Students investigate the important roles insects play and the benefits they provide humanity and ecosystems through three engaging hands-on outdoor explorations. Students are provided the opportunity to observe and study insects by using authentic tools in science, be apprentice entomologists, and learn about the need to protect insects and their environment.
Field trip activities
- Students conduct field studies in three habitats (prairie, woodland, and wetland) using simple scientific tools to take and to record data and then communicate their findings.
- Pollinators on the Prairie: Students sweep for insects and identify and classify what they find that distinguishes insects from non-insects.
- Life in a Log: Students investigate life in and under a log and view the roles insects play as decomposers.
- Waders in the Water: Students observe insects from Fermilab ponds to assess the quality of the wetland by what critters are present in the water.
Field trip details
- Teachers can bring students to Fermilab for free field trips!
- Field trips must be scheduled at least four weeks in advance.
- Group size: Minimum of 10 students within the same grade level, maximum of 80
- If your group exceeds the capacity for a given field trip, you may plan multiple visits to accommodate everyone.
- Program length: 2 hours
- Please have students dress for the weather and activities. We require closed toe shoes and strongly recommend long pants.
- Chaperones: One adult chaperone (instructor or responsible adult) is required for every five students. Field trips are not permitted for groups that arrive without the minimum number of required chaperones.
- Teachers, aides, chaperones, and any participants 18 years of age and older MUST have a REAL ID-compliant document, such as a passport or enhanced driver’s license, to enter Fermilab. More information about accepted documents is linked here.
- Groups may arrange to eat lunch at the picnic tables outside of Lederman Science Center during the field trip.
Standards alignment
- LS1.A: Structure and Function
- LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms
- LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
- LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans
- ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems
Field trip essentials
To fully prepare your students for a physical science or life science visit, you must participate in either a two-hour training session or a summer teacher workshop. These will give you all the information and resources to implement engaging preparatory activities in the classroom that introduce the essential concepts, content, and logistics of the field trip. Your participation will allow your students to learn more about the research and ecology of Fermilab and to better appreciate their on-site experience.
Click here to learn more about the required field trip essentials and to register for future sessions.
Details
Dates
Scheduled as requestedGrades
1-2 Request a field tripContact Information
Education office registrar at edreg@fnal.gov or 630-840-8258
Additional Details
Don’t miss the corresponding Teacher Workshop.