Field Trips
Programs Offered: April - October
Program Costs:
All On-site Programs are $6.00/student for 1.5-2 hour programs.
Fees will be charged for the number registered regardless of sickness or absentees.
Minimum: 15 - Maximum: 40 - unless indicated otherwise.
Programs address PA Environment and Ecology and Science and Technology Standards. List of standards addressed are available upon request.
There is no cost for adults or chaperons.
Registration:
You may register for programs by calling 724-537-5284 Tuesday through Friday 10:00 am-4:00 p.m. Times fill up quickly during September/October and April/May, so please schedule early.
PROGRAMS
Wetland Wonders, Grades pre K-2 (1.5 hours)
What is a wetland and what plants and animals live there? Discover the wetland ecosystem and all its wonders. This primary program focuses Freshwater and Salt Water Marshes and Swamps. Children will use their senses to experience nature as they take a guided walk around the wetland looking for plants, animals and insects.
Minimum: 15 students Maximum: 25 students
Wild and Wonderful Wetland Experience, Grades 3-6 (2 Hours) – In the classroom, students learn about our local heritage and coal mining, the formation of Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD), its affect on the stream ecosystem and how it is treated. Then they head outside to the 3.11 Acre wetland system next to the Gristmill to complete hands-on activities such as dissecting a weird wetland plant, investigating adaptation and developing an insect that meets all of its needs and testing the AMD water entering and exiting the system to discover if the treatment system works.
Critters and Chemistry, Grades 7-9 (2 Hours) - Students learn about coal formation, the types of coal in Pennsylvania, how coal was removed from under the ground and how Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) is formed and the treatment process at Saint Vincent College. Using D-Frame nest, students collect and identify macroinvertebrates then look at the diversity and numbers to determine a water quality index. They also use advanced field kits to analyze the mine water at the beginning and the end of the wetland system. Students discover what is happening chemically and biologically in the wetland cells as the mine water travels through five wetland ponds during the treatment process.
Monastery Run Tree Program Grades 1-3 (2 Hours) – Students will discover how a tree works and grows, become part of a tree and act out its function determine how old a tree is, identify types of forests in the United States, and discuss wildfires and how to prevent them. In the field, students will identify trees and plants and explain their uses.
Wetland Flora Fun, Grades 4-6 (2 Hours) - Wetland plants make special adaptations to the wet and harsh conditions of the ecosystem in which they live. Learning to use a dichotomous key, scavenger hunt, and hands-on activities, students identify these marsh residents, their adaptations, special features, and role in the environment.
Micro to Macro Worlds in the Environment, Grades 4-6 (2 Hours) - Students investigate the living worlds found around the wetland project area. Students work in investigative teams to complete the Mystery Activity identified. Each team collects, identifies, and examines the items found from a lake, pond, wetland, and field site to understand the Micro to Macro World.
World of Wetlands, Grades 4-6 (2 Hours) -Students explore the wonders of wetlands and their function in the environment. Students examine the water, soil, animals, and plants found at the Monastery Run Project Wetlands to gain the knowledge of this ecosystem's functional role in the environment.
Restroom and Lunch Facilities:
Your class may bring a brown bag lunch and picnic at the Monastery Run Improvement Project Wetlands or at the Nature Reserve with prior arrangements - please bring blankets and garbage bags for the Monastery Run Improvement Project Site.
Restroom facilities are available at both the Saint Vincent Gristmill and the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve
Parking:
Buses may drop students off at the Saint Vincent Gristmill or Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve and park at designated Bus Parking.