K-12 Field Trips

Take learning beyond the classroom with unforgettable field trips at Kean Skylands. Our outdoor programs connect students to nature, science, and more through hands-on exploration. Below, you’ll find K-12 program offerings for each grade level along with answers to common questions to help you plan the perfect visit.

Here’s an overview of our K-12 program offerings by grade. The Kean Skylands team will help you create the best experience for your students, contact us to get started today.  

Elementary School (Grades K-2) Programs

Wild Wonders Walk: Young explorers investigate forests, fields, and treetops, discovering plants, animals, and the unique habitats they call home. Hands-on activities and scavenger hunts make science fun, inspiring curiosity about the natural world. NGSS: 2-LS4-1

Climate Champions: Students explore how our choices affect the land, water, and air—and discover fun, hands-on ways to help our planet. From recycling relays to creative art projects, this engaging program inspires young learners to protect the Earth. NGSS: K-ESS3-3

Habitat Helpers: Through outdoor exploration and hands-on activities, students investigate forests, lakes, and treetop habitats to see how plants, animals, and their environments depend on each other. This engaging program inspires young learners to protect and appreciate the systems that keep our planet thriving. NGSS: K-ESS3-3

Water Guardians: Young learners explore lakeside habitats, test water quality, and investigate the effects of pollution. Through hands-on sampling, fun experiments, and creative solution-building, students become active caretakers of our most precious resource—clean water. NGSS: K-ESS3-3

Elementary School (Grades 3-5) Programs

Nature’s Detectives: Students investigate how the environment shapes the traits of plants and animals. Through hands-on exploration, close-up observations, and creative adaptation challenges, students uncover the amazing connections between living things and their habitats. NGSS: 3-LS3-2

Eco Defenders: Step into the role of problem-solvers, exploring how climate change impacts local ecosystems and water systems at Skylands. Through hands-on investigations, creative engineering challenges, and real-world data analysis, students design and present solutions to protect communities and nature from weather-related hazards. NGSS: 3-ESS3-1

EcoPower Explorers: An interactive learning adventure where students discover renewable energy in action, uncover the secrets of carbon sinks, and design real-world solutions to power a greener future. Hands-on exploration, creative problem-solving, and environmental conservation come together to inspire the next generation of eco-innovators. NGSS: 4-ESS3-1

H₂O Heroes: A science adventure where students test water quality, investigate aquatic life, and uncover how environmental changes ripple through ecosystems. Completed through teamwork, observation, and creative problem-solving. NGSS: 3-LS4-4

Middle School (Grades 6-8) Programs

Living Links: An exploration of biodiversity and the vital ecosystem services that sustain our world. Students investigate forest, water, and edge habitats, evaluate real-world design solutions, and tackle the challenge of balancing environmental, social, and economic needs—preparing them to be informed problem-solvers for a thriving planet. NGSS: MS-LS2-5

Climate Quest: An interactive investigation into the science, causes, and solutions of our changing climate. Students explore real data, test ecosystems, observe environmental impacts, and collaborate on creative strategies to protect the planet—transforming scientific knowledge into action for a sustainable future. NGSS: MS-ESS3-5

Nature’s Toolkit: Uncover the hidden systems that keep our planet running. Students investigate how ecosystems provide essential services, explore the balance between human use and environmental health, and develop strategies for a sustainable future. NGSS: MS-PS1-3

H₂Know: A hands-on investigation into the health of our aquatic ecosystems. Students collect and analyze samples, identify aquatic organisms, and uncover the connections between water quality, environmental factors, and the growth of life—equipping them with the skills to monitor and protect vital water resources. NGSS: MS-LS1-5

High School (Grades 9-12) Programs

Biodiversity Blueprint: Students step into the role of environmental problem-solvers, investigating the impacts of human activities on ecosystems and designing solutions that protect species and habitats. Through field observation, research, and collaborative planning, they gain the skills to balance human needs with the preservation of Earth’s living diversity. NGSS: HS-LS2-7

Climate Catalyst: Students take on the role of environmental innovators—investigating the links between climate change and biodiversity, analyzing real-world data, and using simulations to design solutions that protect ecosystems. Through hands-on fieldwork and collaborative problem-solving, they develop the insight and skills to spark meaningful change for the planet’s future. NGSS: HS-LS4-6

Carbon Connections: Students explore the vital roles of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in powering ecosystems and cycling carbon through Earth’s systems. Through field observations, research, and creative modeling, they uncover how local plants and animals sustain life. NGSS: HS-LS2-5

Water Lens: Students investigate the hidden stories within our lakes and streams, using scientific tools to measure water quality, examine microorganisms, and analyze environmental impacts. Through hands-on testing, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving, they uncover the vital role clean water plays in sustaining ecosystems and human life. NGSS: HS-ESS2-5

Click Here for the K-12 Experiential Learning Program Information Packet

Curious about field trips? Find answers to our most frequently asked questions here.

We welcome all schools and groups interested in a field trip to our campus to complete this interest form. After submission, one of our staff members will be in touch with more details and next steps.