Wharf Road Edgewater, MD 21037 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, History and Culture
Level(s): Early Learning, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: habitat and niche, John Smith and colonial times, Native American
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