Field Science Discovery Program

Two field notebooks lie in the salt marsh.

Take a deep dive into your local salt marsh with our Field Science Discovery Program!

You and your students will:

  • Gain field research experience
  • Collect data
  • Explore their local ecosystem
  • Learn about the value of salt marshes in New Hampshire

Students get their boots muddy while exploring stations that turn the outdoors into their classroom, while collecting real scientific data. Designed for grades 4-8, this program will provide students with data collection and field research experience, while connecting them to local ecosystems, helping foster a sense of stewardship.

To request a program, please email Gracie Ballou, Coastal Education Program Manager, at: gracie.ballou@unh.edu.

In your email, please include potential program dates for your class, keeping in mind the program timeline below, and some program hours may be tide dependent.

 

This program can be customized to fit the needs of your class, school, location, curriculum, and education standards. Our team can work with you to create a relevant program. 

  • A group of students in a circle learning about the salt marsh by dancing.

    A group of students line up in a circle to learn more about their local salt marsh through a dance and song. 

  • A group of students learn from a researcher about what fish species live in the salt marsh.

    A group of students learn from a researcher about what fish species live in their local salt marsh. 

  • Students examine the pH of their local water body with their teacher.

    Students examine the pH of their local water body alongside their teacher.

  • Students learn how to document their scientific findings with the program leader.

    Students learn how to document their scientific findings with the program leader, Gracie. 

  • Two field notebooks lie in the salt marsh.

    Field notebooks are a scientific tool that students will learn how to utilize during this program. 

  • The group splits up into different field stations across the salt marsh.

    The group splits up into different field stations across the salt marsh, to learn from different activities. 

  • Students eagerly line up to collect core samples from the salt marsh.

    Students eagerly line up to collect core samples from the salt marsh. 

  • Students examine the core samples taken from the salt marsh.

    Students examine core samples taken from the salt marsh. 

  • Students use mono-scopes to scan the salt marsh for birds, and other local species.

    Students use mono-scopes to scan the salt marsh for birds, and other local species. 

  • A student examines salt marsh grass with a magnifying glass.

    A student examines salt marsh grass with a magnifying glass. 

  • Two students examine a fish trap at a local estuary during an outdoor class.
  • Students examine estuary species collected during sampling.

    Students examine estuary species collected during sampling. 

  • Students examine the different species collected during field sampling of fish in their local estuary.

    Students examine the different species collected during field sampling of fish in their local estuary. 

  • Students use magnifying glasses to get a closer look at their field sample.

    Students use magnifying glasses to get a closer look at their field sample. 

  • Students are excited as they discover what species live in their local estuary habitat.

    Students are excited as they discover what species live in their local estuary habitat. 

  • Students use nets to explore the smaller species that live in their estuary water sample.

    Students use nets to explore the smaller species that live in their estuary water sample. 

Program Details

  • Timing: The program is about 2 hours long or 20 minutes per education station.
  • The education stations below are geared towards meeting one or both program goals: field science and data collection and ecosystem connection.
  • Want something you don’t see? Contact us! We would love to work with you to develop education stations or a program that addresses your specific location or curriculum interests.
  • Cost: Free

Education Stations Can Include

Students collect water samples and record salinity, dissolved oxygen, water temperature, and tide stage. 

Students examine the pH of their local water body with their teacher.

Students examine the pH of their local water body alongside their teacher.

Students deploy and retrieve fishing gear, then identify and record fish catch. Discussion themes, like adaptation, can be tailored towards curriculum or classroom needs.

Two students examine a fish trap at a local estuary during an outdoor class.

Students collect peat samples to answer, "What is peat?". We are developing protocols to quantify peat samples - stay tuned.

Discussions can include the value of peat and salt marshes, and salt marsh formation.

Students examine the core samples taken from the salt marsh.

Students examine core samples taken from the salt marsh. 

This is a highly flexible and fluid station with the goal of students exploring, observing and connecting with the salt marsh. This looks different for every group but can include:

  • students writing or drawing observations in field notebooks or on paper
  • exploring and comparing high marsh and low marsh zones
  • zooming in and zooming out on salt marsh surfaces and landscapes
  • or using scavenger hunts for more guided exploration.
Students use mono-scopes to scan the salt marsh for birds, and other local species.

Students use mono-scopes to scan the salt marsh for birds, and other local species. 

Students use quadrates to observe the salt marsh surface with the option of counting or recording what they find.

Students deploy and retrieve eel mops, then sort through the sample and identify their catch. The eel mops are used to target migrating American glass eels but can also attract smaller invertebrates.

Students monitor bank erosion using rebar and measuring tape. 

Program Timeline

One month prior to program date

  • Email Gracie to request a Field Science Discovery Program
  • Solidify field day dates
  • Teacher and program staff meet to discuss program specifics and needs (see 'Program Preparation')

1-2 weeks prior to program date

  • Pre-field classroom visit and presentation

After the field day

  • Post-field day classroom presentation (optional)
  • Teacher post-program evaluations (shared via email)

 

Teacher Testimonials

Program Preparation

During the teacher and program staff meeting, we'll discuss:

  • Overall field day plan and education stations
  • Teacher or curriculum specifics or alterations
  • Field day locations and access
  • Accessibility and accommodations
  • Field day needs (we can provide some boots and supplies)
  • Safety and school-specific safety protocols
  • Permission slips and photo release forms

Keys to a Successful Program

  1. Reach out early. Our most successful programs follow the timeline above. 
  2. Stay engaged. Share your classroom's needs and interests, and be an active participant during program activities.
  3. Tell us about your experience. Complete post evaluations to help improve and inform future programs.