Virtual Field Trips
Exciting Enrichment with Clearwater Marine Aquarium (1/15)
Ever wondered what interests an animal in the toy department? Dive into the world of Environmental Enrichment Devices (EEDs) with our biologist and find out how we keep our bottlenose buddies or turtley awesome pals entertained and delighted
Date/Time: January 15, 2025 at 2:30 PM ET
Topic Frosty Farm Fun: Winterizing and Tree Trimming with Linden Hall Farms (1/22)
Linden Hall Farm is a family-owned dairy farm and orchard in Hagerstown, MD, known for its rich history and dedication to sustainable farming. Join us for a virtual field trip where you'll learn how they prepare their dairy operation for winter and see a live demonstration of tree trimming in their orchard. This interactive session offers a unique glimpse into the daily life and seasonal challenges of modern farming. Don't miss this chance to explore the fascinating world of agriculture and farming!
Date/Time: January 22, 2025 at 1:30 PM ET
Meet the Giraffes at the Toronto Zoo (1/29)
Have you ever wondered what makes animals unique? What adaptations do they have to help them survive? Do they have big teeth or small, hooves or paws, Spots or stripes? Join us at the Toronto Zoo to get up close with our tallest residents and learn all about their amazing adaptations!
Date/Time: January 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM ET
LIVE from the Arctic Sense with EBTSOYP (7/27)
We joined the crew LIVE from Arctic Sense 2023 on July 27 at 1pm ET, from the 37-foot sailing vessel Barba as they sail into the Arctic, collecting important information about our changing planet. 🌎
Hive to Honey: A Live Beekeeping Journey (9/21)
We joined Melanie Kirby for some live beekeeping in New Mexico! Melanie is an artist, conservationist, journalist and a National Geographic Explorer. She's a member of Tortugas Pueblo from Southern New Mexico. She worked for several commercial queen bee rearing operations on the Big Island of Hawaii, in central Florida and in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In 2005, she decided to return to her home state and established Zia Queenbees Farm & Field Institute in northern New Mexico. Her research involves breeding and habitat enhancement for bees. She values the power of storytelling to connect humanity from the past to the future and between and inner and outer cosmos. Her field experiences inspired her to return to academia to help amplify farmers voices and to quantify their field observations. 🐝
Mantis Mania: Unveiling Nighttime Mysteries of the Amazon (10/19)
Leo Lanna is a Brazilian scientist guided by the search for praying mantises in tropical rainforest nights, especially at the Amazon. Through his independent organization, Projeto Mantis, he combines poetry, wildlife photography and innovative research methods to produce vanguard science, studying aspects of evolution, species richness and natural behavior beyond data. In his talk, he will share the eccentric and exuberant universe of praying mantises, from new species to mysterious behavior, advocating for the wonders of the diversity found under the cover of darkness.
Firehouse Adventures: Meet the Bravery Behind the Flames (11/2)
Join us for an exciting virtual field trip to the heart of firefighting action! "Firehouse Adventures" offers a unique opportunity for students to explore a real fire station, meet volunteer firefighters, and discover the life-saving equipment they use. Get ready for an engaging and educational experience as our heroic firefighters share their stories, demonstrate equipment, and answer all your burning questions about fire safety and community service. It's a journey you won't want to miss!
Dive into the Deep: A Shark Adventure (11/28)
Born and raised in Maine, Jillian Morris Brake's love for the ocean started at an early age and has continued to play an integral role in her adult life. She has spent thousands of hours in the field working and diving with sharks across the globe. She is a mom, marine biologist, shark conservationist, author, and educator. She has filmed for numerous television shows and networks, has appeared on Shark Week and Shark Fest, and is a PADI Ambassadiver. She was named Scuba Diving Magazine's July 2016 Sea Hero, awarded the inaugural Shark Con Shark Hero Award in 2017, and was the Go Blue Awards 2020 Blue Ambassador of the Year. She is the author of Norman the Nurse Shark and Shark Super Powers and a member of the prestigious Ocean Artists Society.
Paws & Ice: A Polar Bear Expedition (12/14)
Alysa McCall is a conservation biologist specializing in polar bears; she is based out of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada but spends every fall and part of every summer in Churchill, Manitoba, sometimes called the Polar Bear Capital of the World.
ZooVenture: All About OWLS! (1/30)
Join us for a 'Hoot' of a time, live from the Nashville Zoo! Experience the wonders of feathered friends and learn all about amazing owls. Get up close and personal with owls from the comfort of your home!
Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants: Tracking Sperm Whale Families with Shane Gero (2/8)
Shane's research focuses on the acoustic complexity (the sounds they make) and group behavior of the whales. For over a decade, he has been working on research projects all over the world on various whale species from tropical to Arctic areas. The Dominica Sperm Whale Project has been tracking over 20 families of sperm whales in the Caribbean Sea since 2005.
Through thousands of hours of fieldwork, he has followed calves from birth through weaning and described the social relationships among family members, as well as between the families in the Caribbean. Learn about the whales and the techniques he uses to tag and track these amazing marine mammals and take a peek into their underwater world!
Zooventure! Bear Necessities: An Andean Adventure (2/15)
Join us for an exciting virtual field trip to the Nashville Zoo, where we'll embark on a Zooventure like no other! Get ready to go behind the scenes and get up close and personal with the majestic Andean Bears. Learn about the incredible work that goes into caring for these fascinating creatures and discover the secrets of their training.
But that's not all! You'll also have the chance to meet some of the dedicated ambassadors who work alongside the zoo staff every day. Hear firsthand about the challenges and rewards of training these remarkable animals and gain a new appreciation for the bond between humans and wildlife.
Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a future zoologist, or just curious about the world of animal care and training, this virtual field trip promises to be an unforgettable adventure. So, grab your virtual safari hat and join us for a Zooventure you won't want to miss!
Live from Oosterschelde! Sailing the Coast of Chile and Peru (3/14)
Join us onboard the tall ship Oosterschelde as it sails along the coast of Chile and Peru. We'll beam live aboard the ship for a tour and to see what it's like to be sailing on the open ocean. This voyage is part of an expedition called Darwin200, the Oosterschelde will spend the next two years following Charles Darwin's Voyage of the Beagle and sailing around the world. We'll learn about the journey so far and the adventures they've had with whales, penguins, dolphins, sea turtles and so much more. Using drones and ROV's they've been exploring the ocean and the land everywhere that they visit and sharing the stories of the people, places and animals!
Zooventure! Inside the Nashville Zoo's Vet Hospital (3/15)
Join us for a captivating Zooventure virtual field trip to the Nashville Zoo, where we'll take an exclusive peek into the world of specialized animal care. Our webinar will feature a behind-the-scenes look at the cutting-edge equipment and highly trained staff dedicated to the well-being of the zoo's inhabitants.
During this virtual adventure, we'll also have the unique opportunity to meet some of the zoo's ambassadors who have required special care from the healthcare team. These ambassadors, with their remarkable stories, offer a heartwarming glimpse into the compassion and dedication that go into their rehabilitation and ongoing support.
Don't miss this chance to explore the intersection of care, compassion, and conservation at the Nashville Zoo. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the world of animal wellness and the incredible individuals who make it all possible.
Flippers and Fins: Discover SANCCOB's Penguin Paradise
Join us as we head to SANCCOB, a South African Penguin and Seabird rehabilitation centre in South Africa! We'll join an educator and meet some of the hundreds of South African penguins chicks they've been rearing. We'll also see the newly completed facility and learn about the ecology and conservation of these amazing penguins!
SANCCOB provides a 24/7 rescue service for sick and injured seabirds and abandoned seabird chicks. They respond to oil spill disasters along the South African coastline. SANCCOB is recognized internationally as a leader in the field of seabird rehabilitation, they treat an average of 2,500 injured, sick and oiled seabirds annually. Their specialist chick rearing unit saves African penguin eggs and chicks that have been abandoned, for subsequent release back into the wild.
K-5 Art Explorers: Travel Through Time at the Norton Museum! (5/1)
Get ready for an epic adventure through time at the Norton Museum of Art! Join us as we embark on a thrilling quest to uncover the secrets and stories hidden within the colorful world of art. From the mystical Bronze Age to the vibrant present day, we'll dive into a whirlwind of creativity and imagination.
Prepare to be amazed as we unravel the tales woven by artists from around the globe, using their magical tools of color, line, pose, and gesture. Get ready to unleash your inner explorer and embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery, where every masterpiece has a story to tell and every brushstroke holds a world of wonder!
6-12 Art & Innovation Expedition: Unleash Your Inner STEAM Genius at the Norton Museum! (5/2)
Get ready for an exhilarating journey through the world of art and science at the Norton Museum of Art! Join us on a thrilling STEAM adventure where creativity meets innovation. As we explore the museum's captivating architecture and stunning artworks spanning from the Bronze Age to the present, get ready to unlock the secrets of STEAM.
Through exciting hands-on activities, lively discussions, and interactive explorations, you'll discover how art, math, and science come together in unexpected ways. Get ready to ignite your imagination, unleash your curiosity, and embark on a quest filled with wonder and discovery!
Journey into the Amazon Rainforest! (5/23)
Recently National Geographic Explorer and virtual field trip host Joe Grabowski had an opportunity to visit Peru and venture deep into the Amazon Rainforest. For a week, Joe didn't see another person, had no electricity or hot water, got bit by a ton of insects and was able to photograph a lot of animals in the wild.
Join Joe as he shares photos, videos and stories from encounters with jaguars, snakes, tapirs, macaws, frogs, howler monkeys, giant otters, harpy eagles and a whole lot more from one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
The Duke Lemur Center with Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants Virtual Field Trip (7/24)
🌎 Travel to the Duke Lemur Center in Durham, North Carolina, where lemurs can spend their summer days leaping, snacking, and snoozing in large forest habitats.
Education Programs Manager, Megan McGrath, will take you on a virtual field trip into one of those forest habitats, so you can watch the lemurs while you learn all about them and their native Madagascar.
Click Here to learn more about the Duke Lemur Center
Live Birds of Prey with the Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences (8/13)
Join us for a virtual field trip to meet some exciting birds of prey including hawks and owls. The Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences (VINS) mission is to motivate individuals to care for the natural environment through education, research, and avian wildlife rehabilitation. They operate New England’s premier avian wildlife rehabilitation clinic at the Nature Center. VINS has been a leader in environmental education and wildlife conservation and care since 1972.
Click here to learn more about The Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences
Welcome to Clearwater Marine Aquarium! (8/21)
🐢 Join us for a K12 virtual field trip with CMA!
Did you know that Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working marine animal hospital? We have patients that come in for rehabilitation at CMA that will hopefully return to the wild someday. Join our marine biologist as we talk about our number one patient – sea turtles!
Farm Friends at Linden Hall Farms (8/28)
Get ready to embark on an exciting virtual adventure designed for K-12th grade students. Explore the beautiful Linden Hall Farm from the comfort of your home or classroom. Our tour will take you through lush orchards, bustling barnyards, and beyond! Meet our friendly farm animals, including clucking chickens and adorable baby calves. You’ll get an exclusive look inside our milking barn to see how our cows are milked and learn about the journey of milk from farm to table. This interactive experience will not only show you the day-to-day life on a farm but also connect you with the animals and agriculture in a fun and educational way. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to discover the wonders of farm life with your new Farm Friends at Linden Hall!
Big Cat Rescue at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (9/12)
Join K12 for a virtual field trip to learn about Big Cat rescue at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR), a leading sanctuary dedicated to providing lifetime care for Big Cats and rescued animals. Renowned nationwide for its compassionate approach, TCWR has earned the trust of law enforcement, universities, and other partners committed to protecting Big Cats and other wildlife. Every rescue is approached with care, ensuring existing residents continue to receive exceptional treatment. TCWR remains committed to its mission, offering a second chance to animals from across the country, from Arkansas to New York.
Learn more about Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge here: Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge | A Non-Profit True Sanctuary for Big Cats
Delightful Dolphins with CMA (9/18)
🐬 Join us for a K12 virtual field trip with CMA!
Ever wonder what makes bottlenose dolphins different from rough-toothed dolphins? Discover the adaptations of dolphins like how they can communicate and echolocate. Join a Clearwater Marine Aquarium biologist to learn about our resident bottlenose dolphins’ rescue stories!
Learn more about CMA here: Clearwater Marine Aquarium | Florida's Marine Life Rescue Center (cmaquarium.org)
Sloths in the Spotlight: Adventures at the Toucan Rescue Ranch (9/26)
Join us for K12 Virtual Field Trip, live from the Toucan Rescue Ranch in Costa Rica!!! We'll learn all about the two and three-fingered sloths and meet some of the incredible animals they're rehabilitating. At the Toucan Rescue Ranch, they have focused on the care, rehabilitation, and release of Costa Rican wildlife since 2004. They provide sanctuary while giving treatment, rehabilitation, and when possible, release back to their natural environment. They specialize in toucans, sloths, and owls, however, we have a large array of wildlife from weasels, porcupines, cats, kinkajous, parrots, and more.
Learn more about the Toucan Rescue Ranch here: Toucan Rescue Ranch – A Costa Rican Rescue & Rehabilitation Organization
Ready to Rescue with Clearwater Marine Aquarium (10/16)
Join us for a virtual program to learn how Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is bouncing back after two back-to-back hurricanes, Hurricane Helene- a Category 4 storm and Hurricane Milton- a Category 3 storm that made landfall just south of the CMA. After Helene, CMA was flooded with over 4 feet of water, losing power and vital equipment like freezers, laundry machines, and life support systems. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how our team is working hard to rebuild and continue caring for marine life, even after the storm.
Learn more about CMA here: Clearwater Marine Aquarium | Florida's Marine Life Rescue Center (cmaquarium.org)
Date/Time: October 16, 2024 2:30-3:15 PM ET
Farm Frenzy: An Apple Adventure and Milking Magic at Linden Hall Farm! (10/23)
Get ready for an exciting adventure at Linden Hall Farm! This K12 Virtual Field Trip will take you behind the scenes to explore the farm store and discover how they keep their apples fresh and delicious. You’ll see the fascinating apple sorting process and learn about the different apple varieties available. Plus, dive into the milking process and see how cows are milked and the steps taken to ensure top-quality milk. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the agricultural world and see the hard work that goes into running a farm. Don’t miss out on this fun and educational experience!
Octopus Adventures: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Sea (10/30)
Octopus are incredible animals with many adaptations that are almost like super powers...plus they are some of the smartest creatures in the ocean. Join in for a trip to the National Marine Aquarium in England to learn more about these color changing, jar opening, puzzle solving, tight space squeezing marine animals. Best of all, we'll get to meet the aquarium's resident octopus!
Learn more about the National Marine Aquarium by visiting their website: UK's Largest Aquarium | The National Marine Aquarium
"Stories in Art" at the Norton Museum of Art (11/12) Rescheduled from October
Join us for an exciting virtual field trip to the Norton Museum of Art, where art and storytelling unite in a unique and engaging experience designed for K-12th grade students. “Stories in Art” invites students to explore the rich narratives behind some of the museum’s most captivating artworks. This virtual field trip is designed to be both educational and fun, providing students with a deeper appreciation for art and its power to tell stories. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or new to the world of art, “Stories in Art” promises to be an enriching experience for all. Don’t miss this opportunity to bring the world of art into your classroom and inspire your students with the magic of storytelling through art. Register now and embark on a journey of creativity and discovery with the Norton Museum of Art!
Learn more about the Norton Museaum of Art by visiting their website: Home | Norton Museum of Art
Click here to watch it on-demand!
All Aboard the Exploration Vessel Nautilus in Palau (11/14)
Join the Ocean Exploration Trust team on their second last live expedition of 2024! They will be exploring the islands of Palau in the Pacific Ocean. While on their 11 day mission they will be exploring the ocean floor of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary to find the unique features and ocean creatures that live there. To do this, they will be using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to dive deep below the ocean surface, taking videos and bringing samples back for the scientists to explore. The E/V Nautilus is 68-meter ship on a mission to explore the never-before-explored areas of the ocean and seek out new discoveries and share them LIVE via www.nautiluslive.org
Feeding Frenzy at CMA! (11/20)
Get into the gathering spirit as you meet with a biologist to learn about Clearwater Marine Aquarium's fish kitchen and our animal diets! CMA’s fish kitchen is an important part of the care and feeding of the resident and rescue animals at the facility, including dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine animals. Learn about how we prepare a variety of fish and other foods each day!
Manatee Moments (12/11)
Join K12 and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to learn all about the Florida state marine mammal – the manatee! Discover the role CMA plays in the rescue and protection of this majestic species.
🌎Virtual Field Trip to a Rainforest Research Station! (12/18)
Osa Conservation is located in the Costa Rican Rainforest in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet! They work on numerous projects to protect wildlife and plants that include sea turtle hatcheries, camera traps to spy on wildlife, growing rare rainforest plants, and much more! Join us for a live tour of the rainforest research station and meet some cool researchers and see what they get up to.
Learn more about Osa Conservation by visiting: Osa Conservation
Bird Watching Apps talked about during the virtual field trip:
- iNaturalist: A Community for Naturalists · iNaturalist
- eBird: eBird - Discover a new world of birding...
- Merlin Bird: Merlin Bird ID – Free, instant bird identification help and guide for thousands of birds – Identify the birds you see