In-Class and Field Trip Resources
Listed below you will find field trip options and other community resources available to teachers. Can you recommend a resource not listed here? We want to expand this list not only in science, but also into other subject areas. Please send your ideas and feedback to pbutler@osd.wednet.edu.
In-Class Presentations / Curriculum Support
- Learning Landscapes
Plant a garden at your school. Teacher training and curriculum provided.
Level: Elementary
- The Teaching Toymaker
Hands-on activities aligned with FOSS kits and EALRs for classrooms or schools. Visit their website for fee structure.
Level: Elementary
- Are you Bugged by Bugs? Thurston County Lending Tub
Includes a lady bug craft, puppet show, video, stories and songs.
Level: Kindergarten, Grade 2 FOSS Insects Kit
- A River Runs Through It
A Thurston County Storm and Surface Water interactive classroom presentation. Learn how land use practices affect salmon.
Level: Grades 4 and above
Field Trip Options
- McAllister Springs Field Trip
See water bubble up from the ground and learn how it gets to our homes. The 45 to 60 minute tours are free. City of Olympia has limited funds for bus transportation.
Level: All Grades
- Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail
Teacher packet is provided for this self-guided walk to view salmon in November each year. No reservations before September. You must provide your own transportation.
Level: All Grades
- Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Trails through fresh and saltwater marshes, grassland, and riparian woodland. Curriculum is provided to teachers attending the workshop. Reservation is required for fee waiver. You must provide your own transportation.
Level: All Grades
- Nisqually Reach Nature Center
Located at Luhr Beach. Outdoor programs related to the estuary and beach, plus indoor displays and activities. Approximate cost is $30 per class. You must provide your own transportation.
Level: All Grades
-
Project Bluebird
While working to ensure the survival of the Western Bluebird, students can participate in hands-on classroom and field activities that involve research, writing, scientific inquiry, and problem-solving. Limited funding available for transportation.
Level: All Grades.
- GRuB
Programs will connect your students with local food systems and teach them about the basics of farming. $3 per student is requested. You must provide your own transportation.
Level: Elementary
- Hands On Children's Museum
Two hours of fun and learning. Add workshops aligned with FOSS science kits. The cost is $5.95 per student. You must provide your own transportation.
Level: Elementary
- Port Blakely Tree Farm
Guided tour of a managed forest that is also home to hundreds of plants and animals. The cost is free.
Level: Grade 4
- OLYWAter Schools Program
In-class presentation, field trip and action project to learn about the environment and local water resources. Complements Water and Landforms FOSS kits. The cost is free.
Level: Grades 4 and 5
- South Sound GREEN
Participate in Water Quality Monitoring Days and other programs to evaluate the health of watersheds. You must provide your own transportation. Also visit Thurston Conservation District website for information.
Level: Grades 4 and above
- LOTT Wastewater Treatment Plant Tours
Learn about wastewater management and how it affects public health, the environment and water resources. You must provide your own transportation.
Level: Grades 5 and above