Field Trip Information

The Urban Watershed
We encourage multiple field trip bookings to fully engage your students in an exciting exploration of the urban watershed. Listed below is a series of options. Please note that most of these field trips require three hours plus a 30 minute lunch break. All Urban Watershed field trips are limited to a maximum of 40 students.

High School
One Day Option: The demands on the Savannah River are tremendous and are growing as our population increases.  Students will visit both Augusta’s Hicks Water Treatment Plant and Messerly Wastewater Treatment Plant to examine the process of how our drinking water and wastewater are treated.  Students will also explore waterborne diseases and participate in hands-on discussions involving water allocation, water demands, and how these affect the ecology of the river.
GPS: CSh1, CSh2, CSh3a, CSh3b, CSh3c, CSh3e, CSh3f, CSh4a, CSh5, CSh7, CSh8, EV2, EV4f, EV5b, EV5c, EV5e, EV5f, ES6a, B4d, EC5a, EC5b, G4e
S.C. Science Standards: B-6.5, 6.6; ES-5.1, 5.6, 5.8; ECON-1.1
Teacher Preparation Guide and Program Rubric coming soon.

Two Day Option: The first day will include an exploration of waterborne diseases and a trip to Augusta’s Hicks Water Treatment Plant. It will also include a session using topography maps to delineate a watershed as well as hands-on discussions involving water allocation demands on our rivers and how these demands affect the ecology of the river.
The second day will include a trip to Augusta’s Messerly Wastewater Treatment Plant as well as a hands-on session to conduct lab measurements used at most wastewater facilities. Students will also participate in an active exploration of land use and how the many different land uses affect the river.
GPS: CSh1, CSh2, CSh3a, CSh3b, CSh3c, CSh3e, CSh3f, CSh4a, CSh5, CSh7, CSh8, EV2, EV4f, EV5b, EV5c, EV5e, EV5f, ES3, ES6a, ES6c, B4d, EC5a, EC5b, G4c, G4e, SWG1a, SWG1c
S.C. Science Standards: B-6.4, 6.5, 6.6; ES-5.1, 5.2, 5.6, 5.8; ECON-1.1
Teacher Preparation Guide and Program Rubric coming soon.

Three Day Option: Explore the process of treating drinking water and wastewater with the first two days covering everything listed above. On the third day your students will join us in exploring why this treatment is important as they monitor the health of Butler Creek through our Stream Ecology field trip.
GPS: CSh1, CSh2, CSh3a, CSh3b, CSh3c, CSh3e, CSh3f, CSh4a, CSh5, CSh7, CSh8, EV2, EV3d, EV3e, EV4f, EV5b, EV5c, EV5d, EV5e, EV5f, ES3, ES6a, ES6c, B4, EC5a, EC5b, G4c, G4e, PS6d, C7b, SWG1a, SWG1c
S.C. Science Standards: B-1.2, 1.3, 1.9, 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6; ES-5.1, 5.2, 5.6, 5.8; PS-1.3, 1.6, 1.9, 3.8; ECON-1.1
Teacher Preparation Guide and Program Rubric coming soon.

Middle School
One Day Option: The urban watershed is placing increased demands on our Savannah River. These field trips will explore some of the demands as well as solutions.  Students will visit Augusta’s Messerly Wastewater Treatment Plant to explore the process of wastewater treatment.  Other sessions will include hands-on explorations of the urban water cycle and waterborne diseases.
GPS6: CS1, CS2, CS4b, CS5, E3a, E3b, E5i, E5j
GPS7: CS1, CS2, CS4b, CS5
GPS8: CS1, CS2, CS4b, CS5
S.C. Science Standards: 6-4.2, 7-4.5, 7-4.6
Teacher Preparation Guide and Program Rubric coming soon.

Two Day Option: The first day will include an exploration of waterborne diseases and a trip to Augusta’s Hicks Water Treatment Plant. Students will also participate in hands on explorations of the urban water cycle and an urban watershed.
The second day will include a trip to Augusta’s Messerly Wastewater Treatment Plant as well as a hands-on session exploring the Butler Creek watershed.  Students will also participate in an active exploration of land use and how the many different land uses affect the river.
GPS6: CS1, CS2, CS4b, CS5, E3a, E3b, E5i, E5j
GPS7: CS1, CS2, CS4b, CS5
GPS8: CS1, CS2, CS4b, CS5
S.C. Science Standards: 6-4.2, 7-4.5, 7-4.6, 8-3.9
Teacher Preparation Guide and Program Rubric coming soon.

Three Day Option: Explore the process of treating drinking water and wastewater with the first two days covering everything listed above. On the third day your students will join us in exploring why this treatment is important as they monitor the health of Butler Creek by completing our Butler Creek Blues field trip (see description below under middle school field trips).
GPS6: CS1, CS2, CS4b, CS5, E3a, E3b, E5i, E5j, M6P1, M6P3a, M6P3b, M6P3c, M6P4, M6M1, M6M2
GPS7: CS1, CS2, CS4b, CS5, CS7c, CS7d, L1b, L4c, L4d, M7P3a, M7P3b, M7P3c, M7P4c
GPS8: CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4b, CS4c, CS5, CS7c, CS7d, MP4c
S.C. Science Standards: 6-1.3, 6-3.1, 6-3.2, 7-4.3, 7-4.4, 7-4.5, 8-2.1
Teacher Preparation Guide and Program Rubric coming soon.

High School Programs
Please note that most programs require three hours plus a 30 minute lunch break. Field trips can be modified into an all-day format if desired. Extended field trips provide a more in-depth study opportunity. Please contact the Academy Education office for further details. Most field trips are limited to a maximum of 40 students unless otherwise posted. We encourage multiple field trip bookings to fully engage your students. Consider booking several of these field trips throughout the year. See The Urban Watershed for more options.

Stream Ecology  
Have you ever considered the health of your local stream?  Students will use a variety of ecological techniques to assess the health of Butler Creek, including biological sampling and classification of aquatic macroinvertebrates,  chemical analyses including temperature, DO, and pH, and physical data collection including bank structure and stream flow.
GPS: CSh1, CSh2, CSh3a, CSh3b, CSh3c, CSh3e, CSh3f, CSh4a, CSh5, CSh7, CSh8, PS6d, B4, C7b, EV2a, EV2d, EV3d, EV3e, EV5d, EV5e, EV5f
S.C. Science Standards: PS-1.3, 1.6, 1.9, 3.8; B-1.2, 1.3, 1.9, 6.1, 6.2, 6.5, 6.6; ES-5.2, 5.6, 5.8
Teacher Preparation Guide coming soon
Program Rubric

Wetland Ecology
Our country’s wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate. This field trip allows students to study these important habitats first-hand gaining a better understanding of their incredible value to the health of our planet. Sessions involve students in wetland delineation activities focusing on wetland plants, soils, and the hydric regime.  This is an excellent introduction to ecological issues for general ecology or biology students.
GPS: CSh1, CSh2, CSh3a, CSh3b, CSh3c, CSh7, CSh8, BO3a, BO5a, BO5c, SWG1a, SWG1c, EV2a, EV5b, EV5c, EV5d
S.C. Science Standards: ES-5.1, B-6.5, 6.6
Teacher Preparation Guide coming soon
Program Rubric

PSNPAPDOFT ! (limit 25 students)  Excellent for AP Biology!
This field trip is designed for an Advanced Placement biology or chemistry class. Students will collect water samples from both pond and stream habitats and compare dissolved oxygen levels,  pH and other measurements. This field trip is chemistry-oriented and covers the material presented in AP Biology Lab Twelve: “Dissolved Oxygen and Aquatic Primary Productivity.”
GPS: CSh1, CSh2, CSh3a, CSh3b, CSh3c, CSh3e, CSh3f, CSh4a, CSh7, CSh8, PS6d, B4d, B4f, C7b, EV3a, EV5c, EV5d
S.C. Science Standards: PS-1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 1.9, 3.8; B-1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 1.9, 6.2; C-1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 1.8, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8; P-1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 1.7, 1.9, 1.10; ES-1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 1.7, 1.9, 1.10
Teacher Preparation Guide coming soon
Program Rubric

Benthic Macroinvertebrate Lab (limit 25 students)
Macroinvertebrates are a part of every healthy stream.  Our Stream Ecology field trip includes a session on classifying invertebrates to determine stream health. This Lab will continue beyond classification as the students will learn sampling technique, experimental design, and invertebrate classification for stream health.  Excellent program for a biology class!
GPS: CSh1, CSh2, CSh3a, CSh3b, CSh3c, CSh3e, CSh3f, CSh4a, CSh7, CSh8, CSh8, B4a, B4d, B4f, EV3d, EV5c, EV5d
S.C. Science Standards: B-1.1, 1.2, 1.9, 6.1, 6.2, 6.6
Teacher Preparation Guide coming soon
Program Rubric coming soon

Middle School Programs
Please note that most programs require two and a half hours plus a 30 minute lunch unless otherwise indicated. Most field trips are limited to a maximum of 60 students unless otherwise noted. Groups larger than 40 students will include a self-guided session when volunteer help is unavailable. We encourage multiple field trip bookings to fully engage your students. Consider booking several of these field trips throughout the year. See The Urban Watershed for more options.

Butler Creek Blues Signature Field Trip!
How healthy is your local stream?  Join us for this 3 hour field trip!  Students will participate in activities that a stream ecologist might use to assess the health of streams, including sampling and identification of aquatic macroinvertebrates and other water quality assessments involving physical, biological, and chemical sampling.
GPS6: CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4b, CS4c, CS5, E5h, E5i, E5j, M6M1, M6M2, M6P3a, M6P3b, M6P3c, M6P4
GPS7: CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4b, CS4c, CS5, CS7c, CS7d, L1b, L4c, L4d, M7P3a, M7P3b, M7P3c, M7P4c
GPS8: CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4b, CS4c, CS5, CS7c, CS7d, M8P4c
S.C. Science Standards: 6-1.1, 6-1.3, 1.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4; 7-1.1, 1.7, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6; 8-1.6, 8-1.7, 8-2.1
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric

Hydro Mania
Earth’s water is in high demand. Some areas have too much while other areas seem to be drying up. The press for sustainability is on! Through hands-on sessions, students will explore a watershed and discover water quality issues affecting our local streams which supply our drinking water. Students will gain an understanding of human impact to the water cycle and water shortage issues within their own community.
GPS6: CS1, CS2, CS4b, CS5, E3a, E3b, E5i, E5j, E6b       
GPS7: CS1, CS2, CS4b, CS5, S7L4c, S7L4e
GPS8: CS1, CS2, CS4b, CS5, S8P1c, S8P1e, S8P1f            
S.C. Science Standards: 6-4.2; 7-1.1, 1.7, 4.3, 4.5, 4.6; 8-1.6, 8-1.7
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric

The Scientific Method Highly Successful Program! (limit 40 students)
Too often students start science fair projects with little knowledge of scientific investigation. This field trip will introduce the scientific method including hypothesis formation, experimental design, data collection, drawing conclusions, and project presentation. The students will actually design an experiment and collect data during the field trip. A formal project write-up will be encouraged as a follow-up assignment.
GPS6: CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4b, CS4c, CS5, CS6c, CS8, CS9, M6D1, M6P3, M6P5
GPS7: CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4b, CS4c, CS5, CS6c, CS7c, CS7d, CS8, CS9, M7D1, M7P3, M7P5
GPS8: CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4b, CS4c, CS5, CS6c, CS7c, CS7d, CS8, CS9, M8P3, M8P5
S.C. Science:  6-1, 7-1, 8-1
S.C. Math: 6-6.1, 6-6.2, 6-6.3, 7-6.2, 7-3.2, 7-3.6, 8-6.2, 8-6.1, 8-6.8
Teacher Preparation Guide and Program Rubric coming soon.

Swamp Stomp 
Our country’s wetlands have been disappearing at an alarming rate. Students will examine what makes wetlands so valuable and how they can be used to solve pollution issues in our watersheds. Students will become wetland delineators as they take a hands-on look at wetland plants, hydric soils, and wetland values.
GPS6: CS1, CS2, CS4b, CS5, S6E3a, S6E3b, S6E5h, S6E5i, S6E5j, S6E6
GPS7: CS1, CS2, CS4b, CS5, S7L1a, S7L1b, S7L4c, S7L4d, S7L4e
GPS8: CS1, CS2, CS4b, CS5, S8P1c, S8P1e, S8P1f, S8P1g
S.C. Science Standards: 6-2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, 4.2; 7-2.4, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6; 8-2.1, 2.7, 3.9
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric

Swamp Math 
Students will discover that math can be fun and is important not only for everyday life but also for scientific study. Students will collect data and formulate conclusions as they participate in population sampling, volume estimates, and basic surveying skills.  This is an active field trip with many measurements that makes math exciting!
GPS6: CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4b, CS4c, CS5, CS7c, CS7d, CS9c, E3a, E3b, E5j, M6M1, M6A1, M6A2a, M6A2b, M6D1, M6D2a, M6D2b, M6D2c, M6P1a, M6P1c, M6P3, M6P4c, M6P5c
GPS7: CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4b, CS4c, CS5, CS9c, L4c, L4d, L4e, M7A3b, M7A3c, M7D1, M7P1a, M7P1c, M7P3, M7P4c, M7P5c
GPS8: CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4b, CS4c, CS5, CS9c, P1e, M8D3a, M8D4a, M8P1a, M8P1c, M8P3, M8P4c, M8P5c
S.C. Science: 6-2.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.7; 7-4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6; 8-2.1, 2.7, 3.9
S.C. Math: 6-1.1, 1.6, 1.7, 5.4, 5.7, 6-6; 7-1.1, 1.6, 1.7, 2.1, 3.6, 3.7, 5.1, 6.1, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7; 8-1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 2.7, 6.3, 6.5, 6.6
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric

Phinizy Down Under
Do you dig soils? This field trip is designed for the true Earth Scientist! Students will get their hands dirty as they learn how to classify soil by texture, perform experiments to determine soil permeability rates, and explore soil hydrology.
GPS6: CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4b, E5, M6P4,  M6D1, M6M1, M6M2, M6P1, M6P5
GPS7: CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4b, L1, M7P4, M7D1, M7P1, M7P5
GPS8: CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4b, M7P1, M7P4, M7P5
S.C. Science Standards: 6-1.1, 1.3, 1.5; 7-1.1, 1.4, 1.7, 4.4;
8-1.2, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric

Fourth and Fifth Grade Programs
Please allow a minimum of two hours for all field trips
Field trips are limited to a maximum of 60 students. Groups larger than 40 students will include a self guided session when volunteer help is unavailable.

The Waterdance Highly Recommended!  
The Earth is known as The Water Planet and though water seems to be everywhere it is actually limited in supply, making it a precious resource. Through a series of hands-on activities, students will examine the Water Cycle and how water moves.  Students will also explore a watershed and discover that mankind’s activities and demand for water has created water quality issues.
GPS4: CS1, CS3b, CS3d, CS7, CS8, E3a, E3b, E3d, E3e
GPS5: CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS8, E1b, E1c, P2b
S.C. Science Standards: 4-4.1; 5-1.4, 2.3, 3.1, 3.6
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric

WOW! Wetlands! 
Wetlands are important! Students will head to the field to explore what wetlands are and why they are so valuable. They will get their hands dirty investigating wetland soils, wetland plants, and examining the relationship between wetland organisms and their environment. Students will also form a community council to solve water quality issues affecting a local watershed.
GPS4: CS4, CS7, CS8, L1, L2
GPS5: CS4a, CS4b, CS7, CS8, L1, L4a, E1b, E1c
S.C. Science Standards: 4-1.2, 1.7, 4-2; 5-1.4, 1.8, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.6
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric

Bug Mania  Revised Program!
From bacteria and viruses to insects and other arthropods, “bugs” rule the Earth! Students will explore the world of bugs through hands-on activities. Sessions include a look at classification from spiders, insects, and other arthropods to microorganisms, using aquatic macroinvertebrates to determine stream health, as well as exploring water borne diseases and important microorganisms.  This field trip will leave students bug-eyed in amazement over the adaptability of Earth’s smaller inhabitants!
GPS4: CS1, CS3d, CS7, CS8
GPS5: CS1, CS3d, CS4, CS7, CS8, L1, L3a, L4
S.C. Science Standards: 4-1.2, 2.1, 2.5, 2.6; 5-1.4, 2.4, 2.5
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric

Second and Third Grade Programs
Please allow a minimum of two hours for all field trips
Field trips are limited to a maximum of 60 students. Groups larger than 40 students will include a self guided session when volunteer help is unavailable.

Splish Splash Highly Recommended!
Water is essential for life and although there is plenty of water on Earth, very little of it is available for drinking. Through hands-on activities students will explore a healthy water habitat, the water cycle, water conservation, and the impact that our urban areas have on a healthy water supply .
GPS2: CS1, CS2, CS3a, CS5a, CS6, CS7, M2M3
GPS3: CS1, CS2c, CS3c, CS5c, CS7, CS8
S.C. Science Standards: 2-1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 3.2, 4.2; 3-1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 4.2
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric

Wonderful Wetlands New Program!
Wetlands are extremely valuable places and an excellent study for students discovering the world of habitats. Through active exploration, students will discover how animals and plants have adapted to live in these wet habitats. They will also compare different wet habitats and look for clues that indicate a change to a wetland habitat.  Come and experience the magical world of a swamp!
GPS2: CS1, CS2, CS5a, CS6, CS7, E3
GPS3: E1c, E1d, L1, L2
S.C. Science Standards: 2-1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 3-2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.5
Teacher Preparation Guide
Program Rubric coming soon.

Meter Reader  New Program!
Ever wonder how much water you use in a day? You would be surprised!  Through hands-on activities student will use math and water meters to calculate water usage, explore water bills, and determine the cost of a leaky faucet. Students will also explore waterborne disease and demonstrate some of the processes involved in producing potable water.
GPS2: CS1, CS2, CS3a, CS5a, CS6, CS7a, CS7b, CS7c, M2N1c, M2N2, M2N3a, M2N3b, M2N5, M2M1, M2P1, M2P3, M2P4, M2P5
GPS3: CS1, CS2, CS3c, CS5c, CS7, CS8, M3N2, M3N3a, M3N3b, M3N3d, M3N3f, M3N3g, M3N5a, M3M2c, M3M2d, M3P1, M3P3, M3P4, M3P5
S.C. Science Standards: 2-1; 3-1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8
S.C. Math Standards: 2-2.4, 2.5, 3.4, 3.5, 5.1, 5.3, 5.9
Teacher Preparation Guide and Program Rubric coming soon.