Field Studies
What better way to experience STEM than to engage in an outdoor, citizen science field study. Field studies can be done in a selected location or we can visit one of the locations we utilize for outdoor study.
Water -
Our Precious Resource
Students will engage in an outdoor field study where they will learn how to take a scientific sample in the field and test their sample to determine levels of nitrate, phosphate, pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and turbidity. Students will also examine samples from the floor bed of the waterbodies to see if they can identify macroinvertebrates and then learn about what those organisms can indicate about the health of the ecosystem. Students will learn about the precious nature of our limited fresh water supply here on earth and engage in a conversation about local ecosystems.
This program can be run at a fresh water body near your organization, here in Riverhead at one of local waterbodies, or we can bring fresh water samples with us for the children to work with.
Fire Island -Explore our Barrier Island
Visit our vital protective island and explore a range of subjects from the thriving land/water ecosystem, the formation of the island and geological record, the marine biome, or the interaction of sea and water in the eternal cycle of sand displacement.
This trip leaves from Patchogue, NY via ferry and can be conducted in two locations. Contact us for more information and pricing.
Visit a Working Oyster Barge
Students will experience a working oyster barge and learn about how these native bivalves are a crucial component of global ocean health. Students will learn how these animals filter and clean the surrounding water and provide habitat, food, and jobs as well as how oyster reefs can serve as barriers to storms and tides, preventing erosion and protecting productive estuary waters.
This trip leaves out of Captree and involves a short boat trip. Contact us for more information.
BioBlitz - Invasive Species Exploration
Get your students out exploring and observing their natural environment! We can organize a BioBlitz or outdoor invasive species search in your neighborhood.
A BioBlitz event will focus on finding and identifying as many plant and animal species as possible in a designated over a short period of time. Students will work together to get a snapshot of an area’s biodiversity. This event can happen in any size location. The program will include safety instructions and will group students to fulfill different roles.
We can also organize an invasive species search. Students will learn about how invasive species of plants, animals, marine life, and insects spread and often threaten native species. We will provide information on top priority local invasive species and how to identify them.
Both of these programs can be conducted in the location of your choosing.