Book an expert-guided field trip in nature at Bemis Woods Forest Preserve.
In this program, students will gain an understanding of the history and significance of Bemis Woods Forest Preserve, increase their awareness and knowledge of Great Lakes ecosystems, develop a sense of place and belonging in nature, engage in observation skills through a study of seasonality, use scientific tools and cultivate a positive relationship with the natural world.
Through circuit-based activities like guided hikes, exploration of local aquatic plants and macroinvertebrates, cyanotypes and leaf etchings, stream characteristics surveys and scavenger hunts, learners will dig into structures and processes to better understand the world around them.
Guided by Shedd Educators:
Our skilled educators lead this enriching experience, encouraging students to ask questions, get hands-on with science and expand their knowledge of our Chicagoland communities.
Nature Field Trips are engaging and educational K-8 field trip programs designed to connect students to the beauty, significance and heritage of local natural spaces around Chicagoland. This program aims to foster a sense of place among students while highlighting the importance of observing key phenological markers in nature. By immersing students in a safe, natural environment and supporting them with hands-on instruction, they will strengthen their positive social-environmental identity rooted in the unique ecosystem of the Great Lakes region.
This 90-minute or 120-minute lesson will vary depending on the needs of the classroom, age/grade of the students and the wishes of the classroom teacher. At this specific location, we recommend the 120-minute program duration.
NGSS: K-LS1-1: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes - Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
Amplify: Grade 1 - Plant and Animal Relationships
Grades 3-5
Key concepts: Phenology, Biodiversity
Skills: Comparing and Contrasting, Making Scientific Observations
Standards:
NGSS: 3-LS4-4 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity - Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change; 5-ESS2-1 Earth's Systems - Develop a model using an example to describe the ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and/or atmosphere interact.
Skills: Analysis of Data, Collecting Water Samples
Standards:
NGSS: MS-ESS2-4 Earth's Systems - Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through Earth’s systems driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity; MS-LS1-5 From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes – Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.
Skyline: Grade 7 Science, Unit 8 – Populations and Resources
Accessibility
The learning environment as part of this lesson/program may include the following sensory triggers: unusual noises that may be loud, low or moderate; changes in lighting; unusual smells; touch sensitivity due the use of gloves; and participants may get wet or dirty.
This program includes:
Use of tools like D-nets, water probes, tablets and microscopes
Moving short distances on paved and uneven terrain
Moving and standing for up to two hours
Moving around an outdoor space, which has varying light, noise and temperatures/weather
Work taking place at picnic tables
Sitting on the ground for activities
Viewing a tablet screen with images and data
Facilitators’ use of portable voice amplification
Intermittent access to restrooms
We believe there should be no boundaries to your Shedd Aquarium experience. If you have an accommodation request related to a disability, please submit that information during your program reservation. Please visit our accessibility page to learn more.
The contents of Nature Field Trips at Bemis Woods Forest Preserve was developed as part of the Shedd Pathways to Environmental Education Initiative under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. However, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government. One hundred percent ($540,932) of the total costs of the initiative from Aug. 1, 2023 to Aug. 31, 2024 are financed with federal money. We express appreciation for our Federal Congressionally Funded Community Project sponsor, House Representative Mike Quigley.
