Earth, space and STEM topics come to life during New York field trips
New York, one of the largest states in the US, is home to many educational opportunities. From the hustle and bustle of New York City to the unique landscape and environment of Central New York, the Empire State offers students the opportunity to explore its rich history, science, culture, art, and STEM fields. Wherever you wander, New York has an incredible learning journey that’s perfect for your students.
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Museum of the Earth (Ithaca)
At the Museum of the Earth, interactive exhibits let students explore the globe in engaging lessons. Photo credit: Museum of the Earth Facebook
At the Paleontological Research Institute, located in Ithaca, explore the Museum of the Earth, where students have the opportunity to engage in an interactive adventure exploring various aspects of the Earth and science. With exhibits focusing on landscape, including geology and history, as well as various dinosaur exhibits, every corner holds a surprise. At the Coral Reef Aquaria, visitors can explore multiple tanks and underwater habitats, learning about the diverse types of coral reefs found in regions such as the Indo-Pacific and the Caribbean. Students can apply their knowledge of biology and chemistry to develop a deeper understanding of various reefs and the conditions they require for survival. Travel through time and experience fossils of extinct species from diverse environments spanning the ages in the “A Journey Through Time” exhibit, which reveals the evolution of life since the dawn of time, showing how Earth came to be what it is today.
Museum of the City of New York (New York City)
In the heart of the Big Apple, the Museum of the City of New York offers students an engaging opportunity to learn about the culture of one of the world’s most famous cities. With activities catered to different age groups, this museum provides students with hands-on exploration of diverse aspects of art, culture and history of New York City. Elementary students can get up and hit the dance floor to groove, stomp, and spin their hearts out through the “Let’s Move! Building Community Through Dance” workshop, where they learn to express themselves through the art form. Older students bring their sketchpads and explore “The Creative Expressions: Skill Building” workshop, where displays of art, paintings and photography demonstrate how artists express their experiences of life in the city. This exhibit enables students to apply their observational and critical thinking skills to gain a deeper understanding of NYC from various perspectives.
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (Saratoga)
Five Rivers makes maple syrup and invites groups to witness the process during maple season. Photo credit: Friends of Five Rivers Facebook
Escape the classroom and take learning outside at the Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in beautiful Saratoga. Situated on 450 acres of fields, forests and wetlands, this field trip destination introduces visitors to the importance of protecting and becoming active members of the environment. Through guided lessons, students participate in hands-on workshops that teach them about the adaptations and cycles plants and wildlife experience throughout the seasons. With summer and fall lessons entirely held outdoors, students can observe the diverse wildlife of New York State firsthand and practice their skills in environmental activities. Explore nature and diverse habitats on a group trek along multiple hiking trails, including the New York State Birding Trail, where students can discover a wide range of bird species.
KOPERNIK Observatory & Science Center (Vestel)
Located in Vestal, near Binghamton, students can explore their passions for Earth science and astronomy at the KOPERNIK Observatory & Science Center. This destination offers students programs and grade-specific thematic experiences that examine various areas of STEM studies. The KOPERNIK Digital Planetarium enables students of all ages to explore the universe and deepen their knowledge of astronomy through a digital dome experience, offering a 3D space exploration. Groups can become inventors and utilize problem-solving skills to develop ways to make life attainable on Earth, Mars, and other space worlds with the Mars Lunar Habitat experience. The Air Rockets program teaches students how to build their own rockets and provides them with the opportunity to launch their projects. Students use their observational skills to determine if their designs were effective and are encouraged to rebuild their rockets for a second launch.
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Header image: Museum of the Earth showcases fascinating science exhibits. Photo credit: Museum of the Earth Facebook
