Field Trip Classes

The Environmental Center offers a series of programs for schools to connect students to the Chesapeake Bay. Each and every program includes outdoor and hands-on activities to better understand our ecosystems. Courses that include data collection utilize technology that is used by hydrologists, biologists, chemists, and foresters when collecting data. Our programs are grade-level appropriate and designed to leave students curious, excited, and capable. Above all, our programs are meant to connect students to our natural environments.

Unless otherwise requested, each class includes a 20-minute informative presentation, a 20-minute hands-on activity, and a 20-minute outdoor excursion. Customized programming is available with a 30 day notice, but input from the group contact is required. Please call the Environmental Center at 410-939-4800 to schedule a custom class. Key scientific concepts will be included along with vocabulary and activities that align with your curriculum.

Animals Among Us

Investigate invertebrates, mammals, amphibians, birds, fish, and reptiles through games and an outdoor investigation.

Chesapeake Bay Stewardship

Through demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and outdoor exploration, learn how humans have positive and negative impacts on the Chesapeake Bay. Students investigate the impact of trash, sediment, chemicals, plants, and animals within the watershed and how they affect the health of the Bay. Students develop a better understanding of how and why to become stewards of the Chesapeake Bay.

Climate Change

Obtain a better understand of the difference among climate change, global warming, and natural processes. Become aware of the causes and impacts of climate change.

Coastal Erosion & Sedimentation

Explore the causes and impacts of coastal erosion. Understand how ecosystems are influenced by soil processes. Tour the nearby restoration projects: stormwater management areas, riparian buffers, and pollination gardens.

Environmental Center Experience

Spend time exploring our Environmental Center with hands-on exhibits, which can include erosion, life cycles, submerged aquatic vegetation, and the hydrologic cycle. These exhibits change seasonally.

Plankton

Learn about microscopic life within water. Where do plankton fall in the food chain? Collect water samples and use a microscope and identification guide to determine the species of plankton.

Pollination

While hiking, learn the essential part pollinators play in plant reproduction. Discover why their numbers are declining and what we can do to help. Using the Engineering Design Plan, create hand pollinators.

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV)

Only offered May through September

Discover the plant world beneath the water. Understand the role SAV plays in the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Explore our new SAV exhibit (coming in the Summer of 2025). Use a dichotomous key to identify SAV species.

Tree Identification & Dendrochronology

Learn how to identify local trees by their leaves, seeds, flowers, or bark. Use forestry tools to measure height, approximate age, and health.