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: 122

Theme

Level

Length

Organization

Keywords

Field Studies > Land Use and Agriculture  
1 - 25 of 122

Day Trips to Fairview

Programs focus on animal studies, astronomy, campfire, canoeing, challenge course, fishing, geology, hiking, orienteering, weather study, stream study and adventure activities.

Organization(s): Fairview Outdoor Education Center Facilities
Location: 12808 Draper Road Clear Spring, MD 21722 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Early Learning, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: water cycle and movement, wetland, habitat and niche, orienteering, predator prey relationships, stream study, water testing, wildlife
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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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Tree Inventory

Instructs teachers to plant trees with their students through training on software, tree inventories and planning.

Organization(s): Casey Trees
Location: 1123 11th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20001 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Restoration, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips Multi-Day Trips
Keywords: forest, geocaching (GIS/GPS)
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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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Explore the Education Center

Blackbird State Forest is a free site for outdoor recreation - open all year long with trails. The Education Center, features interactive displays and outdoor trails on Delaware's forests.

Organization(s): Blackbird State Forest Education Center
Location: 502 Blackbird Forest Road Smyrna, DE 19977 (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: forest, habitat and niche, wildlife
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Survival Skills 101

Ever wondered how humans survived before the days of smartphones, microwaves, and television? Gain firsthand knowledge and experience in securing shelter, water, and food. Learn historic techniques for making containers, tools, and fire. An excellent tie-in to any geography or early civilization lesson block. Available in all seasons. Can be offered as a single lesson or as a series. We can also come to your school to do a pre-lesson to better prepare students for their field experience. Age range middle to high school. Curriculum support for: earth/space, environmental, social studies, skills and processes for geography.

Organization(s): Black Hill Nature Center
Location: 8787 Georgia Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20910 (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: habitat and niche, John Smith and colonial times, Native American
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MD-DC-VA Audubon School Programs

At the Audubon Naturalist Society we offer a wide variety of educational programs that foster an appreciation, understanding and stewardship of the natural environment. Our programs are open to public schools, private schools, homeschool groups, and scouts in preschool through Grade 5. For programs with middle and high school students, please contact us to learn how we can tailor a program for your students. We can accommodate children with varied needs and are happy to work with teachers to meet their academic goals. We give teachers the convenient choice of taking a field trip to one of our beautiful nature sanctuaries in Chevy Chase, Maryland or Leesburg, Virginia OR having a naturalist come to your school with our Naturalist in Your Classroom program. We provide multilevel programs that meet state standards as well as developmental milestones in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Organization(s): Audubon Naturalist Society
Location: 802 Children's Center Road Leesburg, VA 20175 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Restoration, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Early Learning, Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: food web, forest, habitat and niche, schoolyard habitat, wildlife
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MD-DC-VA Audubon School Programs

At the Audubon Naturalist Society we offer a wide variety of educational programs that foster an appreciation, understanding and stewardship of the natural environment. Our programs are open to public schools, private schools, homeschool groups, and scouts in preschool through Grade 5. For programs with middle and high school students, please contact us to learn how we can tailor a program for your students. We can accommodate children with varied needs and are happy to work with teachers to meet their academic goals. We give teachers the convenient choice of taking a field trip to one of our beautiful nature sanctuaries in Chevy Chase, Maryland or Leesburg, Virginia OR having a naturalist come to your school with our Naturalist in Your Classroom program. We provide multilevel programs that meet state standards as well as developmental milestones in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Organization(s): Audubon Naturalist Society
Location: 8940 Jones Mill Road Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Early Learning, Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: food web, forest, habitat and niche, schoolyard habitat, wildlife
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Chesapeake Connections

Chesapeake Connections is the Outdoor Education outreach program which connects classroom instruction with a series of relevant hands-on experiences that lead to environmental stewardship. Chesapeake Connections ultimate goal is to support opportunities for environmental stewardship which we define as "respecting and caring for the environment when no-one is watching."

Organization(s): Arlington Echo
Location: 975 Indian Landing Road Millersville, MD 21108 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Restoration, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Early Learning, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips Multi-Day Trips
Keywords: stream study, water testing
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Forest Ecology Program

Learn all about the myriad of living systems in the forest environment; how they adapt and function individually and as a whole. They will cover a whole selection of concepts including habitats, predator-prey interaction, food webs, life cycles, and camouflage.

Organization(s): Apple Ridge Farm
Location: 541 Luck Avenue Roanoke, VA 24016 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: food web, adaptation, biodiversity, forest, habitat and niche, predator prey relationships, wildlife
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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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Corn: From Ancient Ways To Now-A-Days

Corn is one of very few food crops native to the Americas, and has a long tradition in many cultures. Students will hear history and legend as they learn the story of corn, and practice shelling and grinding corn using ancient and modern techniques. Pairs well with Hunter-Gatherers course.

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: agriculture, Native American
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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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Children’s Garden

In our half-acre working vegetable garden, students have the opportunity to experientially learn about how food is grown and take part in its production. They share in the seasonally appropriate tasks of soil preparation, weeding, planting and harvesting and, when possible, also share in tasting the garden’s bounty as well. Because the site is also a haven for pollinators, students have the opportunity to observe the interplay between native pollinators and our food systems and watch the farm’s foraging honey bees.

Organization(s): Alice Ferguson Foundation
Location: 2001 Bryant Point Rd Accokeek, MD 20607 (Map It)
Theme(s): Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Early Learning, Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: agriculture, 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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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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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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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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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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