Outdoor Discovery Field Trips
The Outdoor Discovery programs at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve have these hallmarks:
- Small Groups Sizes
We provide leader a leader for every 8 to 12 students, depending on program and age level. - Discovery Learning
We encourage the students to observe nature to develop questions and answers about what they find. This gives every child a chance to experience for themselves.
A Typical Hike
We begin each hike with a short introduction to introduce the program's theme. Then we "hit the trails" to participate in fun activities and make observations and discoveries relating to the theme. Wrap-up activities complete the adventure by reviewing the theme and the discoveries that relate to it. Programs run in all weather, since nature is active under all conditions.
Program Descriptions
PRE-K: Touch, Look, Listen
Children have their eyes, ears and fingers awakened to the colors, sounds and textures we adults tend to take for granted. Tree bark, insect wings and bird songs will provide a feast for the senses as the children explore the living and non-living things at Beechwood. 90 minutes. 60-student capacity.
K-2: Seasonal Discovery
Does the speed of crickets chirping REALLY tell the temperature? Each season brings new natural features into focus. As we discover who is out and about, who is sleeping underground and what food and shelter is to be found, we make connections between the weather and wildlife, which open students' eyes for a lifetime. Fall, Winter and Spring versions. 2 hours, 72-student capacity.
GRADES 1-2: Home Sweet Home
Does every animal need a home, and how do animals get the homes if they are needed? We look for homes of the many animals that live in Beechwood's meadows, forests and pond, and ask if the residents are "nomads" or home "makers" or "finders". 2 hours, 72-student capacity.
GRADES 3-4: Habitat
All wildlife needs basic resources in habitats. We discuss what a habitat must provide, and look for signs of the residents of Beechwood's fields, forests and pond. Food chains, camouflage and carrying capacity are some of the concepts explored. 2 or 4 hours, 72-student capacity. The 4-hour format adds a lunch break, large group simulation and time to explore the pond with dip nets.
GRADES 5-6: Community
In natural communities, everybody has a special "niche." After identifying the different niches in a food web, we explore Beechwood's fields, forests and pond to survey the producers, herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, decomposers and scavengers, and understand their relationships. 2 or 4 hours, 72-student capacity. The 4-hour format adds a lunch break, large group simulation and time to explore the pond with dip nets.
GRADES 7-12: Biodiversity University
Our reserve becomes your outdoor science and math laboratory as students discover the fascinating adaptations and interactions among Pennsylvania's varied life forms. Visiting forest, field and pond, you and your students will bring biodiversity to life by caculating biodiversity and water quality indexes and surveying and tracking species population changes.2-hour (2 module) 4 hour (3 module) formats, 72 student capacity.
GRADES 4-12: A Drop in the Bucket - Watershed Study
Landscape features, chemistry, biology and human activity all have a direct impact on the life in a stream or pond. Utilizing water chemistry tests, topographic maps and biotic inventories at Beechwood's pond and stream provides students with an in-depth appreciation of aquatic ecosystems. 2 or 4 hour formats; 72-student capacity.
GRADES 7-12: Whose Land is it Anyway
Engage your students in hands-on analysis of two of their region's most pervasive environmental issues: the effects of habitat degradation on wildlife and the tension between land development and the preservation of natural resources. Through rolepay, your students will invsstigate the environmental, social and economic impacts of a mock development slated for a local parcel of land. Students will participate in an environmental assessment of the site and a mock public hearing where they will debate the pros and cons of the proposal based on their findings and roleplayed points of view. This exciting 3-session program consists of a classroom introduction, a field trip to the study area, and the mock public forum, all tailored to fit your needs and capabilities. 3 sessions/8 hours total.
GRADES K-12: Predator and Prey
Combines our live Birds of Prey program with an outdoor immersion into the predator and prey relationships of western Pennsylvania. Half outside, half inside. Indoors, your students will meet ASWP's live birds of prey to discover the characteristics that local predators such as hawks, foxes and even shrews share in their struggles for survival. Outside, your students will explore Beechwood from the perspectives of predators and prey as they search for signs of animal activity. Great for a Winter visit!2 hours, 150 Student Maximum
GRADES K-6: Winter Seasonal Discovery
Follow tracks and other clues to winter animal activity. Sound cold? Don't worry--this program takes place approximately half outside and half inside, depending on the weather. December to February. 2 hours. Add the Birds of Prey Combo for a full four-hour day.
ALL GRADES: Maple Sugaring
MARCH ONLY. Experience the thrill of turning sap into sugar during this integrated science and history program! Your naturalist will guide you on a walk through time to discover how Native Americans and pioneers made, transported and used maple syrups and sugars. Learn how the Industrial Revolution changed the maple sugaring process and investigate how modern industries have evolved to keep up with consumer demand. Along the trails, you’ll discover how to identify maple trees and explore the natural history and habitat of these useful woody plants. This program blends American history, botany, chemistry and even a touch of physics into a single hands-on experience. Elementary students will delight in manipulating past and present sugaring equipment. Secondary students will explore our modern evaporator and perform scientific tests on Beechwood’s maple syrup. All this, and it tastes great too! 90 mins for Kindergarten, 2 hours for others. Add our Birds of Prey Combo for a full four hour day.
Birds of Prey Combo
Combine a 90-minute indoor Birds of Prey program with any 2-hour (or less) Outdoor Discovery program. Available for any group size, but great for larger groups--doubles all capacities to a maximum total of 150 students at time! Half your group will enjoy our Birds of Prey in a large group setting while the other half participates in our signature student/leader ration of 1 to 12 on the hike. After lunch, we switch. 4 hours total, 150-student capacity (But remember our Birds of Prey can come to you!)
Program Fee Schedule
| Duration | Fee per Child (Mar to Nov 15) |
Fee per Child (Nov 15 to Feb) |
Minimum Fee |
| 90 min. | $6.00 | * | $75.00 |
| 2 hrs. | $7.00 | * | $85.00 |
| 4 hrs. | $9.50 | * | $120.00 |
| Birds of Prey/Hike Combo | $9.50 | * | $120.00 |
| 8 hrs. | $20.00 | * | $400.00 |
* Programs scheduled between November 15 and February 28 are eligible for special discounts. Contact us for details.
Scholarships
Don't let the fees keep you from taking advantage of our programs. We often have scholarship funds available, or can assist you in finding other sources. Contact us for more information.
Scheduling a Program
Programs are available between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. throughout the year. School Year Reservations taken starting August 1; Summer Reservations (for day camps, dare cares, etc.) starting April 1. Call 412-963-6100 to schedule.
Teacher Loan Resources
Prepare your students for your walk or help them extend on what they experienced with Natureworks. Natureworks is a box of resources complementing the theme of the hike you have chosen. Inside you will find lesson plans, props and other teaching materials. Natureworks are available with Home Sweet Home, Habitat and Community walks. Natureworks are free with a program reservation and are available for up to a two-week period. For other walks as well, we can provide you with lessons plans and background information. We also have an excellent Teacher Resource Center containing environmental educational books, curricula and videos.
Alignment to Pennsylvania Standards
All of our school programs address age appropriate Pennsylvania Department of Education Academic Standards for Environment and Ecology as well as Science and Technology. Tables of alignment for select programs can be viewed here in PDF format.