Field Education

Meet Liza Esser! As Field Education Coordinator, Liza's job is exactly that—to plan and assist with field trips that directly tie into curriculum and classroom learning.

As part of their contact forces science unit, Eighth Graders try the sport of curling. From sliding stones to sweeping ice, students explore the physics of friction, force, and motion firsthand. Students have a blast sliding the rocks at the “house” (the scoring zone in curling), and make curricular connections while they play. This unique blend of science and sport brings concepts explored in the classroom to life in a meaningful way.

Have you made your shopping run this week? Fourth Grade has! Students perused the aisles of a nearby wholesale warehouse, applying their multiplication skills to a true real-world experience: a trip to Costco.

Fifth Graders teamed up with Eco City Farms and Community Native Planting Project to plant over 150 native plants at Eco City's Edmonston site. Students are exploring the question, "How does a community care for its environment?"

Third Graders used maps and compasses to explore Roosevelt Island as part of their study of navigation. Each team took a different route to find the statue of Theodore Roosevelt!

Have you ever tried the "Monty Hall" problem? Seventh Graders examined the three-door game show dilemma and other games of chance in a workshop on statistics at the Maryland Science Center. Don't understand why you should always switch your guess? Ask a Seventh Grader!

How can a community prevent flooding through landscape design? Third Graders had a thought-provoking visit to the American Society of Landscape Architects as part of their studies of watersheds in science and communities in social studies. They visited the building's green roof and met with landscape architects, Lisa and Keith, who taught us how landscaping can help mitigate flooding and help create healthier environments. 

Seventh and Eighth Grade students in the Murals art elective visited the Hirshhorn Museum to explore the exhibit, "OSGEMEOS: Endless Story." This collection of works by brothers Gustavo and Octavio Pandolfo inspired students' own murals, which they created as their culminating project for the class.

Eighth Graders stepped back in time at the Baltimore Museum of Industry to learn about the early 20th century garment industry as part of their study of American history and the Industrial Revolution.

First Grade science students study Balance and Motion. What better place to explore these ideas than at the Gymnastics Center at PG Sports and Learning Complex!

As part of their study of rocks and minerals, Fourth Graders visit a quarry in Rockville, Maryland. Field education gives students the opportunity to connect what they are learning in the classroom to authentic experiences in the larger world. 

Our Early Childhood program follows an emergent curriculum, where children’s natural curiosity leads the way. Teachers observe students’ interests and design meaningful projects that grow from their questions and discoveries. One year, Early Childhood students got a behind-the-scenes tour of our neighborhood grocery store as part of their study of food systems.

Seventh Graders brought their early American history Social Studies unit to life with a day trip to Philadelphia. They explored the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the National Constitution Center, and Independence Hall—immersing themselves in the places where history was made. And, of course, no Philly trip is complete without a stop at the iconic Rocky Statue!

Early Childhood explored shapes and colors by examining art at The Kreeger Museum. Inspired by the work of artist Josef Albers, they created their own "Homage to the Square."

As part of their study of Capitol Hill, Second Graders visited the Eastern Market Metro Station, Hill’s Kitchen, Eastern Market, local restaurants, and more.

Taking a Stand, Making a Change. Eighth Graders participated in an engaging workshop at the Phillips Collection to learn how art can serve as a platform for advocacy and activism.

Second Grade’s study of Native American cultures culminates in a presentation of learning and a puppet show for their families. Field Education was an important component of this unit, with trips to:

• Sultana Education Foundation
• Ellanor C Lawrence Park 
• Oregon Ridge Nature Center
• Ancestral Knowledge
• National Museum of the American Indian

Third Graders spend the year studying communities. They learn from experts at places such as Union Market, the American Society of Landscape Architects, Takoma Village Cohousing, Kingstowne HOA, and Blueberry Hill Cohousing to find out how communities make decisions and work together. Their culminating project is creating their own model community, which they share with families at a presentation of learning.