Virtual Field Trips

Wolverines are big weasels with even bigger reputations. Learn about the wolverines that live at Northwest Trek and discover why Wolverines are super heroes of the wild!

Lesson length: 40 mins, can be extended to one hour as needed for Q&A
Program delivery: Video conference via webcam/desktop using the Zoom platform

Includes:

• Naturalist introduction and brief overview of Northwest Trek
• Recorded observations of Northwest Trek wolverines
• Discussion of wolverine habitats, diet and behaviors
• Q&A at the conclusion of the program

Available: 10am-4pm Monday-Friday

Dive into a pond located on Northwest Trek’s property!

Learn about what animals live in ponds and how to assess the health of this freshwater ecosystem. See some of the smallest inhabitants up close and learn how to find pond critters in your neighborhood.

Lesson length: 40 mins, can be extended to one hour as needed for Q&A
Platform: Video conference via webcam/desktop using Zoom
Includes:

• Naturalist introduction and brief overview of Northwest Trek
• Recorded observations of wetlands insects
• Discussion of the importance of wetlands and how to identify specific wetland insects
• Q&A at the conclusion of the program

Available: 10am-4pm Monday-Friday
Cost: $10/person

A virtual field trip lesson about native Northwest raptors. Learn the difference between raptors and other bird families and what makes them unique.

Lesson length: 40 mins, can be extended to one hour as needed
Platform: Video conference via webcam/desktop using Zoom
Includes:

• Naturalist introduction and brief overview of Northwest Trek
• Recorded observation of native Northwest raptors
• Observation and discussion of hunting, diet and behavior
• .Student Q&A at the conclusion of the program

Available: 10am – 4pm Mon-Fri (PST)

Standards Alignment:

• Kindergarten: K-2-LS1-1 (LS1.C), K-ESS3-1 (ESS3.A)
• 1st Grade: 1-LS1-1 (LS1.A, LS1.D)
• 2nd Grade: 2-LS4.1 (LS4.D)
• 3rd Grade: 3-LS3-1 (LS3.B), 3-LS3-2 (LS3.A, LS3.B), 3-LS4-2 (LS4.B), 3-LS4-3 (LS4.C), 3-LS4-4 (LS2.C, LS4.D)
• 4th Grade: 4-LS1-1 (LS1.A), 4-LS1-2 (LS1.D)
• 5th Grade: 5-ESS3-1 (ESS3.C)

A virtual field trip lesson about how to be good wildlife observers, with discussion about what animals need to survive in the wild.

Lesson length: 40 mins, can be extended to one hour as needed
Platform: Video conference via webcam/desktop using Zoom
Includes:

• Up-close look at a Northwest Trek ambassador animal
• Interactive drawing component to engage learners
• Observations on what tools this animal uses to survive in the wild
• Discussion about adaptations or characteristics Pacific Northwest animals have to survive in the wild
• Student Q&A at conclusion of program

Available: 9am-4pm PST Mon-Fri

Standards Alignment:

• Kindergarten: K-2-LS1-1 (LS1.C), K-ESS3-1 (ESS3.A)
• 1st Grade: 1-LS1-1 (LS1.A, LS1.D)
• 2nd Grade: 2-LS4-1 (LS4.D)
• 3rd Grade: 3-LS3-1 (LS3.B), 3-LS3-2 (LS3.A, LS3.B), 3-LS4-2 (LS4.B), 3-LS4-3 (LS4.C), 3-LS4-4 (LS2.C, LS4.D)
• 4th Grade: 4-LS1-1 (LS1.A), 4-LS1-2 (LS1.D)
• 5th Grade: 5-ESS3-1. (ESS3.C)

Bring a Northwest Trek expert to your classroom! Gather all your wildlife park and Pacific Northwest animal questions and get your answers from an expert staff member at Northwest Trek. This is a flexible Q&A style discussion that is a great way to cap off a lesson or thematic unit.

Lesson length: 45-60 minutes, depending on topic and special requests
Platform: Video conference via webcam/desktop using Zoom
Includes:

• A tailor-made experience. After you book, we’ll contact you to learn more about the projects and topics your students are working on.
• A Q&A-style program based on student questions and interaction that may use props, biofacts, personal experiences or stories to enhance the learning experience
• Ongoing Q&A and discussion

Available: 9am-4pm PST Mon-Fri

Goals:

• Explore topics relating to Northwest wildlife
• Engage in discussion
• Develop an appreciation for Pacific Northwest wildlife, wildlife parks, and careers in the zoo and aquarium field

Lesson fee: $75 (Raptors, Investigators); $100 (TrExpert)

Availability: Please check individual program descriptions

Participants: 5-30 recommended

Program delivery: Video conference via webcam/desktop using the Zoom platform

Cancellations: 

• There is no charge to cancel or reschedule the virtual field trip more than 48 hours prior to the confirmed date and time.
• If the program is cancelled within 48 hours of the confirmed date, the full price of the program will be charged.
• If a school encounters technical problems on the scheduled date of a program, there will be a 15-minute grace period after the scheduled start time to determine if the problem can be resolved.
• If not, the program will be canceled for that date. The school then has the option to reschedule the program.
• If the school chooses not to reschedule, or if the technical issues cannot be resolved on another program date, the full program fee will still be charged.
• Inclement weather, technological problems on our end, and any other uncontrollable factors will be taken into account. In the event of weather related park or school closings, every reasonable attempt will be made to reschedule the program.
• If the program cannot be rescheduled, a full refund will be issued.

NOTE: Recording of the lesson is not allowed.

Is this program interactive?

• Yes!
• Students will be immersed into Trek in this live experience, and each program includes built-in Q&A time with students.

What technology is required?

• All you need is a computer and a webcam!
• Since this is a live and interactive program, your class will need to be positioned so they can see and hear the virtual field trip specialist and vice versa.
• Typically, classrooms use a computer hooked up to a projector, with the computer’s webcam facing the students.
• Smaller groups may be able to gather around a computer.
• Inquire with your school’s technology department if you do not have a computer or laptop with a webcam.

What is Zoom?

• Zoom is a video conferencing software, and it is a simple and easy way for classrooms to connect with Trek using minimal technology.
• It can be used across Windows, Mac, Linus, Zoom Rooms and H.323/SIP room systems.
• Zoom does not require any special administrator credentials in order to run, and you will not need to download anything prior to your scheduled program.

What happens once I book?

• Our Trek’s Virtual Field Trip team will get in touch with you to schedule a test call and send any additional materials that go along with the program.
• The person who booked the program will receive the link for connecting to the program.

Can I schedule a time to test Zoom and my equipment?

• Yes!
• Every registration will include a 15 minute test call via Zoom with a Virtual Field Trip Specialist where you can test any equipment and review the program.
• This is an opportunity for you to meet virtually with a Trek staff member to make sure that the program will run as smoothly as possible.

Can you tailor a program to fit my class curriculum?

• “Ask a Northwest TrExpert” is tailor-made for your class.
• In other programs, we will make every effort to work with you to meet your classroom needs and goals.
• “What Makes a Bird a Raptor?” and “Northwest Wildlife Investigators” already align with Next Generation Science Standards.
• Please let us know if there is a specific target your class needs to meet during the program.