Overnight (Two-Day) Field Study

Standard Program
Day 1 of the program consists of two classes: Habitat Hike and Farm Life Exploration. Each group of 10 to 15 students will do both classes: one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. The day typically runs from 10:00 to 4:00, with a thirty-minute lunch break.

Day 2 of the program begins at 8:00 a.m. in the barnyard for the two classes Cow Milking and Antique Tools. Then students will engage in the Problem Solving Course where they are challenged to develop critical thinking skills and cooperate as a team to complete a series of physical tasks; and Who Polluted the Potomac?, a role playing activity that reveals students’ connection to the environment of the Potomac River.

Departure is after lunch and cleanup.

Other Options for Overnight Field study (grades 4 to 8)
Two classes for the first day may be chosen from the lists of Program Selections listed below, with the exception of Exploration By Canoe, which counts as two classes. Some classes require an additional fee. The second day is as described above.

Program Selections

• Habitat Hike
  The hike on trails through the diverse ecosystems of the Accokeek Creek and Potomac River watersheds focuses on plants and animals that live there, the interdependence of organisms in food webs, natural cycles, and each person’s connection to the environment.
• Farm Life Exploration
  Students have the opportunity to experience a small family farm, help with farm chores, and discover the sources of some of their favorite foods. Students will learn about changes in technology over time as they explore this 1950’s era working farm.
• Rivers in Action
  Make your own river in miniature, using stream tables and diatomaceous earth. Create gorges, waterfalls and deltas as you study how water shapes the landscape. (Additional materials fee of $20 per class)
• Fish Adaptations
  Examine the external and internal anatomy of fish to discover clues to their habitats, feeding patterns, and defense strategies. (Additional materials fee of $20 per class)
• Bird Watching
  Learn some basic ways to locate and identify our local birds, then practice those skills on a birding hike. Examine adaptations and variations of birds using study skins.
• Down to Earth
  This course focuses on soil. Students will examine erosion and sedimentation, as well as the many properties and values of soil.
• Up A Creek
  Hike up Accokeek Creek to investigate physical characteristics and living organisms of this pristine stream. Learn about water cycles and watersheds as you see how the creek forms cut banks and sandbars on its way to the Potomac River.
• Hunter-Gatherers (Pairs well with Corn course)
  Learn how people who lived at this site in Accokeek many years ago found food, clothing and shelter in this woodland-riverine environment. (Additional materials fee of $20 per class)
• Corn: From Ancient Ways to Now-A-Days (Pairs well with Hunter-Gatherers course)
  Corn is native to the Americas, and has a long tradition in many cultures. Hear history and legend as you try your hand at shelling and grinding corn using ancient and modern techniques.
• Exploration by Canoe (Counts as 2 classes)
  Experience the river from the viewpoint of the fish, birds and mammals that live there. Study plant and animal interactions, aquatic habitats, and our relationship with the River. Course includes basic canoeing instruction and is paired with the Habitat Hike. (Additional fee of $200 per class)