Field Trips

North Carolina state parks staff proudly offer numerous memorable field trip experiences for students and teachers. Explore science, history, social studies, and math through sampling stream life or climbing a mountain.

Field Trip Programs

Tab/Accordion Items

Who doesn't love owls? These nocturnal predators are important indicators of environmental health, and several species live in the Sandhills and at Weymouth Woods! Students will learn about owl vocalizations, adaptations, and behavior, and will have the opportunity to see and touch mounted owl specimens.
 

Additional Information

Grades K to 6
Length 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
Class Size Minimum of 8
Maximum of 30
Larger groups can be accommodated by rotating activities.
Times Available Weekdays, year-round (weather dependent)
Required Dress Weather-appropriate clothing
All students are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes for walking.
Scheduling At least 3 weeks in advance

 

Correlations

K.P.1 Science – Physical Science – Forces and Motion Understand the positions and motions of objects and organisms observed in the environment.
K.L.1 Science – Living Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Compare characteristics of animals that make them alike and different from other animals and nonliving things.
K.G.2 Social Studies – Geography Understand interactions between humans and the environment.
1.L.1 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand characteristics of various environments and behaviors of humans that enable plants and animals to survive.
1.L.2 Science – Life Science – Molecular Biology Summarize the needs of living organisms for energy and growth.
2.L.1 Science – Life Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Understand animal life cycles.
2.L.2 Science – Life Science – Evolution and Genetics Remember that organisms differ from or are similar to their parents based on the characteristics of the organism.
2.G.2 Social Studies – Geography Understand how interaction between humans and the physical environment is impacted by movement and settlement.
RI.4.7 English Language Arts – Reading – Reading Standards for Informational Text – Integration of Ideas and Analysis Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears.
4.L.1 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand the effects of environmental changes, adaptations and behaviors that enable animals (including humans) to survive in changing habitats.
5.L.1 Science – Life Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Understand how structures and systems of organisms (to include the human body) perform functions necessary for life.
5.L.2 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand the interdependence of plants and animals with their ecosystem.
5.L.3 Science – Life Science – Evolution and Genetics Understand why organisms differ from or are similar to their parents based on the characteristics of the organism.
6.L.2 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand the flow of energy through ecosystems and the responses of populations to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.
6.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand the geographical factors that influence human migration and settlement.

 

We have always been told that forest fires are bad, but in the longleaf pine forest, regular fire is the most important thing for the health of the ecosystem. Students will learn about the adaptations of living things that allows them to survive the passage of regular fire, and the tools and techniques park rangers use to replicate a regular fire regime.
 

Additional Information

Grades 4 to 12
Length 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
Class Size Minimum of 8
Maximum of 30
Larger groups can be accommodated by rotating activities.
Times Available Weekdays, year-round (weather dependent)
Required Dress Weather-appropriate clothing
All students are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes for walking.
Scheduling At least 3 weeks in advance

 

Correlations

4.L.1 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand the effects of environmental changes, adaptations and behaviors that enable animals (including humans) to survive in changing habitats.
4.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand the role geography has played in the development of North Carolina.
5.L.1 Science – Life Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Understand how structures and systems of organisms (to include the human body) perform functions necessary for life.
5.L.2 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand the interdependence of plants and animals with their ecosystem.
6.E.2 Science – Earth Science – Earth Systems, Structures and Processes Understand the structure of the earth and how interactions of constructive and destructive forces have resulted in changes in the surface of the Earth over time and the effects of the lithosphere on humans.
6.L.1 Sciences – Life Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Understand the structures, processes and behaviors of plants that enable them to survive and reproduce.
6.L.2 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand the flow of energy through ecosystems and the responses of populations to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.
6.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand the geographical factors that influence human migration and settlement.
7.L.1 Science – Life Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Understand the processes, structures and functions of living organisms that enable them to survive, reproduce and carry out the basic functions of life.
7.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand ways in which geographical factors influence societies.
8.L.3 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand how organisms interact with and respond to the biotic and abiotic components of their environment.
8.L.4 Science – Life Science – Evolution and Genetics Understand the evolution of organisms and landforms based on evidence, theories and processes that impact the Earth over time.
8.B.1 Social Studies – Behavioral Sciences Analyze the impact of group behavior on the development of North Carolina and the nation.
8.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand geographical factors that influence the development of North Carolina and the nation.
Bio.2.1 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Analyze the interdependent relationships of living organisms within their environments.
Bio.2.2 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand the impact of human activities on the environment (one generation affects the next).

 

The longleaf pine barren ecosystem is not only unique to the southeastern United States, but it played an important role in the history of North Carolina. Students will join a park ranger as we learn about longleaf pines and what makes Weymouth Woods so special, including the amazing adaptations of the animals and plants there, and the importance of fire in maintaining this forest.
 

Additional Information

Grades K to 12
Length 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
Class Size Minimum of 8
Maximum of 30
Larger groups can be accommodated by rotating activities.
Times Available Weekdays, year-round (weather dependent)
Required Dress Weather-appropriate clothing
All students are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes for walking.
Scheduling At least 3 weeks in advance

 

Correlations

K.P.1 Science – Physical Science –  Forces and Motion Understand the positions and motions of objects and organisms observed in the environment.
K.L.1 Science – Life Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Compare characteristics of animals that make them alike and different from other animals and nonliving things.
K.G.2 Social Studies – Geography Understand interactions between humans and the environment.
W.1.5 English Language Arts – Writing – Research Participate in shared research and writing projects.
NC.1.MD.1 Mathematics – Measurement and Data Measure lengths:
Measure lengths with non-standard units:
  • Express the length of an object as a whole number of non-standard length units.
  • Measure by laying multiple copies of a shorter object (the length unit) end to end (iterating) with no gaps or overlaps.
1.L.1 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand characteristics of various environments and behaviors of humans that enable plants and animals to survive.
1.L.2 Science – Life Science – Molecular Biology Summarize the needs of living organisms for energy and growth.
1.G.2 Social Studies – Geography Understand interactions between humans and the environment in different places and regions around the world.
NC.2.MD.1 Mathematics – Measurement and Data Measure and estimate lengths:
Measure the length of an object in standard units by selection and using appropriate tools such as rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, and measure tapes.
NC.2.MD.3 Mathematics – Measurement and Data Measure and estimate lengths:
Estimate lengths in using standard units of inches, feet, yards, centimeters, and meters.
2.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand how interaction between humans and the physical environment is impacted by movement and settlement.
RI.3.7 English Language Arts – Reading Standards for Informational Text – Integration of Ideas and Analysis Use information gained from illustrations and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text.
W.3.5 English Language Arts – Writing – Research Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.
NC.3.MD.2 Mathematics – Measurement and Data Solve problems involving measurement:
Solve problems involving customary measurement.
  • Estimate and measure lengths in customary units to the quarter-inch and half-inch, and feet and yards to the whole unit.
  • Estimate and measure capacity and weight in customary units to a whole number: cups, pints, quarts, gallons, ounces, and pounds.
  • Add, subtract, multiply, or divide to solve one-step word problems involving whole number measurements of length, weight, and capacity in the same customary units.
3.L.2 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand how plants survive in their environments.
RI.4.7 English Language Arts – Reading Standards for Informational Text – Integration of Ideas and Analysis Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears.
W.4.5 English Language Arts – Writing – Research Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
NC.4.MD.1 Mathematics – Measurement and Data

Solve problems involving measurement:
Know relative sizes of measurement units. Solve problems involving metric measurement.

  • Measure to solve problems involving metric units: centimeter, meter, gram, kilogram, Liter, milliliter.
  • Add, subtract, multiple, and divide to solve one-step word problems involving whole-number measurements of length, mass, and capacity that are given in metric units.
4.L.1 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand the effects of environmental changes, adaptations and behaviors that enable animals (including humans) to survive in changing habitats.
4.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand the role geography has played in the development of North Carolina.
4.H.1 Social Studies – History Understand the role of various people, events, and ideas in shaping North Carolina.
W.5.5 English Language Arts – Writing – Research Conduct short research projects using two or more sources.
NC.5.MD.1 Mathematics – Measurement and Data Convert like measurement units within a given measurement system:
Given a conversion chart, use multiplicative reasoning to solve one-step conversion problems within a given measurement system.
NC.5.MD.2 Mathematics – Measurement and Data Represent and interpret data:
  • Collect data by asking a question that yields data that changes over time.
  • Make and interpret a representation of data using a line graph.
5.L.1 Science – Life Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Understand how structures and systems of organisms (to include the human body) perform functions necessary for life.
5.L.2 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand the interdependence of plants and animals with their ecosystem.
5.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand the ways in which geographic factors and features have influenced development of the United States.
W.6.5 English Language Arts – Writing – Research Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the investigation when appropriate.
6.L.1 Science – Life Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Understand the structures, processes and behaviors of plants that enable them to survive and reproduce.
6.L.2 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand the flow of energy through ecosystems and the responses of the populations to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.
6.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand the geographical factors that influence human migration and settlement.
W.7.5 English Language Arts – Writing – Research Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.
7.L.1 Science – Life Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Understand the processes, structures and functions of living organisms that enable them to survive, reproduce and carry out the basic functions of life.
7.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand ways in which geographical factors influence societies.
W.8.5 English Language Arts – Writing – Research Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
8.L.3 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand how organisms interact with and respond to the biotic and abiotic components of their environment.
8.L.4 Science – Life Science – Evolution and Genetics Understand the evolution of organisms and landforms based on evidence, theories and processes that impact the Earth over time.
8.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand geographic factors that influence the development of North Carolina and the nation.
Bio.2.1 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Analyze the interdependent relationships of living organisms within their environments.
Bio.2.2 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand the impact of human activities on the environment (one generation affects the next).

 

We all know that North Carolina is the Tarheel State, but where did we get that name and what does it mean? Tar from longleaf pines, like the ones at Weymouth Woods, was once the most important crash crop in the state! It was so important that the British Navy relief on it and other pine products to prepare their ships to sail around the world. Students will join a park ranger as they explore the history of pine sap and see firsthand the tools that were used to harvest it.
 

Additional Information

Grades 4 to 12
Length 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
Class Size Minimum of 8
Maximum of 30
Larger groups can be accommodated by rotating activities.
Times Available Weekdays, year-round (weather dependent)
Required Dress Weather-appropriate clothing
All students are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes for walking.
Scheduling At least 3 weeks in advance

 

Correlations

4.L.1 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems  Understand the effects of environmental changes, adaptations and behaviors that enable animals (including humans) to survive in changing habitats.
4.B.1 Social Studies – Behavioral Sciences Understand ways in which values and beliefs have influenced the development of North Carolina's identity as a state.
4.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand the role geography has played in the development of North Carolina.
4.H.1 Social Studies – History Understand the role of various people, events, and ideas in shaping North Carolina.
5.L.2 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand the interdependence of plants and animals with their ecosystem.
5.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand the ways in which geographic factors and features have influenced development of the United States.
6.L.2 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand the flow of energy through ecosystems and the responses of the populations to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.
6.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand the geographical factors that influence human migration and settlement.
7.L.1 Science – Life Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Understand the processes, structures and functions of living organisms that enable them to survive, reproduce and carry out the basic functions of life.
7.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand ways in which geographical factors influence societies.
8.P.2 Science – Physical Science – Energy: Conservation and Transfer Explain the environmental implications associated with the various methods of obtaining, managing, and using energy resources.
8.L.3 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand how organisms interact with and respond to the biotic and abiotic components of their environment.
8.B.1 Social Studies – Behavioral Sciences Analyze the impact of group behavior on the development of North Carolina and the nation.
8.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand geographic factors that influence the development of North Carolina and the nation.
Bio.2.1 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Analyze the interdependent relationships of living organisms within their environments.
Bio.2.2 Science – Life Science – Ecosystems Understand the impact of human activities on the environment (one generation affects the next).