Ready to get connected with nature? We offer a variety of field trip options designed to support the educational goals of Montgomery County Public Schools. Discover our K-12 programs and find the perfect fit for your students. *All group programs are available in Spanish upon request.
*Submit a field trip request for the 2025-2026 school year: Field Trip Request Form.
Discovering Wildlife
Exploring Habitats
What do all plants and animals have in common? They need food, water, shelter, and space to survive! In this program, students will investigate the four elements of a healthy habitat. We’ll also get our hands dirty by exploring several outdoor habitats and looking for signs of the animals that live there.
Grade Level: Preschool – 2nd
Meets the following NGSS Performance Expectations:
K: ESS3-1, LS1-1
1st Grade: LS1-1
2nd Grade: LS4-1
Raptors In Our Neighborhood
What makes a raptor different from other birds? How did they become the masters of the sky we see today? In this program, students will explore the world of these successful hunters, learning about their incredible senses, hunting strategies, and the impact of human activity on their survival. The program includes engaging activities and is weather-dependent. Raptors will be viewed from our Raptor Deck, and students will not interact with the birds.
Grade Level: K – 5th
Meets the following NGSS Performance Expectations:
3rd Grade: LS3-1, LS4-4
4th Grade: LS1-1, LS1-2, ESS2-1
5th Grade: ESS3-1
Physical Science
Meets the following NGSS Performance Expectations:
K: ESS3-1
Weather and Climate
It’s Getting Hot Out There
Cities are getting hotter, but why? In this program, students will investigate the urban heat island effect and its impacts on urban people and wildlife. Using infrared thermometers for a hands-on experience, we’ll measure how surfaces like asphalt and concrete influence temperature. We’ll also tackle questions like, “Can green spaces cool a city?” and explore other solutions for your local community. *This program can be conducted at your school or the nature center; travel fee of $50 may apply*
Grade Level: 7th – 9th
Meets the following NGSS Performance Expectations:
MS: ESS2-5, ESS2-6, ESS3-3, ESS3-4, ESS3-5
HS: ESS2-2, ESS2-4, ESS3-3, ESS3-4, ESS3-5, ESS3-6
Registration Information
What is the cost?
$7 per student for an hour-long program. Some programs have a supplemental materials and/or activity fee.
To support Montgomery County Schools in meeting the Maryland Environmental Literacy Graduation Requirement, our listed field trips for all K-12 Montgomery County students are FREE! Supplemental materials and/or activity fee may still apply.
- Program requests are accepted up to a year in advance.
- Have several program dates and times in mind when making a reservation in case your first choice is unavailable.
- Programs are available on most Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- The program starts at 10:30 am and concludes at 11:30 am. Each field trip features an outdoor component.
Tips for a Successful Trip
- We suggest a 5:1 student-to-adult chaperone ratio.
- Chaperones are responsible for supervision and appropriate behavior of all students in their group.
- Please be prompt! Late arrivals will result in shortened programs.
- Dress appropriately for your program. We suggest outdoor clothing and appropriate shoes for hiking.
- Do you have lunch plans? We do not allow food or drink inside the nature center. Ask about our first-come, first-served picnic pavilion.
Reservations
Call Meadowside Nature Center at 301-258-4030 Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.