Field Trip Programs

Invite your students to explore the natural world through the lens of observation, creativity, and inquiry. Nature Journaling encourages learners to become thoughtful recorders of their environment, sharpening their skills in noticing patterns, asking questions, and expressing ideas. This interdisciplinary experience blends art, science, math, and language to foster place-based learning and meaningful connections with nature. Students leave inspired by curiosity, grounded in discovery, and equipped with tools to explore the world around them.

Explore the fascinating world of birds through hands-on scientific inquiry. In this workshop, students examine real bird skulls to uncover the secrets of avian adaptations, measuring and comparing features across species to understand how form relates to function. After the investigation, a Teacher Naturalist guides students on a 30-minute hike through the Norman Bird Sanctuary trails, where they apply their new knowledge to identify birds in their natural habitat.

Uncover the secrets behind one of Rhode Island’s most skilled predators—owls. In this hands-on workshop, students investigate owl diets and hunting strategies by dissecting real owl pellets, revealing clues about their prey and ecological role. After the dissection, a Teacher Naturalist leads a 30-minute guided hike through the Norman Bird Sanctuary, where students explore owl habitats and deepen their understanding of these remarkable nocturnal birds.

This dynamic workshop introduces the fundamentals of effective science communication through collaborative, hands-on learning. Students begin with a 30-minute guided hike exploring topics tied to the Norman Bird Sanctuary’s rich ecosystems, then work in teams to craft compelling content that bridges science and storytelling. Ideal for budding scientists, writers, and change makers ready to share their voice.

Through guided exploration of forests, wetlands, fields, and streams, students will discover how native plants and animals interact within their habitats. This hands-on program emphasizes ecological relationships, the diversity of local ecosystems, and the vital services they provide—helping students build environmental awareness and a sense of stewardship for the natural world.

Climate shifts, driven by natural forces and human activity, affect ecosystems in complex ways. During this field trip, students will investigate woodland, pond, and grassland habitats at the Norman Bird Sanctuary to observe how these systems respond to change. They’ll explore ecosystem services—like pollination, water filtration, and carbon sequestration—and learn how humans can monitor, adapt, and restore natural areas to build climate resilience.

Join us for an engaging, guided hike through Paradise Valley as we explore the dynamic systems that shape our planet. This program introduces key Earth science concepts including plate tectonics, glacial activity, volcanic processes, and the mechanisms of weathering and erosion. Students will examine the distinctions between rocks and minerals, investigate various rock types and their formation, including puddingstone, a distinctive local feature, and uncover the geologic history of the region.

Designed to highlight the geology of southern New England, this experience also considers the powerful natural forces that have shaped the landscape and the impact of human activity over time. This program aims to deepen students’ understanding of Earth science in a hands-on, field-based setting.