School
Field Trip Programs
School
field trips to Phinizy Swamp Nature Park are the central education service
the Academy offers to the community. Programs are designed to coordinate
with the unique natural wonders the Nature Park has to offer -- habitat
diversity, water quality issues, and organisms adapted to wetlands are
the central focus of many of the programs. Programs are also coordinated
with current state science standards to make sure they support classroom
learning. Taking your class on a field trip to Phinizy Swamp Nature Park,
however, is more than meeting education standards. It is about teaching
every child in the community the beauty of nature and the value of being
a good environmental citizen.
K-12• Field Trips
• Workshops
Undergraduate/Graduate
Programs Public
Education• Swampmobile
• Kids Clubs
• Summer Camps
• Visitors Center
Teachers who are preparing for a field trip to the Nature Park can download all necessary information from this page. This information will also be emailed to you once your field trip date has been booked. If you have any questions, call the office at 706-796-7707 or e-mail us at ed@naturalsciencesacademy.org.
Liability Forms
(EVERYONE must have a signed form for the Nature Park staff to collect the day of the field trip)
Information
Sheet
This fact sheet will give you information on what to bring and what to expect
the day of your field trip. You can print this form and send it home to parents
as well.
Booking Procedures and Cancellation Policy
Please review procedures and cancellation policy before booking your field
trip.
Teacher
Checklist
Use this to assist in your field trip preparations.
Directions
to the Nature Park
Large
Group Staging
Groups with more than 50 students will be split in half. Half of the group
will participate in the Nature Park program, while the other half will participate
in teacher led on-site activities and eat lunch. The groups will then switch.
Please note that on-site activities are not staffed by Academy personnel.
High School Programs
Please note that High School programs are split into three one hour sessions with a 30 minute lunch break unless otherwise indicated. Students will be divided into three evenly numbered groups. Field trips can be modified into an all-day format if desired. Extended field trips provide a more in-depth study opportunity. Please contact Academy office for more details.
Wetland Ecology
Our country’s wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate. This field trip
allows students to study these important habitats firsthand
gaining a better understand of their incredible value to the health
of our planet. Sessions involve students in wetland delineation activities
focusing on wetland plants, soils, and the hydric regime.
The students will also explore ecological concepts including energy
transfer across trophic levels, food webs, and population growth. This is an
excellent introduction to ecological issues for general ecology or biology
students.
GPS:
SB4, SB5, SSWG1, SSWG2, SCSh1, SCSh3, SCSh4, SCSh8, SEV1, SEV2, SEV3, SEV5
S.C. Science Standards:
B-3.6, 6.1,
6.2, 6.5, 6.6; ES-5.1
Teacher Preparation Guide coming soon.
Program Rubric
Stream Ecology
Have you ever considered the health of your local stream? Students will use a variety of ecological techniques to assess the health of Butler Creek, including biological sampling and classification of aquatic macroinvertebrates,
chemical analyses using temperature, DO, and pH, and physical data
collection including bank structure and stream flow. This program integrates with the goals of the Academy’s
Savannah River research.
GPS: SC5, SC7, SP1, SPS6, SPS8, SB4, SB5, SCSh1, SCSh2, SCSh3, SCSh4, SCSh5, SCSh8,
SEV3, SEV5
S.C. Science Standards : PS-1.3,1.6, 1.9, 3.8; B-1.2, 1.3, 1.9, 6.1, 6.2, 6.5, 6.6; ES-5.2, 5.6, 5.8
Teacher Preparation Guide coming soon.
Program Rubric
Benthic Macroinvertebrate Lab
Newest Program!
Macroinvertebrates
are a part of every healthy stream.
Our Stream Ecology field trip includes a session on classifying
invertebrates to determine stream health. This Lab will continue beyond
classification as the students will learn sampling technique, experimental
design, and invertebrate classification for stream health.
Come be a part of our newest field trip!
GPS:
SB4, SB5, SCSh1, SCSh2, SCSh3, SCSh8, SEV3, SEV5
S.C. Science Standards:
B-1.1, B-1.2, B-1.9, B-6.1, B-6.2, B- 6.6
Wastewater Ecology (two session
format; limit 40 students) Due to new construction at
the wastewater treatment plant, field trips may be limited.
Why is it important to clean our wastewater? Students will visit the city of Augusta's wastewater plant and learn about wastewater treatment from plant officials. This field trip also includes hiking through Phinizy Swamp’s constructed wetlands, conducting chemical tests and learning about our progressive tertiary treatment. Please note that this field trip involves a significant amount of walking and booking is subject to wastewater plant restrictions.
GPS: SPS6, SB4, SC5, SC7, SCSh1, SCSh3, SCSh4, SCSh5, SCSh8, SEV3, SEV4, SEV5
S.C. Science Standards: B-6.5, 6.6; ES-5.8
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric
Drinking Water Ecology (two session format; limit 40 students)
The demands on our Savannah River are tremendous and are growing as our population continues to grow. Students will visit Augusta’s new Hicks Water Treatment Plant to learn the ins and outs of how our drinking water is processed. In a session at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, students will explore water allocation demands on our rivers from the headwaters to the mouth and how these demands affect the ecology of the river. Booking is subject to Hick’s plant restrictions. This program integrates with the goals of the Academy’s Savannah River
research.
GPS: SCSh1, SCSh3, SCSh5, SEV4, SEV5, SB4
S.C. Science Standards: PS-3.2; B-6.4, 6.5, 6.6; ES-5.8; ECON-1.1, 1.2
Teacher Preparation Guide coming soon.
Program Rubric
GPS: SPS6, SB4, SC5, SC7, SCSh1, SCSh2, SCSh3, SCSh4, SCSh5, SCSh8, SEV3, SEV5
S.C. Science Standards: PS-1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 1.9, 3.8; B-1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 1.9, 6.2; C-1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 1.8, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8; P-1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 1.7, 1.9, 1.10; ES-1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 1.7, 1.9, 1.10
Teacher Preparation Guide coming soon.
Program Rubric
Middle School Programs
Please note that all programs are split into three 45-minute sessions unless otherwise indicated. Student groups of 50 or less will need to be divided into three evenly sized groups. Groups with more than 50 students will use the Large Group Staging format.
Most of the Middle School field trips are more effective with groups of 50 or less. Although we allow 90 students, we highly recommend coming with smaller groups over several days if possible.
Butler Creek Blues
Have you ever considered the health of your local stream? Join us for this 3 hour field trip! Students will participate in activities that a stream ecologist might use to assess the health of streams, including sampling and identification of aquatic macroinvertebrates and other water quality issues involving physical, biological, and chemical sampling. This program integrates with the goals of the Academy’s
Savannah River research.
GPS6: E5, CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS8, CS9,
M6M1, M6M2, M6M3, M6P4
GPS7: L1, L4, CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS8, CS9,
M7D1, M7P4
GPS8: CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS8, CS9,
M8P4
S.C. Science Standards: 6-1.3, 6-3.1, 6-3.2, 7-4.3, 7-4.4, 7-4.5, 8-2.1
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric
Hydro Mania Highly Recommended!
Earth’s water is in high demand. Some areas have too much while other areas seem to be drying up. The press for sustainability is on! Through hands-on sessions students will explore a watershed and discover water quality issues affecting our local streams which supply our drinking water. Students will gain an understanding of human impact to the water cycle and water shortage issues within their own state. This program integrates with the goals of the Academy’s
Savannah River research.
GPS6: E3, E5, CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS8
GPS7: L4, CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS8, CS9
GPS8: CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS8, CS9
S.C. Science Standards: 6-4.2, 7-4.5
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric
Bartram’s Phinizy
New Program!
(limit 90 students)
Experience Phinizy Swamp Nature Park through the eyes of William Bartram,
one of Georgia’s most revered naturalists. Through this interdisciplinary
field trip, students will explore different perspectives on the world of
natural science by participating in activities
that focus on scientific journaling, energy flow through ecosystems,
and environmental ethics.
GPS6:
S6E3, E6, CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS9, M6N1, M1, M2, D1, P3, P4, ELA6W1,
C1, LSV1
GPS7:
S7L4, L5, M7N1, D1, P1, P3, P4, ELA 7 W1, C1, LSV1, MSAGED7-5
GPS8:
S8P2, M8N1, A1, P3, P4, ELA8W1, C1, LSV1, SS8G1, MSAGED8-7, 8-13, 8-14
S.C. Science Standards:
6-2.1, 6-2.7, 6-3.2, 6-5.1, 7-1.2, 7-4.1, 7-4.2, 7-4.3, 7-4.4, 8-2.1, 8-2.2
S.C. Math Standards:
6-1.3, 6-1.6, 6-1.7, 6-2.1, 6-2.2, 6-5.3, 7-1.3, 7-1.6, 7-1.7, 7-3.1, 7-3.2,
7-5.4, 7-6.1. 8-1.3, 8-1.6, 8-2.7, 8-6.3
S.C. English Standards:
6-4.2, 6-4.3, 6-4.4, 6-4.5, 6-4.6, 6-4.7, 6-5.1, 6-5.3, 7-4.2, 7-4.3, 7-4.4,
7-4.5, 7-4.6, 7-4.7, 7-5.1, 7-5.3. 8-4.2, 8-4.3, 8-4.4. 8-4.5, 8-4.6, 8-4.7,
8-5.1, 8-5.3
S.C. Social Studies Standards:
7-7.3
Swamp Stomp (limit 90 students)
Our country’s wetlands have been disappearing at an alarming rate. Students will examine what makes wetlands so valuable and how they can be used to solve pollution issues in our watersheds. Students will become wetland delineators as they take a hands-on look at wetland plants, hydric soils and
wetland values.
GPS6: E5, CS1, CS2, CS5, CS8
GPS7: L4, CS1, CS2, CS4, CS5, CS9
GPS8: CS1, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS9
S.C. Science Standards:
6-1.3,
6-2.7, 6-2.8, 7-4.4, 7-4.5, 8-2.1
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric
Swamp Math
Students will discover that math can be fun and is important not only for everyday life but also for scientific study. Students will collect data and formulate conclusions as they participate in population sampling, volume estimates, and basic orienteering. This is an active field trip with many measurements that makes math exciting!
GPS6:
CS1, CS2, CS3, CS8, CS9, MM3, MA2, MD1
GPS8:
CS1, CS3, CS4, CS9, MG1, MD3, MP4
S.C. Science Standards:
6-1.1, 6-2, 7-4.1, 7-4.3, 8-2.1
S.C. Math Standards:
6-2.1, 6-5.1, 6-5.2, 6-5.7, 6-6.1, 7-5.3, 7-5.4, 7-6.1, 8-3.4, 8-5.3, 8-5.4
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric
Phinizy Down Under
Do you dig soils? This field trip is designed for the true Earth
Scientist! Students will get their hands dirty as they learn how to classify
soil by texture and perform experiments to determine soil permeability rates. Students will engage in activities including investigating the weathering of rocks as well as
classifying rocks by process of formation.
GPS6: E5, CS1, CS2, CS4, CS8, CS9
GPS7: L1, L4, CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS8, CS9
GPS8: CS1, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS8, CS9
S.C. Science Standards: 6-1.3, 7-4.4, 8-3.4
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric
Please note that all programs are split into three 30-40 minute sessions unless otherwise indicated. Student groups of 50 or less will need to be divided into three evenly numbered groups. Groups numbering more than 50 students will use the Large Group Staging format. All programs are 1.5-2 hours unless otherwise indicated.
The Waterdance Highly Recommended!
The Earth is known as The Water Planet and though water seems to be everywhere it is actually limited in supply, making it a precious resource. Through a series of hands-on activities, students will examine the Water Cycle and how water moves. Students will also explore a watershed and discover that mankind’s activities and demand for water has created water quality issues. This program integrates with the goals of the Academy’s Savannah River research.
GPS4: L2, E3, CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS8
GPS5: E1, P2, CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS8
S.C. Science Standards: 4-4.1; 5-3.1, 3.6
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric
WOW! Wetlands!
Wetlands are important! Students will head to the field to explore what wetlands are and why they are so valuable. They will get their hands dirty investigating wetland soils and examine the relationship between wetland organisms and their environment. Students will also form a community council and work to solve water quality issues affecting a local watershed.
GPS4: L1, L2, CS1, CS4, CS7, CS8
GPS5: L1, L4, CS1, CS4, CS7, CS8
S.C. Science Standards: 4-1, 4-2, 5-1, 5-2, 5-3
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric
Bug Mania
Students will learn what makes a ‘bug’ an insect! Through hands-on activities, students will explore both terrestrial and aquatic insects to learn about their characteristics, behaviors and classification. This field trip will leave students bug-eyed in amazement over the adaptability of these wonderful animals!
GPS4: L1, L2, CS1, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS8
GPS5: L1, L4, E1, P1, CS1, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS8
S.C. Science Standards: 4-1, 4-2, 5-1, 5-2
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric
Second
and Third Grade Programs
Please note that all programs are split into three 30-40 minute sessions unless otherwise indicated. Student groups of 50 or less will need to be divided into three evenly numbered groups. Groups numbering more than 50 students will use the Large Group Staging format. All programs are 1.5-2 hours unless otherwise indicated.
Splish Splash Highly Recommended!
Water is essential for life and although there is plenty of water on Earth, very little of it is available for drinking. Students will explore how difficult it was to live without running water in pioneer days and why we are facing water shortage problems today. Students will also investigate a wetland habitat and discover adaptations organisms living in these habitats have made in order to survive. This program integrates with the goals of the Academy’s Savannah River
research.
GPS2: L1, L2, E3, P1, CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS7
GPS3: L1, L2, CS1, CS2, CS3, CS8
S.C. Science Standards: 2-2.1 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5; 3-2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4
S.C. Math Standards: 2-2.7, 3-2.3, 3-2.5, 3-2.6
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric
Swamp-A-Rama
Experience the magical world of a swamp! Students will
explore natural and man-made habitats as they learn how different plants and
animals relate to these unique places in nature. A Habitat Hike will expose
students to various environments within Phinizy Swamp Nature Park. Students
will also learn about Mammal teeth and skulls and how these important body
structures can reveal much about how animals live.
GPS2: L1, E3, CS1, CS4, CS5, CS6, ELA2LSV1
GPS3:
L1, L2 CS1, CS3, CS8, ELA3LSV1
S.C. Science Standards: 2-2.1, 2.2, 2.4; 3-2.2, 2.3, 2.4
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric
Swamp-A-Rama II
This field trip is especially designed for 3rd graders. Students will explore how animals and plants have adapted to live in their habitats and discover there are limiting factors that control the number of
organisms a habitat can support. A Habitat Hike will expose students to
various environments within Phinizy Swamp Nature Park. Come and experience the magical world of a swamp!
GPS3: L1, L2, CS1, CS3, CS8, ELA3LSV1
S.C. Science Standards: 3-2.2, 2.3, 2.4
S.C. Math Standards: 3-2.3
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric
Froggy Frolics and Turtle Tantrums
Slippery, Slimy and Scaly? Students will explore similarities and differences between
reptiles and amphibians, including life cycles and adaptations. A hike focusing on
reptiles and amphibians will allow students to look for these animals in their natural habitats. A special session on Georgia's native species will help make students aware of their important roles as stewards of the planet.
GPS2: L1, L2, E3, CS1, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7
GPS3: L1, L2, CS1, CS2, CS3, CS8
S.C. Science Standards: 2-2.1, 2.2; 3-2.1, 2.2, 2.3
Teacher
Preparation Guide
Program
Rubric
Alternative
Programs--Designed for Multi-grades and others with
special needs
Please note that these programs are designed for the student groups listed above, but can be modified to accommodate other groups as well. Student groups of 30-50 will need to be divided into three evenly sized groups. Groups with more than 50 students will use the Large Group Staging
format. Georgia and South Carolina educational standards for these programs vary based on age and group need.
Wetland Adventures
Wetlands are incredibly valuable places, but are disappearing at alarming rates. Come discover what makes a wetland and why they are worth saving.
Through hands-on activities, students will explore some of Phinizy Swamp Nature Park’s wetlands, learn about watersheds, and discover how wetlands can solve many water quality and pollution issues.
Program Rubric
Swamp Tracks
Ever wonder what lives at the swamp? River otters? Bobcats? Raccoons? Even if we rarely see animals, there is always evidence that they have been around. Students will become nature detectives, exploring different habitats for animal evidence.
Students will identify mammal characteristics and make a track book for
further identification and classification.
Program Rubric
Beaks, Feathers, and Talons, Oh My!
Join the feathered frenzy! Students will become ‘avian detectives’ as
they learn to classify birds in this fun-filled field trip. They will
explore natural habitats, using binoculars to view birds and learn about field markings.
Students will use observations and communication skills to learn more about
these avian wonders.
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric
Thanks for scheduling a field trip to Phinizy Swamp Nature Park!
