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Environmental Education Programs                                            

Environmental Education programs at Adkins Arboretum are truly “field studies” and are customarily held outdoors. The programs are interdisciplinary with a strong focus on science and environmental studies. Each outdoor activity provides students the opportunity to apply their classroom-learned skills in a real-world context. Students connect with the natural world through investigation and exploration of the local environment. All programs are aligned with Maryland Content Standards (MCS).

During a given program students: Work in small groups or teams Are encouraged through the use of their senses to make scientific observations Develop math, science, social studies and reading skills Learn about the scientific method using analysis and experimentation Evaluate their findings to spot trends and make conclusions,and identify potential solutions to environmental issues

Activities at Adkins Arboretum meet specific academic standards of learning. During most courses, students will:

1. Access and process information from investigations (MCS 1.1.1).
2. Ask questions that can be answered through a scientific investigation (MCS 1.1.2).
3. Use observations and select appropriate scientific information to form predictions and hypotheses (MCS 1.1.3).
4. Recognize well-designed procedures that identify important variables within an investigation (MCS 1.1.4).
5. Use metric units when measuring or collecting data (MCS 1.1.5).
6. Use appropriate instruments to collect, organize, and display data (drawings and graphs) (MCS 1.1.6).
7. Analyze data, identify trends, and provide supporting evidence to form conclusions (MCS 1.1.7; 1.2.3).
8. Identify and classify objects, materials and concepts (MCS 1.2.1; 1.2.2)
9. Apply scientific concepts to understand a new situation, make decisions and devise a plan to solve a local problem (MCS 1.3.1; 1.3.2; 1.3.3).
10. Practice using models, and explain that changes in models simulate how real objects act when those same changes are applied (MCS 1.4.1)

Pre- and Post-Trip Activities for the classroom will be provided upon registering for your field trip. The Arboretum strives to provide a lasting and meaningful experience for each student, believing that what is experienced on site is greatly enhanced by the classroom activities done to prepare for and reflect on their visit.

Don't see what you are looking for? The Education staff at Adkins Arboretum welcomes your comments and suggestions about program offerings. If you do not see what you are looking for, and feel that we can help you, please call us and let us know your ideas. We may be able to custom design a program for you. Contact Coreen Weilminster at 410-634-2847, extension “30” or email her at .

How to make a reservation and plan for your field trip...