K–12 visits: Learning in the field
Where science, creativity, and curiosity come to life outdoors
Located where the eastern deciduous forest meets the prairie, the KU Field Station includes native and reconstructed prairies, woodlands, ponds and reservoirs. This diversity offers students a chance to experience and investigate real-world learning in dynamic, living ecosystems.
We believe outdoor learning should be flexible and adaptive. We collaborate with teachers to design immersive programs that align with your curriculum standards and learning goals. Whether your focus is ecological science and field research or cross-curricular areas like creative writing, art-making, math, journaling, sensory observation or social studies, we’ll work with you to meet the unique needs of your students.
As a working field station, our setting is best suited for middle and high school students. Elementary educators are also welcome to reach out so we can explore ways to adapt programs for younger learners.
Field experiences might include:
- Exploring the prairie through observation and interaction with plants, insects, and natural processes. Activities support understanding of ecosystems, seasonal changes, and restoration, and can inspire creative expression such as writing, drawing or journaling.
- Investigating the woods by experiencing the structure, life and natural cycles of forested areas. Students may explore plant communities, animal signs and decomposition, connecting to broader ecological concepts as well as opportunities for reflection and artistic response.
- Discovering aquatic habitats by engaging with ponds and reservoirs to observe living organisms and their adaptations. These explorations foster curiosity about biodiversity and environmental health, and can connect to storytelling, math and creative projects.
Let us know what your students are learning, and we’ll help bring it to life outdoors!
Getting ready
We’re happy to visit your classroom before the field trip to prepare students by introducing them to:
- The KU Field Station and its role in research, education, and stewardship
- What to expect in the field, from muddy shoes to tick checks
- How to dress and prepare for a morning or afternoon outdoors
- Key background concepts and vocabulary
Optional pre-visits help build excitement, set expectations, and improve student readiness for a successful outdoor experience.
Please note that each participant, students and adults alike, must complete a standard waiver form prior to the visit.
Our programs happen outdoors, which means they are weather dependent. To avoid disappointment, we recommend scheduling a backup date in case wind, rain, or other conditions make it unsafe or impractical to be outside on your preferred date.
Things to keep in mind:
- Field trips are fully outdoors, with limited access to indoor facilities.
- Restrooms are pit toilets located at trailheads and may not be close to where your group spends most of the visit.
- Students and adults should wear closed-toed shoes, long pants, and dress for the weather.
- Refillable water bottles and snacks are recommended.
- Teachers should help prepare students for potential encounters with poison ivy, ticks, and other local wildlife.
- A 10:1 student-to-adult ratio is preferred for grades 6–12; a 5:1 ratio is recommended for younger students.
- For larger groups, rotating through activity stations is necessary. Due to limited staffing, some stations will be led by KU Field Station staff, while others will need to be facilitated by classroom teachers or school volunteers.
Program fees for field trips are as follows:
- Non-KU academic groups: $119 per class
- Homeschool groups: $258 per class (may vary depending on structure and needs)
We believe every student deserves access to hands-on learning in nature. Scholarships may be available if cost is a barrier. Please reach out to discuss options.
We are working to improve accessibility for outdoor learning at the KU Field Station. Currently, the Rockefeller Prairie Trail is ADA-compliant, providing a scenic, smooth-surfaced route suitable for wheelchairs and those with mobility needs. This trail features native prairie and reconstructed prairies, interpretive signage, and many opportunities for observation and discussion.
Please let us know in advance about any mobility, sensory or learning accommodations your students may require, and we’ll do our best to tailor the experience accordingly.
Whether you’re interested in exploring prairie ecosystems, engaging students in hands-on field activities, or integrating creative writing, art, or social studies into an outdoor setting, we’d love to hear from you. Contact the KU Field Station’s Education Program Coordinator to start planning a visit.