Mighty Acorns students venture to a local natural area three times a year (fall, winter and spring). These field study trips provide engaging outdoor learning experiences for students to learn more about environmental science.
The field study trip helps students learn through outdoor games, exploring their local ecosystem, and by participating in stewardship activities where students take care of their adopted green space. These three components are included in all field study trips and described in more detail below.
Outdoor Learning Game
The outdoor learning game is listed as the “Field Study” within the curriculum. An example is shown here. Each field study game utilizes play as an educational tool for helping students understand ecological concepts such as population dynamics. All field study games are designed to harmonize with the pre and post-field study activities completed in the classroom. The outdoor learning game also aligns with standards from both Strand A and Strand B. Because of this, multiple classrooms from a school may participate in the outdoor learning game together no matter what Strand they were taught, as long as they are the same grade level.
Environmental Exploration
The outdoor observation and exploration helps students become familiar with their local ecosystem. This part of Mighty Acorns often takes the form of a hike, scavenger hunt, or another activity that encourages students to slow down and observe the natural environment. Through this, they see how nature changes throughout the seasons, and also see things they might have not noticed if they rushed through their field study site on their own. Chaperones and Mighty Acorns program providers can utilize tools to help facilitate student learning and spark curiosity, such as field guides, magnifying lenses and binoculars. This activity is often adult-led on its surface. But in reality, the children’s innate curiosity about their natural world will be the true guide of this activity.
Stewardship Activity
Stewardship is one of the unique ways Mighty Acorns fosters a personal connection between students and natural areas in their communities. This program component focuses on getting students to take action to take care of their field trip site. Commonly, Mighty Acorns program providers focus on having students perform ecological restoration projects that restore biodiversity to the field trip site. This can look like removing weedy plants, collecting seeds, and planting seedlings. Students can also participate in other types of projects according to what their natural area needs, such as community science projects or community trash pickup. The important take away of stewardship is that students learn that we all have the power to take care of green spaces within our neighborhood and that nature needs humans as much as we need it.
Preparing For Your Trip
To ensure a fun, safe, and educational experience, schools are expected to ensure that students are dressed properly, chaperones accompany each class, and students have completed the one of the pre field study activities in the classroom. Although partner providers lead most of the field study trip, teachers help ensure that students are prepared for the trip, respectful of the site, and excited for what the day brings! Schools work directly with partner providers to coordinate transportation, scheduling, waivers, and any applicable program fees.