Field Trips: Middle School
Our current program offerings for this age group (grades 6 to 8) are below. Please visit our Learning Standards by Grade & Field Trip Theme document for more information on how our offerings align with learning objectives.
*NEW* Apple Adventure
Hop on our tractor to take a ride to our very own apple orchard where we’ll dive into the world of tree anatomy and learn about photosynthesis. We’ll also learn about the life cycle of plants and the ecosystem services that our fruit trees provide. Wrap up the day with a cider tasting and reflect on how the science of trees turns into delicious apples. Cost: $10 per student.
This program is limited to 5 field trips between September 23 and October 4, 2024 for our pilot year. Get your inquiry in before the spots fill up!
Seeds and Their Needs*
Together, we will investigate the role of seeds on the farm and the natural world around us. We will examine plants that produce seeds, discover which are in the same plant family, why this matters on a farm, and what plants need to survive. We’ll learn the plant life cycle, too, from pollinator relationships and adaptations, to seed dispersal strategies, we’ll explore the many clever ways that plants grow, and multiply, in an ecosystem and on a farm (as well as the stresses that they face).
Pollinators, Plants, and People*
Join us on a journey around the farm as we discover the integral components to the survival of pollinators and plants, and interaction with people. How does genetic information pass from parent to offspring? What are the processes that living organisms depend on for survival? What is the life cycle of a fruiting plant and how do their nutrients cycle? These are just a few of the questions we’ll explore on this field trip. This field trip includes a tractor ride and a pumpkin for each student.
Nature in Agriculture
Organic agriculture aims to produce healthy food in a healthy environment. Farmers depend on the natural environment in and around their farms. Discover the impacts that farms and the surrounding ecosystems have on one another. Students will learn about how farmers work with the cycles in nature to improve their farm systems.
Digging Deeper into the Secrets of Soil*
There is a world beneath our feet. Explore the diversity of life in the soil and the role these organisms play in growing food. Many farmers design their practices with soil life in mind. Discover how they care for this valuable resource and how you can help return vital nutrients to the soil by composting at home or school. From seeds to plants to soil and its structure let’s get our hands dirty and explore soil and the nutrients that cycle through it and into plants.
Organic Agriculture, Global Climate, and Sustainability*
Agriculture is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Learn and discuss the environmental impacts of growing food on our natural resources and the atmosphere, how organic and regenerative agriculture can help farms adapt to and help mitigate climate change, and how you can make sustainable choices in your daily lives.
Aquatic Ecology & Water Quality
Explore our watershed and the impacts of human activity on our waterways. We will examine river inhabitants, conduct pollution experiments, and water quality assessments to discover how the river and farm can support one another.
*Depending on the season, there may be opportunities for student groups to harvest and taste crops. Ask the CCFEC Education team for more information!