Five hundred yard field trip
Observable ecology lessons for home and school
What is the five hundred yard field trip?
The Five hundred Yard Field Trip is a series of curriculum units for teachers, parents, youth leaders. The goal of the Five Hundred Yard Field trip is to help students create a habitat using native plants and learn about the ecosystem created. Lessons are free to download on this site. Plants are easily purchased from MA native plant nurseries. See the "Get Plants" tab for the native plant nursery in your area. No bus fee or permission slips necessary, plant, watch and learn!
Curriculum Units
About the Units
Each unit has several "chunks" so teachers may use pieces as a stand alone lesson or the entire curriculum for a longer unit. All lessons have been vetted by educators currently teaching the age group. No previous knowledge of ecology or native plants is required to implement the unit. Each lesson includes:
-
Presentation
-
Games and/or interactive activities
-
MCAS practice (3-5 unit)
-
Reading passages
-
References to the grade level science standards addressed
-
Units are designed to satisfy MA science standards and the NGSS science standards.
-
Language objectives for ELL students
The Pussytoes Project: Grades K-2
Pussytoes are a wonderful, low growing plant which sends up its distinctive "pussytoe" white flower in May. These plants are one of the host plants of the American Lady butterfly, the life cycle of which can be observed on the plant. Pussytoes bloom in late May, a perfect time to take students out and observe science close-up.
Mini Meadow: Grades 3-5
In this unit, students will plant a more varied group of plants: flowers and native grasses that support a variety of caterpillars and other pollinators. All the plants selected for this unit are drought-proof and non aggressive. Students will learn about the relationship between these plants and the insects that rely on them.
The Structure of Plants and Insects
(Coming February 1st 2025)
In this unit, students will the structures of plants that govern both reproduction and survival. Students will also be introduced to insects that have corresponding structures that tie them to these plants. . This unit is designed to satisfy many of the life science standards for MA, VT, NH and NY for grade 7
