FIELD TRIPS & OUTREACH PROGRAMS

Get Outside and Explore!

Muddy Sneakers’ certified field instructors lead experiential field trips and outreach programs that connect participants to natural spaces through hands-on learning, play, and activities in science, art, mindfulness, team building, and more.

Muddy Sneakers Instructor standing on a stream bank, pointing to something in the stream as a group of fifth-grade students looks on.

A magical landscape is ours to explore,
from the mountains to the foothills,
the Piedmont to the coast.

Field Trips & Outreach Programs

Science connection field trips and outreach programs align with the North Carolina Essential Standards for 5th Grade Science and support 5th Grade NC Standard Course of Study objectives in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, Arts Education, Healthful Living (Health Education & Physical Education), and Guidance.

Nature connection field trips and outreach programs connect students to the wonder of the natural world and foster scientific inquiry through the power of play.

A study of local lakes and streams shows students the role aquatic ecosystems play on our planet.

Aquatic Ecosystems

Discover what makes aquatic ecosystems unique and interconnected!
During a Forces & Motion field trip, students work together to hang a bear bag.

Forces & Motion

Experience forces & motion through activities that promote creativity, problem-solving, & the use of simple machines

Inheritance & Adaptation

Practice close observation to compare inherited and acquired traits in nature.
Science and art unite as students use natural objects to recreate various body systems!

Living Systems

Study how a body system is built and learn how they work together within the human body.
During Matter field trips, students participate in hands-on activities to examine the difference between chemical and physical changes.

Matter

Using nature as a laboratory, experiment with chemical and physical change, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data.

Nature Connections

Navigate through nature’s playground as we hone our scientific observation skills, play games, and become empowered as explorers to discover the hidden world of the forests!​
During School in the Woods, students learn about safety in the woods, including basic wayfinding methods.

School in the Woods

An introduction to using the outdoors as a learning environment.

Terrestrial Ecosystems

Search the woods and categorize creatures as producers, consumers, or decomposers!
During a Weather field trip, students use scientific instruments to measure wind speed, wind direction, and more!

Weather

Use scientific tools to measure weather conditions and discover how weather impacts nature.

What to Expect

No outdoor experience is necessary! Participants should be prepared for the following:

Minimum group size: 10 participants

Program location: NC public lands (field trips) or your outdoor space (outreach programs)**

Average duration: Between 2.5 - 5 hours

Prolonged periods of walking outdoors

Limited cell phone reception

Limited access to restroom facilities

Unpredictable or uncomfortable weather conditions*

Potential wildlife encounters

*Muddy Sneakers may reschedule programs due to extreme or unsafe weather.

**Outreach program availability may be limited due to program requirements such as the presence of trees and waterways.