The World is Your Classroom
A student can read about the American Revolution or watch a video about the ocean, but it does not have the same impact as seeing Colonial Williamsburg or enjoying the marvels snorkeling in Catalina. Our unique Field Studies program integrates academic content areas into a realistic approach to learning beyond the classroom environment. Through one-day or weeklong Field Studies, students experience learning immersed within a real-world setting, reinforcing the concepts taught in the classroom. This program offers distinctive opportunities for observation, research and interaction all within native settings. Field Studies build responsible and cooperative learning that occurs in real-world situations to provide academic enhancement while creating cultural awareness amidst historic and educational settings.
Field Study Opportunities
Grade 4-8: New York City (Optional)
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our annual NYC trip, where students and parents immerse themselves in dynamic, hands-on arts experiences across the city. This exciting journey includes airfare, transportation, event tickets, and meals—all carefully curated for an action-packed experience. To ensure a safe and enriching trip, each child must be accompanied by a parent chaperone.
Grade 4: Sacramento, California
Students embark on a Field Study to Sacramento, our State Capital, to reinforce the IB unit of inquiry, “How We Organize Ourselves.” The central idea looks into natural resources, boomtowns, the discovery of precious minerals and the effect on the area and the people. Every year, Grade 4 students and a parent chaperone head to Sacramento for a 2 day, one-night study of our state’s capital. This trip reinforces the IB unit of inquiry “How We Organize Ourselves.” The central idea focuses on migration, the discovery of precious minerals and the effect on the area and the people. Students visit the Capitol Building, Sutter’s Fort, the California State Railroad Museum and other historic sites, including a chance to explore mines of the Mother Lode and try their luck at panning for gold.
Grade 5: Astro Camp in Idyllwild, California
Grade 5 Falcons head to the San Jacinto Mountains near the town of Idyllwild for AstroCamp. Over three days and two nights, students explore the sciences of physics and astronomy, develop as individuals and foster their sense of wonder. This experience is designed to sharpen students' interest in the scientific study of the universe and directly connects with the IB Unit of Inquiry on Space and Exploration. Students participate in many hands-on, engaging learning including evening hikes and astronomy, navigating ropes courses, experimenting with lights, lasers, atmosphere and gases, building and launching rockets and more.
Grade 6: Catalina Environmental Leadership Program in Catalina Island, California
Every year, St. Mary’s Grade 6 students attend a four-day field study on Santa Catalina Island. This unique field study connects to several units in various subject specific classes, including the Oceans unit and Exploring the Universe unit in Science, the World Mythology unit and the Geography & Agriculture unit in Individuals & Societies and the Wildlife Conservation unit in Visual Arts. The journey to Howlands Landing includes the Catalina Environmental Leadership Program, which provides our students with opportunities for marine and terrestrial field research. Rich program offerings like marine snorkeling, kayaking, investigating tide pools, hiking, researching in a kelp lab and composting help foster environmental stewardship, peer relationships and self-confidence.
Grade 7: Yosemite National Park, California
The Grade 7 Field Study to Yosemite National Park focuses on environmental science and provides many opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning experiences in one of the world’s most iconic national parks. Students will: explore deep valleys and grand meadows, hike up to Vernal Falls, walk through narrow rocks, test the water quality of the Merced River and learn about climate change. Students will explore the geologic history of the Sierra Nevada; engage in field research projects, such as water biology, and discover how the environment supports the different habitats in the park. Students are empowered to see how their actions impact their community and the world around them through service-learning projects, including removing invasive species that threaten the biodiversity of the Park.
Grade 8: Williamsburg, Virginia and Washington D.C.
The Grade 8 Washington, D.C. Field Study promises to be an enriching journey that blends academic enrichment with exciting adventures. Our Grade 8 educators tailored a robust itinerary that aligns with our curriculum and ensures ample opportunities for fun and camaraderie. The itinerary is packed with immersive experiences, including: a tour of the United States Capitol, meetings with our local representative, visits to the African American History Museum and Holocaust Museum, exploration of the National Archives, and tours of the Memorials. Our Falcons will pay their respects at Arlington Cemetery with a Wreath Laying Ceremony, delve into military history at the Army Museum and reach for the stars at the Air and Space Museum. Of course, no trip to D.C. would be complete without exploring the renowned Smithsonian museums or catching a thought-provoking theatre production.