As cold season blows in, December packs in field trips for both entertainment and education. From rock climbing to exploring dream careers, students of all grades are invited to participate during this month’s fun.

Biomedical Engineer (12/3)

Grades 6-12 have the opportunity to listen to a live, virtual presentation given by Dr. Seth Weinberg of Ohio State University. Weinberg will share information on the education and training needed for biomedical engineering. The event description emphasizes on coming “prepared with questions about this fascinating career field.”

RSVP deadline is December 2 by 5 p.m.

Rock Climbing at Rock Haven Bouldering Gym (12/5)

Rock climbing is for all abilities—from first-timers to seasoned pros. Middle and high school students can enjoy a day of bouldering. Boulders refer to lumpy, manmade, rock-like structures rather than cliffs, so there are no ropes or “dizzying heights.” Admission is $20 and includes rental shoes and orientation for new climbers. Observers are encouraged to join in but will need to pay for a full day pass.

Everyone coming to the event—observers included—must complete a waiver. It can be done at the gym the day of the event or online. The RSVP deadline is December 3.

Albany Fire Station Tour (12/5)

Interested in what firefighters do? Sponsored by ORCA’s Military & First Responders Club, all grade levels are welcomed to participate in a tour and demonstration of the fire station. Attendees will be given details about staff duties and responsibilities during the field trip.

The student attendee limit is 30 and there is no limit on guardians/parents.

ProvidenceReady Surgical Viewing (12/10)

10-12th graders interested in a surgical career have the opportunity to watch Dr. Gary Ott perform a real heart surgery. The field trip is meant for students 16 or older who have taken Anatomy & Physiology or are enrolled in the ASCEND Medical or Veterinary Science Pathway. The class or pathway is a requirement to attend. The event emphasizes that it may be difficult to watch or bring up past trauma. “If you need to leave the viewing, you will be allowed to at any time.”

The attendee limit is 15 students. The RSVP deadline is December 9 at 4:30 p.m.

Basics of Networking Lab (12/19)

ORCA high school students will become the architects of their own mini network during this hands-on lab at the school’s Wilsonville offices. Participants will have the opportunity to build a network from the ground up by crimping cables, wiring patch panels, connecting switches and much more. Experience is not needed, only “curiosity and a willingness to learn.”

Only 15 students can attend. The RSVP deadline is December 17 at 11:59 p.m.

There are many more opportunities during the month. To find out more information about the ones listed, or what else is offered, visit Field Trip Central.