Community Resources for Teachers and Schools
Educational Field Trips
Educational support for local schools and teachers with virtual options.
Five Rivers MetroParks offers a wealth of on-site educational programs for area school groups.
These programs are adaptable to a multidisciplinary curriculum and encourage students to get outside and build a long-term connection with nature.
All school, commercial or nonprofit groups of 10 or more are required to schedule their park visit. Field trips can be scheduled via online form. If your requested date is less than 21 days out, please contact us directly at FRMP_education@metroparks.org. Teachers and other educators of all subjects and grade levels who would like to learn how to integrate environmental topics into their curriculum can participate in the many programs offered throughout the MetroParks — ask us how.
For updates on all the latest news related to educational resources from Five Rivers MetroParks, please join the Five Rivers MetroParks’ Teacher Community Facebook group. The group connects a community of local educators, and offers resources and helpful articles, while providing the ability to ask questions and more.
Field Trip Topics
Historic Farm Visit
Students will be able to learn more about Carriage Hill MetroPark and its history by touring the Visitor Center. Afterwards, groups will be provided with written information to guide them throughout the historic farm site. A tour through the Daniel Arnold Home will be given by a living history interpreter who will also be conducting hands-on historical demonstrations.
Availability: Tuesday and Thursday, 10 AM to noon and 1-3 PM: April 1-Oct 31
Target Grades: K-2, 3-5, 6
Program Length: 1 hour
Group Size (recommended): 10-60 students. Groups will be split into smaller groups of 20 to tour the house
Park: Carriage Hill
Objectives: Students will be able to:
- Gain an overall understanding of life in the 1880s.
- Discover the various ways that farmers sustained themselves and their families.
- Learn the basic principles of farming.
- Use their senses to learn history in a tangible way.
Growing Gardeners
Students will learn about plant growth, the benefit of plant relationships in the garden and the important work of pollinators while exploring the vegetable garden. Classes will be divided into groups to participate in station-based activities. Printable activities are provided help students explore the Children’s Discovery Garden.
Availability: Wednesday and Thursday: May 1-mid-September
Target Grades: K-2, 3-5
Program Length: 45 min-1 hr 15 minutes
Group Size (recommended): 10-50 students
Park: Wegerzyn
Objectives: Students will be able to:
- Understand what plants need to grow and plant their own seeds to observe in the classroom
- Explore how certain plants can benefit other plants in the garden (companion planting)
- Understand the importance of pollinators and how attract them to your garden
Discovering Soil
Students will get their hands dirty digging and examining soil, learning what makes it so important and how composting is a great way to keep our soil thriving. Classes will be divided into groups to participate in station-based activities. Printable activities are provided to help students explore the Children’s Discovery Garden.
Availability: Wednesday and Thursday: April 1-Oct 31
Target Grades: K-2, 3-5
Program Length: 45 min-1 hr 15 minutes
Group Size (recommended): 10-50 students
Park: Wegerzyn
Objectives: Students will be able to:
- Identify and explain the components found in a handful of garden soil
- With assistance, conduct a series of tests to determine soil health (includes texture, water holding capacity and/or nutrient tests)
- Explore how composting helps recycle valuable nutrients and keep usable waste out of the landfill
Self-Guided Farm and Nature Trail
Learn about farms and habitats while exploring Possum Creek MetroPark’s farm, gardens, trail and nature play. Teachers will receive a map and general information via email and can explore with their students at their own pace.
Availability: Tuesday- Friday: April 1-October 31
Target Grades: early childhood, K-2
Program Length: 1-1.5 hours
Group Size (recommended): 10-60 students, groups will be split into smaller groups of 15 to tour the park
Park: Possum Creek
Objectives: Students will be able to:
- Develop an understanding of the unity and diversity of the natural world
- Use the sense of touch, smell, sight, and hearing to discover their natural world
- Experience a variety of habitats
Self-guided materials are accessible through these padlets:
Ordovician Expedition
Invite your students to venture back in time as they search the streambeds for 500 million-year-old fossils from the Ordovician period. Students will explore both abiotic and biotic changes that occurred throughout geologic time. They also will learn how the Miami Valley didn’t always look like it does today through an interactive timeline activity. Wear shoes and clothes that can wet.
Availability: April 1 – May 31, August 15 – November 15
Target Grades: 2-5; 9-12
Program Length: 1.5-2 hours
Group Size (recommended): 10-80 students, split into smaller groups
Park: Cox Arboretum
Objectives: Students will be able to:
- Identify important events on a geologic timeline of the Earth’s history, including the Ordovician period, present day, major extinction events, etc.
- Identify different types of fossils found and understand what those creatures looked like during the Ordovician period and what creatures living today are related to them
- Understand that the fossils found were once living creatures, and why they are no longer living
Discover Fall Trees
Fall is a season of change, so why not change things up in the classroom and get your students outside exploring the brightly colored forest! Students will get to know some of Ohio’s native trees while exploring what trees need to survive, how seeds move, and the change that occurs as nature prepares for winter.
Availability: September 15 – November 15
Target Grades: K-3; 5-7
Program Length: 1.5-2 hours
Group Size (recommended): 10-80 students, split into smaller groups
Park: Cox Arboretum
Objectives: Students will be able to:
- Identify what trees need to survive
- Explain at least two ways that seeds move
- Identify at least two Ohio trees by either leaf shape or bark
- Understand that nature undergoes cyclical changes throughout the year
Habitat Safari
Students will put their observation skills to the test as they move through forest, pond, and prairie habitats exploring their differences and similarities. They will delve deeper as they investigate the needs of the creatures that call these habitats home and how they interact with one another and their environment.
Availability: April 1 – May 31
Target Grades: K-3; 5-7
Program Length: 1.5-2 hours
Group Size (recommended): 10-60 students, split into smaller groups
Park: Carriage Hill, Cox Arboretum
Objectives: Students will be able to:
- Identify and compare differences between various habitat types
- Explain the needs of living organisms
- Understand the role that both biotic and abiotic factors play in the habitat type an organism can survive in
- Understand how humans can impact, both positively or negatively, different habitats
Self-guided materials are accessible through these padlets:
Butterflies and Bees
Let your students’ learning take flight as they explore some of our most common pollinators, butterflies and bees. Students will learn about needs of pollinators, their lifecycles, and the unique plant relationships required for their survival.
Availability: April 1 – May 31, August 15 – October 31
Target Grades: K-5
Program Length: 1-1.5 hours
Group Size (recommended): 10-60 students, split into smaller groups
Park: Cox Arboretum
Objectives: Students will be able to:
- Understand what a pollinator is and what they do
- Describe the lifecycle of a butterfly or moth
- Identify the needs of living things
- Understand how plants attract pollinators through things such as flower color, scent, and shape
- Identify at least one thing they can do to help pollinators
Ecology Hike
Students will explore plant and animal interactions through close observation in real-world habitats. Students will learn how species are dependent on each other, and where humans fit within the ecological puzzle of the Miami Valley.
Availability: March 15 – May 31, August 15 – November 15
Target Grades: K-5; 9-12
Program Length: 1-2 hours
Group Size (recommended): 10-80 students, split into smaller groups
Park: Cox Arboretum, Sugarcreek
Objectives: Students will be able to:
- Explain and give examples of different relationships between organisms
- Explain three ways in which animals and plants are dependent on each other
- Identify at least one way they can have a positive impact on the environment
Self-Guided Habitat Exploration
Explore a variety of habitats as you engage your students in your own Ordovician Expedition, Aquatic Study, or Pollinator Adventure. When you schedule your field trip you will receive an email with a self-guided field trip packet that contains detailed information, resources and videos of our naturalists to help you prepare for your field trip. Additionally, you will be given access to an onsite lockbox containing insect nets, aquatic dip nets, containers, and a variety of exploration tools to enhance your students’ experience.
Availability: April-June, August-October
Target Grades: K-3; 5-7
Program Length: 1-2 hours
Group Size (recommended): 10-80 students, split into smaller groups
Park: Germantown, Englewood
Objectives: Dependent on teacher.
Virtual Field Trip Topics
The educational staff at Five Rivers MetroParks are excited to help your students safely experience the outdoors, whether at their homes or at your school. MetroParks offers pre-recorded virtual field trip content. Whether in your own classroom or Google Classroom, it’s easy for you to fit these programs into your curriculum. You can also schedule live Q&A sessions with MetroParks representatives to enhance your adventures.
Geology and Fossils
Geology ROCKS! It is the foundation for all life on Earth! Join a naturalist and explore the fossils beneath your feet! We will discuss what fossils are, how they are made, the types we find around Dayton, Ohio, and where to find them. Students will want to get outside and start a fossil collection of their own after this field trip! Teachers are welcome to schedule a live question and answer session with a naturalist as a part of this program.
Fossil Quest (grades 1, 2, 4 & 8)
Virtually visit Cox Arboretum MetroPark to learn about the Ordovician fossils found in the Dayton area. We’ll explore what fossils are, how they are created, which fossils you can find and where to look for them. Students will leave wanting to head outside and create a fossil collection of their own.
Habitat Exploration and Ecology
Nature surrounds us, is within us, and sustains us. It is clean air, water, soil, and biodiversity that makes human life possible. Here you will find programs that highlight engaging, biodiverse habitats throughout MetroParks, that also challenge students to get out exploring on their own. Students will engage with their local nature, whether it is their schoolyard, local park, backyard, or balcony! The assignments below can be used in an in-person classroom with your green schoolyard, or in a virtual classoom.
Animals Need a Home (Pre-K)
Join us for this immersive field trip where we learn about native animals in our area, and how we can help them have a home! Students will go through hands on activities, music and movement, and other interactive fun.
Butterflies & Bees (grades K, 1 & 3)
This immersive field trip all about local pollinators provides relevant, real-world opportunities for students to learn about lifecycles, wildlife needs and our connections to wildlife. Students will go outside to observe and explore pollinators at school and at home, help professional scientists by contributing to a citizen science project, and improve pollinator habitats around them.
View Butterflies and Bees details
Hike in the Forest (grades K-3)
Join us for a hike in the forest with MetroParks’ naturalists to explore common plants and animals, dissect an owl pellet, and start a nature journal. Students will be encouraged to explore forests close to home and report their observations. Afterward, students will be itching to begin their own adventure with family and friends.
Stream Study (grades K-3, 5 & 7)
Head to the creek with MetroParks’ naturalists and discover all the life under the water’s surface. Our local creeks are fun places to play and home to many small fish, crawdads and countless macro-invertebrates that tell us if the creek is clean or dirty. Students will go outside to a local creek while interacting with Flipgrid responses.
Gardening, Homesteading, and Sustainability
We are healthy and happy thanks to farms and gardens! Not only do they meet our physical needs, they give us space to appreciate beauty, look closely at form and function, and understand our connection to plants and animals. Discover how working farms meet our needs for nutritious food, products for clothing and shelter, and how they have changed as our way of life has changed over time. Explore the life of a special Oak tree on the grounds of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark: uncover how it benefits from its habitat, contributes to the health of the plants and animals around it (including humans), and be amazed by events the tree has “witnessed” during its long life. Younger students are invited to journey through the garden exploring colors, shapes and patterns in the garden and the larger natural world, including inspiration and ideas for their own nature art.
Life of Our Pedestal Oak (grades 3-5)
Students will “meet” our Pedestal Oak at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark and make scientific and historical connections with this great old tree and the many lessons it can share. We’ll explore the lifecycle, learn how it benefits the plants and animals surrounding it, and investigate the unique pedestal shape of our oak. Students will use a visual timeline highlighting important local and Ohio historical events that have happened during the life of the Pedestal Oak.
View Life of Our Pedestal Oak details
Art in the Garden (grade K)
Students will explore colors, shapes and patterns in the garden and the natural world. We’ll uncover why green is so important in nature, how plants use color and shape to attract insects, look for patterns, and make other discoveries. Students will use the examples and ideas shared to create their own nature art.
Butterflies & Bees (grades K, 1 & 3)
This immersive field trip all about local pollinators provides relevant, real-world opportunities for students to learn about lifecycles, wildlife needs and our connections to wildlife. Students will go outside to observe and explore pollinators at school and at home, help professional scientists by contributing to a citizen science project, and improve pollinator habitats around them. This field trip includes a free field trip kit, while supplies last!
View Butterflies and Bees details
Lola Plants A Garden Activity Series (Pre-K)
Join us for this immersive field trip where we learn about Lola and her journey in planting a garden. Students will go through hands on activities, learning through dialogic reading, music and movement, art and crafts, and other hands on activities. This field trip touches on gardening and how we can plant seeds and help them grow.
Mindfulness
Classroom Nature Breaks – SEL (grades K-5)
Take time to relax and feel our connections with the natural world. From meditating by a stream, watching animals, experiencing the wind and practicing yoga, your students will explore their connections with the natural world while learning more about themselves. Resources allow teachers to use nature to help students regulate emotional control, grow empathy for other living things and ultimately learn how to respect other human beings.
View Classroom Nature Breaks – SEL details
Carriage Hill Farm Living History
Life in the 1880s (grades K-6)
Virtually visit Carriage Hill MetroPark’s historical farm to explore what life was like for the Arnold family in the 1880s in Dayton. Students will learn about life on a farm, the farm animals, and such skills as blacksmithing and woodworking. Students will see how modern life compares with life 140 years ago.
Quick Reference Guide
Grade | Topic | Virtual Field Trips Available | Standards Covered |
Kindergarten | Gardening, Homesteading and Sustainability | Art in Nature | Life Science |
Habitat Exploration and Ecology | Butterflies and Bees Hike in A Forest Stream Study |
Life Science
Social Studies: History Strand Social Studies: Government Strand |
|
Carriage Hill Farm Living History | Life in the 1880s | Social Studies: History Strand | |
Mindfulness | Classroom Nature Breaks – SEL | Social and Emotional Objectives | |
Grade 1 | Geology and Fossils | Fossil Quest | Life Science |
Habitat Exploration and Ecology | Butterflies and Bees | Life Science
Social Studies: Government Strand |
|
Hike in A Forest | Life Science
Social Studies: Geography Strand |
||
Stream Study | Earth and Space Science
Life Science Social Studies: History Strand Social Studies: Government Strand |
||
Carriage Hill Farm Living History | Life in the 1880s | Social Studies: History Strand | |
Mindfulness | Classroom Nature Breaks – SEL | Social and Emotional Objectives | |
Grade 2 | Geology and Fossils | Fossil Quest | Life Science
Social Studies: History Strand Social Studies: Government Strand |
Habitat Exploration and Ecology | Hike in A Forest | Life Science
Social Studies: History Strand Social Studies: Government Strand |
|
Stream Study | Earth and Space Science
Life Science Social Studies: History Strand Social Studies: Government Strand |
||
Carriage Hill Farm Living History | Life in the 1880s | Social Studies: History Strand | |
Mindfulness | Classroom Nature Breaks – SEL | Social and Emotional Objectives | |
Grade 3 | Habitat Exploration and Ecology | Butterflies and Bees | Life Science
Social Studies: History Strand Social Studies: Government Strand |
Hike in A Forest Stream Study |
Life Science
Social Studies: Geography Strand |
||
Carriage Hill Farm Living History | Life in the 1880s | Social Studies: Geography Strand | |
Gardening, Homesteading, and Sustainability | Life of Our Pedestal Oak | Life Science
Social Studies: History Strand |
|
Mindfulness | Classroom Nature Breaks – SEL | Social and Emotional Objectives | |
Grade 4 | Geology and Fossils | Fossil Quest | Earth and Space Science
Life Science Social Studies: History Strand |
Carriage Hill Farm Living History | Life in the 1880s | Social Studies: History Strand | |
Gardening, Homesteading, and Sustainability | Life of Our Pedestal Oak | Life Science
Social Studies: History Strand Social Studies: Geography Strand |
|
Mindfulness | Classroom Nature Breaks – SEL | Social and Emotional Objectives | |
Grade 5 | Carriage Hill Farm Living History | Life in the 1880s | Social Studies: Geography Strand |
Gardening, Homesteading, and Sustainability | Life of Our Pedestal Oak | Life Science | |
Mindfulness | Classroom Nature Breaks – SEL | Social and Emotional Objectives | |
Habitat Exploration and Ecology | Stream Study | Life Science
Social Studies: Geography Strand Social Studies: Economic Strand |
|
Grade 6 | Carriage Hill Farm Living History | Life in the 1880s | Social Studies: Geography Strand |
Grade 7 | Habitat Exploration and Ecology | Stream Study | Earth and Space Science
Life Science Social Studies: Government Strand |
Grade 8 | Geology and Fossils | Fossil Quest | Earth and Space Science |