Exploring & Investigating
Evergreen, in collaboration with Allegany County Public Schools, provides intensive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) education field trip programs. Evergreen’s Director of Education Elaine Raesly manages a program of lessons which are carefully aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core Standards, and Maryland Environmental Literacy Standards. If you’re interested in learning more about program specifics, please contact us.
Evergreen’s programs are designed to give students those “ah-ha moments” that teachers love. Moments that inspire youth to connect their classroom concepts to a real-world experience. Through hands-on learning and subsequent reflection, student science literacy continually improves by 25% to 50% per class (per pre/post-tests).
Evergreen’s lessons span the sciences and include the following topics and issues:
Climate Change
Students investigate properties of the biological carbon cycle, and the impact of weather and climate change on phenology (key seasonal changes in plants and animals such as flowering, the emergence of insects and migration of birds.)
Weather
Students examine weather by using rain gauges, barometers, anemometers, wind meters, and sling psychrometers, and later investigate the water cycle and the properties of water. A STEM boat building challenge reinforces related concepts of buoyancy, drag, thrust, and weight.
Alternative Energy
Students explore fossil fuels and alternative energy resources and their impacts on regional ecosystems. A mini-wind turbines STEM challenge provides an opportunity to discuss energy output.
Forest Health
Students hike our forests to uncover factors that influence the health of a forest, such as species diversity and invasive insects. Guided activities reinforce the impacts of the forest on the larger landscape and Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Rocks & Minerals
Students explore underground natural resources and their uses by humans by using maps, observing evidence of land use, examining soil attributes, testing waters, and identifying regional rocks and minerals.
Erosion
Students investigate soil erosion as they see firsthand the impact of runoff and the causes and signs of erosion. By planting a native meadow, they learn about simple but important ways to plants can be used to mitigate erosion in their communities.
Watersheds
Students experience migration as Canadian Geese and learn about watersheds, natural and human impacts on the health of our streams, ponds, rivers, and oceans. Water testing provides additional opportunities for discussion.
Microorganisms & Plants
Students go on a safari to collect samples of small insects and animals and create their own field guides. They evaluate their area’s biodiversity, discover habitats for small animals, discuss interactions between organisms, and even plant a pollinator garden.