Students will learn why trees are some of the most amazing forms of life on the planet. They will use tree cookies to identify the structure of a tree inside out and the adaptations trees use to sustain their lives. Using dichotomous keys, students will experience how scientists identify trees and learn the major differences between trees.

Grades 3-6

Using a three-dimensional model called Enviroscape, students will learn what a watershed is, what watershed they live in, and how we affect our watershed. By making observations with the model students can see how pollution affects our watersheds, the difference between non-point and point source pollution, and why wetlands are so important. Watersheds are complex ecosystems that can be difficult to grasp, but this model brings watersheds to life.

Grades 3-8

Students will learn about where their water comes from and where it fits into the water cycle. We will explore water on our planet and how we can conserve the water that we use. We also will cover any local issues that we may be facing with our water. Students will make models of their aquifer and the water cycle.

Students will review the water cycle and participate in an adapted Project WET activity that takes them around the world as water droplets. Students diagram and reflect on how they moved from place to place.

Grades 2-6

While the Earth is covered with water there is a very small amount that we are able to use. Students explore how much fresh water and salt water is on the planet and how much we use in the United States as compared with other countries. Students will explore water scarcity across the planet and construct their own water filters. Water is a universal solvent and in this capacity, it can be very difficult to separate water from the substance (or solute) that is polluting it. Students can experiment with homogeneous and heterogeneous polluted water mixtures. This is a two-part class.

Grades 5-8

Students will learn about their aquifer and how groundwater is part of the water cycle. We will discuss the importance of soil as a filter and why it plays such a large role in cleaning our drinking water. Students will be able to observe how groundwater moves through a large groundwater flow model and how pollution can affect our groundwater.

Grades 5-8

Students will learn about the importance of biodiversity and adaptations. We will explore the different adaptations that plants have for seed dispersal and students will engineer their own seed dispersal adaptations.

Grades 5-8

Students will learn more about soil formation, soil biology, and the important role that soil has in our watersheds. We will explore weathering and erosion and the part they play in soil formation. They will also see how soil interacts with water and some of the physical properties of soil. Grades K-8

Students will explore different rocks, minerals, and fossils and how we use them in everyday life. We will discuss being a geologist and other careers that use rocks. Students will get some hands-on experience with rock investigations and get a take-home rock activity.

Grades K-2

Students will collect their own macros (if the area allows for this), identify macros using a dichotomous key, and then classify these macros using a bio-assessment sheet. Students will conduct their own bio-assessment of the water quality otherwise known as using biological organisms to help determine water quality.

Grades 4-12

*These lessons are fairly flexible – SCD staff can adjust them to suit your needs. Listed are the lessons and materials that are already designed; however, if there is something else that you are interested in doing on your field trip contact Stacey Selcho stacey-selcho@sccd.org to see what we might be able to develop.

Students will use a number of different soil tools and learn all about “Shovelomics” to determine soil properties and quality.

Grades 3-12

*These lessons are fairly flexible – SCD staff can adjust them to suit your needs. Listed are the lessons and materials that are already designed; however, if there is something else that you are interested in doing on your field trip contact Stacey Selcho stacey-selcho@sccd.org to see what we might be able to develop.

Students will use dichotomous keys to identify different trees and determine the characteristics that make them different. Students will undergo a fun exploration of trees through an activity called “Meet a Tree”. The activities I have for trees are various and will depend on the time of year and the age of students.

Grades K-8

*These lessons are fairly flexible – SCD staff can adjust them to suit your needs. Listed are the lessons and materials that are already designed; however, if there is something else that you are interested in doing on your field trip contact Stacey Selcho stacey-selcho@sccd.org to see what we might be able to develop.

t’s always a challenge to keep students engaged over the summer in learning. Here you will find 25 activities to keep students engaged. From using a cricket to determine the temperature, making a hot air balloon, and creating art. These activities will engage any learner in a simple hands-on approach. Included is a journal page to have students reflect on their learning.

Summer of Steam Activities Bingo Card – by MrSTEMurray

Check out these great websites for teaching youth about natural resources.

Environmental Learning From Home – Virtual tours, backyard activities, conservation education and more!

Nature Rocks: Let’s Go Explore – A website for parents or their kids to find inspiration for playing outside in their backyard, park, forest or in the water.

The Green Squad – A website for kids created by the Natural Resources Defense Council.

EPA Teaching About the Environment – Air, Climate Change, Ecosystems, Energy, Health, Waste, and Water lessons for K-12.

Mass Audubon –  Explore the Outdoors with Nature Bingo!

Outdoor School – Soil Activities

• Scat and Tracks Kit (Grades K-12)
• Skull Replica Kit (Grades K-12)
• N.A Animal Track Mold Kit (Grades K-12)
• Bird Eggs and Feathers Animal Signatures Kit (Grades 3-8)

• Macro Invertebrate Kit (Grades 3-8)

• Dendrochronology Tree Dating (Grades 6-12)
• Leaf Printing Kit (Grades K-12)
• Orienteering FIELD Kit (Grades 3-12)

• Insect Explorer Kit (Grades K-8)

• Rock and Mineral Test Kit (Grades 3-12)