Elms Environmental Education Center

2nd Grade

Habitats, Pollinators & Seed Spreaders

Overview: During their field study, students will explore and compare features of local habitat types: forest, meadow, and water’s edge, and observe relationships between and among plants and animals within a given habitat. Pollination and seed dispersal are the primary relationships to be studied.

Monarch butterfly caterpillar

Monarch Butterfly caterpillar.

students handling periwinkle snails

Students interact with Periwinkle Snails while observing a waterfront habitat.

students hiking through green field

Students and chaperones head out on a hike to explore various habitat types.

Location: This field study is conducted by Elms Environmental Education Center educators at our partner site Historic Sotterley Plantation in Hollywood, MD. Any questions regarding the trip including scheduling and special concerns should be directed to Elms Environmental Education Center.

Typical Day (schedule is subject to change and may vary based on weather, transportation and needs of the individual class):

Bus pickup at school 9:15am (8:45am for early schools)

Arrival at field study site. Welcome & Introduction

Morning Activities

Lunch

Afternoon Activities

Review and Wrap-up

Bus departure from site - 2:15pm (1:45 pm for early schools)

Chaperones: Chaperones are vital to the success of our field studies, serving as active program assistants and small group leaders. Approved volunteers are selected by the classroom teacher. Remember to pack your lunch and dress for a day outdoors. *Please set your phones to vibrate/silent during the field study.*

Prepare for Your Trip

What to Wear:

  • Dress for participation in outdoor activities and remember to choose clothes and shoes that can get wet and dirty.

  • Check the the weather for your field study site - Historic Sotterley Plantation in Hollywood, MD. Temperatures near the water can be 10 degrees COLDER (and more windy) than at home or school.

  • Layers are great for cold weather. Dress for the high temperature, and layer for the low.

  • Hats are recommended.

  • Bring your rain gear when rain is expected.

  • Don't forget to pre-apply sun block and insect repellent before you leave home (if desired).

Food and Drink:

  • Pack your lunch in reusable containers, if possible.

  • If you don't pack-out lunch trash, CPCS provides a can for recycling bottles and cans, and Sotterley provides a can to send trash to landfill.

  • Bring water to drink, in a reusable water bottle (labeled with your name), if possible.

Fee:

  • $10