In-Class and Field Trip Resources

Listed below you will find field trip options and other community resources available to teachers. Can you recommend a resource not listed here? We want to expand this list not only in science, but also into other subject areas. Please send your ideas and feedback to pbutler@osd.wednet.edu.

In-Class Presentations / Curriculum Support

• Are you Bugged by Bugs? Thurston County Lending Tub
  Includes a lady bug craft, puppet show, video, stories and songs.
  Level: Kindergarten, Grade 2 FOSS Insects Kit
• A River Runs Through It
  A Thurston County Storm and Surface Water interactive classroom presentation. Learn how land use practices affect salmon.
  Level: Grades 4 and above
• Hands On Children's Museum
  Classroom presentations are available at $90/1 hour class and minimum of 4 classes. Auditorium presentations are also available.
  Level: Elementary
• Learning Landscapes
  Plant a garden at your school. Teacher training and curriculum provided.
  Level: Elementary
• LOTT WET Science Center
  
• RRR U Ready? Learn about waste reduction, recycling, and composting in a 1-hour presentation by City of Olympia Waste ReSources staff. Follow up with a field trip in the spring.  Level: Grade 3
• School Waste AssessmentThe City of Olympia can do a waste assessment for your school, help set up organics collection and provide recycling options. All grades
• The Teaching Toymaker
  Hands-on activities aligned with FOSS kits and EALRs for classrooms or schools. Visit their website for fee structure.
  Level: Elementary
• Worms Recycle Natururally Learn about the importance of worms in the environment in a presentation by Thurston County staff.  Level: Elementary

Field Trip Options

• GRuB
  Programs will connect your students with local food systems and teach them about the basics of farming. $3 per student is requested. You must provide your own transportation.
  Level: Elementary
• Hands On Children's Museum
  Two hours of fun and learning. Add workshops aligned with FOSS science kits. The cost is $4 per child for September-December, $5 per child for January-February and $6 per child March-June. You must provide your own transportation.
  Level: Elementary
• Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail
  Teacher packet is provided for this self-guided walk to view salmon in November each year. No reservations before September. You must provide your own transportation.
  Level: All Grades
• LOTT
  Learn how the wastewater treatment system works to protect the environment and public health. In addition, learn how LOTT produces Class A Reclaimed Water, a new, sustainable resource for our communities. You must provide your own transportation.
• McAllister Springs Field Trip
  See water bubble up from the ground and learn how it gets to our homes. The 45 to 60 minute tours are free. City of Olympia has limited funds for bus transportation.
  Level: All Grades
• Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
  Trails through fresh and saltwater marshes, grassland, and riparian woodland. Curriculum is provided to teachers attending the workshop. Reservation is required for fee waiver. You must provide your own transportation.
  Level: All Grades
• Nisqually Reach Nature Center
  Located at Luhr Beach. Outdoor programs related to the estuary and beach, plus indoor displays and activities. Approximate cost is $30 per class. You must provide your own transportation.
  Level: All Grades
• OLYWAter Schools Program
  In-class presentation, field trip and action project to learn about the environment and local water resources. Complements Water and Landforms FOSS kits. The cost is free.
  Level: Grades 4 and 5
• Port Blakely Tree Farm
  Guided tour of a managed forest that is also home to hundreds of plants and animals. The cost is free.
  Level: Grade 4
• RRR U Ready?
  Learn about waste reduction, recycling, and composting in a 1-hour presentation by City of Olympia Waste ReSources staff. Follow up with a field trip in the spring.  Level: Grade 3
• South Sound GREEN
  Participate in Water Quality Monitoring Days and other programs to evaluate the health of watersheds. You must provide your own transportation. Also visit Thurston Conservation District website for information.
  Level: Grades 4 and above