Field Trips, Outreaches, & Assemblies

Virtual Programs- see themes below

$200 for up to 100 children
776

In-House Field Trip Pricing 2020-2021

$260 Base Price ($15/student)
One classroom teacher or one homeschool organizer are free
Extra Chaperones (IF space is available due to COVID): $15 per chaperone
 
$270 Summer Camp Base Price ($17 student)

* We can provide SAFE field trips and divide groups into small pods. We sanitize before and after each station. We social distance and mask are required inside. We can do outdoor and indoor programs. Please inquire about how make your 2020-2021 field trip safe and fun with our safety guidelines.

10:00am - Arrival 
10:00 – 10:10 am Introduction in the Rainforest
10:15 – 10:40 am 1st Rotation: Rainforest
10:45 – 11:15 am 2nd Rotation: Africa 
11:20 – 11:45 pm 3rd Rotation: Underwater Discovery Room
11:50– 12:15 pm Optional Lunch - picnic tables outside (inside Rainforest Room for bad weather)

*4th & 5th stations depending on number of children

Click Here for Sample Schedule

Build Your Field Trip, Outreach or Virtual Program: Click on theme for more info. We can customize!

Rainforest Adventure

What is biodiversity?  50% of all biodiversity comes from the rainforest among medicines, spices and fruits and so much more! Join us in a quest to learn about the importance of saving our rainforests.  Learn and interact with animals you may find in each layer of the rainforest. Use all your senses, from smell to sounds and sights of the mysterious endangered habitat and even watch volcano rumble with smoke!

Rainforest Adventure

Chesapeake Bay Habitat/Native Species

This rotation will open the eyes and ears of students as we introduce them to “near nature”, things they can find in their very own school yards.  Learn how to safely interact and what to do if you encounter one of these backyard beasts Our instructors will explain what to look for, animal signs, clues, and ecosystem indicators.  What is the difference between invasive, exotic and native species?  How are our local terrestrial animals related to the Bay?  These are all questions that will be answered as they see and interact with some examples of local creatures for hands-on inquiry based learning. 

New Rotation option: ECO OYSTER REEF
NEW this year, young marine biologists will learn all about oysters and the Chesapeake Bay.  Participants will putting on their waterman hats and tonging for Oysters at the all new Eco Oyster Reef!  Utilizing, age old techniques and tools, campers will test their skill at bringing up oysters, shark teeth, and other fossils with their tonging skills.  Many of our oysters contain pearls, so we will show campers how to open them up, and then they get to actually keep the pearl inside! In addition, young marine biologists will get to enjoy sea turtle-tacular activities, will race their favorite crabs in the Hermit Crab races or experience marine animal rescues and more!  * $3 more per child to keep an oyster/peal, otherwise instructor will open one to demonstrate.
Chesapeake Bay Habitat/Native Species

Animal Adaptations

Survival of the fittest is what this world is all about and what other way to learn about survival, than to see what are the coolest adaptations animals have to offer!  From glow in the dark animals, to quills, and spines, poison and venom, and slime. What are the best adaptations for each habitat? Dessert, rainforests, aquatic, wetlands, -Meet and touch and a chameleon change color right in front of your very eyes- or touch a spiny hedgehog!  This world keeps ever changing and only the animals that can adapt can survive.

Animal Adaptations

Fossils everywhere...Dig It (literally)!  

The Chesapeake Bay is 35 million years old.  Learn about the different marine invertebrates and vertebrates that roamed the earth millions of years ago. How different are they from today?  Put on your paleontologist hat and discover some fossils, and gems in our fossil troughs. From sharks and marine mammals to crinoids, snails, scallop shells, and more!  Junior paleontologists will dig in, find, and identify various fossils and gems. 

*Keep one shark tooth to keep as a reminder of how amazing the Chesapeake is!   *extra $.50 per person

Fossil Dig/Pan for Gold at the Sleuice

Animal Training/Feeding Demonstration

In this exciting rotation, students will learn what it takes to be an animal trainer.  What are some animals that we didn’t know could be trained? Learn about the pros and cons about working with animals along with the basics of positive reinforcement by “training” a volunteer.  Do you like to touch worms, mice, and fish? Are you patient? Do you like psychology? If you said YES to all of these- then move on to assist in a real animal training and perhaps train a dragon, gator, or a mammal…Get your target pole and clicker ready to train away!

Animal Training/Feeding Demonstration

Amazing Food Web Game!

What is the Chesapeake?  What makes it so amazing?  From wetlands to the ocean – This unique ecosystem is made up of a wide range of animals, from snakes, osprey, sharks and oysters.  How are they all inter-connected?  Explore how the food web relates to the survival of all species.  Play an interactive game where each student becomes an animal.  From decomposers, to top predators…Senarios will be given to see how it all is connected and all makes sense once you see the: “web” form.  

Amazing Food Web Game

Animal Rescue 911!

Maybe at some point you've found an abandoned baby bird...a opossum in your attic...or yikes a snake in the garage! What do you do...you call Rescue 911!!! When an animal is in distress it's up to experts to come to the rescue, and that is exactly what this program is all about, Animal Rescue 911. Sometimes it's a box turtle but at times it can be a gigantic croc, or a half ton manatee. Each and every rescue requires different expertise. Participants in will learn all about why animals need rescuing- or even not! Meet and interact with some of Eco Adventures very own rescued animals, and learn about their amazing back stories! From Wally, our gator that was found in the icy waters of Lake Michigan, to our terrapin babies that were discovered taped to the body of an apprehended smuggler, or Flaco the caiman left behind in a deserted house by irresponsible owners. These amazing animal stories are living, breathing examples of many of the conservation issues in todays' world, from poaching to pollution, entanglement to irresponsible pet ownership, and much more! Experience an exciting demo on how we catch some uncooperative alligators or participate in a “Mock Rescue” of a dolphin. It’s all hands-on as students learn how to make a difference with the power of knowledge...and Animal Rescue 911!

Animal Rescue 911

Put your thinking caps on -- as novice detectives you will put your heads together to figure out the
Who, What, Where, and Why our animals are disappearing. Take a look at some artifacts like
skulls, pelts, skins, shoes, specimens, purses, medicines, and investigate what animal they once
were and why they have become endangered. Then meet some LIVE animal representatives of the
species and talk about what we can do to help keep our earth’s most endangered species on the
planet.

Disappearing Act: Endangered Species

Fear Factor

Don’t make eye contact…Please, please, please, not the spider. They’re all thoughts that might run through your mind as the crowd is searched for brave volunteers. It's Fear Factor! You won't be disappointed with this high energy, excitement packed, hair raising test of wills where guests will compete in a series of challenges and dares to probe their fears and put their determination to the test! Hold a giant spider, wrangle a croc, or eat a bug??…YIKES, they’re all tests that each contestant might face. cockroaches, snakes, and slimy creatures, you never know what it’s going to be. It’s all random, so keep your fingers crossed when you flip over a coconut and find out what challenge awaits you.

Fear Factor

Eco Oyster Reef

ECO OYSTER REEF
NEW this year, young marine biologists will learn all about oysters and the Chesapeake Bay.  Participants will putting on their waterman hats and tonging for Oysters at the all new Eco Oyster Reef!  Utilizing, age old techniques and tools, campers will test their skill at bringing up oysters, shark teeth, and other fossils with their tonging skills.  Many of our oysters contain pearls, so we will show campers how to open them up, and then they get to actually keep the pearl inside! In addition, young marine biologists will get to enjoy sea turtle-tacular activities, will race their favorite crabs in the Hermit Crab races or experience marine animal rescues and more!  * $3 more per child to keep an oyster/peal, otherwise instructor will open one to demonstrate.
Eco Oyster Reef

Outdoor Trip to Sandy Point State Park (50 students or less)

Meet at Sandy Point State Park where students will participate in activities including hiking, scavenger hunt, seining, have a picnic lunch and they will meet some amazing animals they might find in their own backyards! 
Outdoor Trip to Sandy Point State Park

Outdoor Turtle-tacular Research Trip to Kinder Farm Park (50 Students or Less)

Students will learn about scientific collection methods as they remove and research turtles from traps. They will also learn about and meet local turtles, go on a hike and scavenger hunt and finish with a picnic lunch.
Outdoor Research Turtle-tacular Trip

Which animal has the strongest bite?…can climb walls, or virtually disapear, or even can stretch like a rubber band? Spectators beware: are you brave enough to volunteer and let a tarantula crawl up your belly, wrestle a giant snake or a gator? Get all the answers In this fascinating exploration of the super powers of some of natures' most amazing animals. Live animals will be on hand to demonstrate their super powers up close and personal.
NOTE: Super Villains unwelcome at this presentation! Capes are optional

Animal Super Powers

Dr. Edna, a world-famous explorer and her assistant, need your help!  Some evil poachers took animals from the wild and we were able to stop them!  Now they are all together in crates and we need to return them to their homes.  Evil poachers left clues that contains hints as to where these animals may live around the world.  Can you help Dr. Edna solve the clues?  In this hands-on animal adventure, you will encounter many animals, from tarantulas, armadillos, spiky lizards, to alligators and giant pythons. We need some brave explorers to travel around the globe with  Dr. Edna and help her save the animals along the way!

Animal Detectives

Do you ever close your eyes and listen… just listen to the sounds of nature? A symphony of nature goes on around us each and every day. Many of us are too distracted to hear it, but if you open your ears and concentrate, what you will hear is magical. In this exciting program, we are bringing the sounds of nature -indoors, as Eco Adventures Animal Experts will introduce kids to the amazing world of animal sounds and adaptations. Why do Hissing Roaches hiss? What animals have huge ears for listening? What animals have NO ears and can’t hear? Did you know that crocodiles think a rumbling motorcycle or thunder is one of their own? Howler monkey can be heard from over a 3 miles away...how far away can you be heard?? Clear your throat and test out some animal sounds of your own on our decibel reader. How will you compare to a lion or the loudest bird in the world- the Screaming Piha!? Then witness how animals are in tune with their environments. Whether it is sensing upcoming rains or approaching predators, witness their intelligence with an animal training session learned from our own voice commands and clicker sounds cues. This interactive, presentation features hands-on encounters with live animal ambassadors. Sign up now and join the Call Of the Wild!!

CALLS OF THE WILD...
sounds of nature!

This exciting new program is all about the Chesapeake Bay, and will introduce students, in a hands-on manner, to many of the living, breathing,components, of our local ecosystem. The dynamics of the Bay food-web will be explored, from crabs and crab traps, to oysters, terrapins tohorseshoe crabs, frogs, box turtles, snakes and sharks, and all things in between. Kids will find out exactly what’s in their backyard Bay, and how they can make a difference and help protect it!

Students will be rotate with classes depending on the # of students to different areas. You may choose 3-4 stations depending on the group size for a 25 minute rotation with 5 minutes in between to change rotations. Or, if 100 or more participants, 5 stations will be utilized. We require 2-3 parent volunteers to assist for each rotation.
PRICES:
Outreach: $720 min for up to 60 students after 60 students, $8 per child
*extra $1 per person set up fee and souvenir fossil for “Fossils Everywhere”
In house Field Trip to ECO: $720 min for up to 60 students after 60 students, $12 per child

Rotation #1:  Watermen vs Water Creatures (Crabs, Oysters, and terrapins)

 

Students will learn all about the life of a waterman, and how they have crafted the history of the Chesapeake Bay, and the fisheries that have made it famous.  This rotation leaves no  oyster uncovered as we cover everything from terrapins to turtle soup, oysters to oyster tongs, and crabs to crab traps, and all things aquatic.  To help explain concepts and reveal many of the Bay’s secrets, some of its’ resident turtles will be available for hands-on activities!

 

Rotation #2  Backyard Beasts?

 

This rotation will open the eyes and ears of students as we introduce them to “near nature”, things they can find in their very own school yards.  Our instructors will explain what to look for, animal signs, clues, and ecosystem indicators.  How are our local terrestrial animals related to the Bay?  They will learn how to safely interact and learn about backyard beasts.  What do they tell us, what can we learn from them, why are they here, are all questions that will be explored.  Some examples of local creatures will be available for hands-on inquiry based learning.  If your school does not have a suitable outside area, we can do an alternative activity outside incorporating a very popular food web activity.

 

Rotation #3   Amazing Food Web!

 

What is the Chesapeake?  What makes it so amazing?  From wetlands to the ocean – This unique ecosystem is made up of a wide range of animals, from snakes, osprey, sharks and oysters.  How are they all inter-connected?  Explore how the food web relates to the survival of all species.  Meet and interact with snakes, endangered salamanders, frogs and toads and even a very special guest- Rocket the flying squirrel!  

 

Rotation #4   Fossils everywhere...Dig It (literally)!  

 

The Chesapeake Bay is 35 million years old.  Learn about the different marine invertebrates and vertebrates that roamed the earth millions of years ago. How different are they from today?  Put on your paleontologist hat and discover some fossils, and gems in our fossil troughs. From sharks and marine mammals to crinoids, snails, scallop shells, and more!  Junior paleontologists will dig in (literally) , find, and identify various fossils.  Keep one shark tooth to keep as a reminder of how amazing the Chesapeake is!   *extra $1 per person set up fee and souvenir fossil for “Fossils Everywhere”

Rotation #5    Animal Rescue 911

Maybe at some point you've found an abandoned baby bird...a opossum in your attic...or yikes a snake in the garage! What do you do...you call Rescue 911!!! When an animal is in distress it's up to experts to come to the rescue, and that is exactly what this program is all about, Animal Rescue 911. Sometimes it's a box turtle but at times it can be a gigantic croc, or a half ton manatee. Each and every rescue requires different expertise. Participants in Rescue 911 will learn all about why animals need rescuing- or even not! Meet and interact with some of Eco Adventures very own rescued animals, and learn about their amazing back stories! From Wally, our gator that was found in the icy waters of Lake Michigan, to our terrapin babies that were discovered taped to the body of an apprehended smuggler, or Flaco the caiman left behind in a deserted house by irresponsible owners. These amazing animal stories are living, breathing examples of many of the conservation issues in today's world, from poaching to pollution, entanglement to irresponsible pet ownership, and much more! Experience an exciting demo on how we catch some uncooperative alligators or participate in a “Mock Rescue” of a dolphin. It’s all hands-on as students learn how to make a difference with the power of knowledge...and Animal Rescue 911!

Hands-On Chesapeake! In-Depth Experience at Your School

Pets are our best friends-AND part of your family for LIFE. They
provide comfort and help us to build a bond with animals from a
young age. But pets can be a lot of responsibility too. Every
individual animal has specific needs and relies on you to survive,
thrive and be happy! Our instructor will talk about what animals
make a good pet and what animal doesn’t. If you have been thinking
of getting a pet or already have one- Let us know which one(s)! For
this program, we will be discussing all the pros and cons about each
one and answer your questions: What does it need? What foods do
they eat? Financial responsibilities? Enrichment requirements?... and also how difficult is it to take
care of them... no one likes cleaning up poop but it has to be done! Make a pledge to become a
responsible pet owner and celebrate the privilege of having a pet for life!

Pampered Pets

Have you ever wondered why animals are so hard to find in nature?
They just seem to have a special skill at hiding from us, and for good
reason, for in nature, it's eat or be eaten! Camouflage is everything in
the ultimate game of hide and seek! In this program you will take a
closer look at how certain animals can change color, hide themselves,
build structures that camouflage, or are masters of illusion and
mimicry! How do they do it? You will get all the answers as you see various live animal examples --
from camo to albino animals to colorful warnings of poison. Find out who is the friend or the foe
and how animals are dependent on colors to survive!

Crazy for Camo

Animals have many marvelous means of movement! From slithering to rolling to jumping to flying,
there are quite a few ways to move around. Some types of animal locomotion have inspired human
technology, and even self-defense techniques like martial arts. In this very active class, students
will learn about different types of locomotion by moving along side of our live animal
demonstrations. Who has a better jump, a tree frog or a kid? Can you walk like a gator or slither
like a snake? We will be testing humans against animals and all answers will be revealed!

Motion Madness

What actually makes a snake, a snake?? Snakes might just look like a head
attached to a long tail, but they are much, much more than that! Their
engineering and body plan have made them into one of the most successful
animals on the planet. You will learn all about these amazing animals' unique
adaptations, anatomy, locomotion, and way of life -- with a great variety of
our live snake collection. We can observe these reptiles in motion and even
see a *snake eat...if you dare! (*we will save this to the end if you do not want
to watch them eat)

Slithering Snakes

We have all heard the stories... crazy animals whose bite or sting is full of
VENOM and can make you deathly ill... Or other animals who make
POISON that can slay the most fearsome predator... These are no
ordinary adaptations! Come explore some of nature's deadliest cocktails
as you discover WHY so many animals have evolved these abilities, the
difference between poison and venom, and more!! Scientists are still
struggling to uncover this amazing adaptation, and we need YOUR help
and ideas too--just try not to get stung!

Venom vs. Poison

You may know how to tell the difference between an alligator and a
crocodile, but what about their cousins? Did you know that there are 24
species of crocodilians on the planet? They have some of the coolest
adaptations and survival skills throughout history! Did you know crocs ate
Dinos?? Talk about crazy! We have a few for you to meet in this compare
and contrast lesson on crocodilians!

Crazy Crocodilians

Amphibians are incredible animals and a very important part of ecosystems worldwide. Known as
an “indicator species” they are known to be the first species that disappears when something goes
wrong in a habitat. They are also the most quickly vanishing type of animal on planet earth. What
animals are amphibians besides frogs? How do they change as they grow up? What amphibians
live near me? Learn more about these amazing creatures in this program about animals who
breathe with their skin!

Awesome Amphibians

Did you know that there are over 4,000 species of lizards? Meet a few of our scaly friends! From
geckos to bearded dragons to chameleons and even a uromastyx! These interesting animals take
many different shapes and sizes. Learn about how they can survive in the different extreme
corners of our Earth and the interesting, rare adaptations that make it possible.

Leapin' Lizards

FLASH NEWS RELEASE:  ALIENS AMONG US!!!

 

There have been recent reports of animal sightings so outlandish, so freakishly different, that there is growing concern about what they are, where they come from, what do they want.  Could they be...aliens living among us?  Some of these bizarre beasts have been described by eyewitnesses as having multiple brains, eyes in the back of their heads, they drink through their behinds, and even have the ability to grow new limbs.  Many of these reports are unsubstantiated and need to been investigated immediately.  Time is of the essence...Earth’s' survival could be at stake.

 

This is urgent, so you've been assigned to a top secret Eco-Investigative agents, where you will help create your own example of an alien for a “Most Wanted Poster”. With the help of live animals, you will ascertain whether these aliens have slime, multiple eyes or limbs, or special adaptations or powers??  If you choose to accept this assignment, you will be tasked with separating fact from fiction, and determine whether there are aliens living among us, and hopefully, assure all Earthlings that they are in no present danger...

 

*Live animal presentation, may interact with some earthling creatures 

Aliens Among Us

Many people hold mammals near and dear to our hearts because they are
our pets, friends, and we are mammals ourselves! Discover more about what
characteristics make a mammal “mammal” and meet different mammals
from all over the world such as a hedgehog from Africa, kinkajou from
Central America, short tailed possum from South America and even an North
American flying squirrel. You’ll be sure to love these cute and cuddly
animals

Mad About Mammals

Dr. Brady Barr - Meet and Greet plus Autographs

Meet National Geographic's TV personality and author along with audio video clips, and stories of his world travel adventures and real life encounters with the most dangerous beasts on the planet. 

“I've been coordinating an average of 4 events annually for almost 17 years and Brady is the top in terms of speaker quality. He was engaging, honest, funny and appealed to all ages.” -Noble Foundation

Dr. Brady Barr - Meet & Greet plus Autographs

National Geographic herpetologist: Dr. Brady Barr School Assembly- (100+ children) There is no better way to kick off your reading program than to have National Geographic's TV personality and author come out to your school with audio video clips, and stories of his world travel adventures and real life encounters with the most dangerous beats on the planet. He also bring some of his scaly friends himself. Put some real BITE in your next reading kick off program. Please contact us for more details for National Geographic's Dr. Brady Barr to come out to your school.
“I've been coordinating an average of 4 events annually for almost 17 years and Brady is the top in terms of speaker quality. He was engaging, honest, funny and appealed to all ages.” -Noble Foundation

Dr. Brady Barr Assembly

School Outreach – We Come to Your School

Can't come to us? We come to you! These are dynamic, interactive and FUN programs that have many topics from MD State Next Gen Science Standards. Choose from various options that fit best for your school or camp. Why read about these animals in your textbook or watch a video on the smart board, when you can get them up close and personal? We bring the menagerie to YOU! We customize each program accordingly so if the option or theme is not there-feel free to call us! Eco Adventures also comes to libraries!

*A travel fee applies for over 30-minute travel radius from the facility: $50 fee for 30 mins to 1 hr; $75 fee for 1-1.5 hrs  
*Presentations must be back to back- otherwise there is $25 per 30 min wait fee 

Option A

Due to Covid and safety, we presenting to smaller group sizes. Please have ample space to social distance and must wear masks.
Includes: Two small group presentations (For aprox up to 15 students per group) 1.25 hrs with switching time

PRICE:
$270 School Year Base Price
$280 Summer Camp Base Price
$250 Title One schools

Option B

Due to Covid and safety, we presenting to smaller group sizes. Please have ample space to social distance and must wear masks.
Includes: Three small group presentations (For aprox up to 15 students per group). 2 hrs with switching time.
PRICE:
$320 School Year Base Price
$325 Summer Camp Base Price
$290 Title One schools

Option C

NOT AVAIL during COVID -SEE VIRTUAL PROGRAMS/ASSEMBLIES

(For 75-100 students)
Assembly Style
Includes 1 hour presentation for up to 75-100 participants
$4 per student
Please note: not all children will get to touch animals (touching will be on a volunteer basis). If you would like an extra interactive 20-30 minute session, please add $75.

Option D

NOT AVAILABLE DURING COVID Virtual Programs only- see tab

(Over 100 + students)
Assembly Style
$685 includes two - 45 min back to back assemblies for up to 250 participants in each group.
$3 for each additional student after 500 participants.
Please note: not all children will get to touch animals (touching will be on a volunteer basis). If you would like an extra interactive 20-30 minute session, please add $75 per session.

Option E

VIRTUAL PROGRAMS ONLY -SEE TAB

National Geographic's herpetologist/TV personality/book author
Dr. Brady Barr Assembly
$700 for a 1 hour program for up to  300 participants 
$775 for two – 50 minute back to back programs
$3 per additional child, after 300 participants per assembly

“Take it from someone on the front lines, a recent visiting teacher from Annapolis Area Christian School, who proclaimed: “The best field trip ever and I have been teaching over 20 years .“ Please move forward and plan a visit on The WILD SIDE, where you can touch, see, and “Experience the Extraordinary” at Eco Adventures!”

“WOW! My son had the opportunity to come through Eco Adventures this morning with his class from Woods Memorial. I am a teacher and absolutely was impressed with the smooth way your team ran their adventure today. The presentations were easy to understand and we knew we were dealing with professionals as soon as our program began, so thank you, on this rainy, rainy day. (and I read the Baltimore Sun article from a while ago and, again, wow-80 countries-your training and hard work to bring this location to life is inspiring)”