Jug  Bay  Wetlands  Sanctuary

Academic Adventures
Environmental Programs for High Schools

Each Academic Adventure is a field-based education program built around the High School Core Learning Goals. The Adventures are designed to give students first hand experience in scientific research and to broaden their understanding of scientific concepts.

Adventures require cooperation between staff naturalists and teachers. Prior to the Adventure, teachers are encouraged to work with their students to design experiments to be conducted under their supervision at the Sanctuary.

Background information and activities are provided in the pre-trip information packet. Teachers and students are also encouraged to take advantage of the educational exhibits at the McCann Wetlands Center.

Once the Adventure begins, students are divided into groups that rotate between activities led by staff naturalists and their teacher. Time for lunch will be scheduled.

Biology
Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is an ideal setting for the study of many biological concepts including:
  • Classification
  • Species diversity and richness
  • Plant and animal adaptations
  • Ecological succession
  • Biotic and abiotic factors
AP Environmental Science

These "APE" Adventures are designed to complement the A.P. Environmental Science curriculum. Students learn about the wetland and forest environments and how they work. The data can be used to compare the student's own watershed to those in the Sanctuary.
APE: Biodiversity and Invasive Species Threatening the Landscape
Students will investigate several types of habitats, vegetation, and wildlife that Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary has to offer.

  • Classification
  • Species diversity and richness
  • Plant and animal adaptations
  • Biotic and abiotic factors
Earth Science
Comprised of both tidal and non-tidal wetlands as well as upland areas, Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is a natural location for students of earth science to learn about:
  • Tidal action
  • Erosion and deposition
  • Soil formation / rock cycle
APE: Forest Ecology and Forest Dynamics (Succession)
Students will experience three different areas of forest in the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary; a disturbed site, a young forest and an old forest. This offers the opportunity to study:
  • Ecological succession
  • Species diversity and richness
  • Plant and animal identification
  • Ecological survey techniques
Chemistry
Chemistry students can use Jug Bay as an outdoor laboratory learn about environmental chemistry and impacts of society on the environment. Specifically, students can investigate:
  • Soil and water pH
  • Water chemistry
APE: Importance of Wetlands and Their Effect on Water Quality
Students can experience the diverse plant and animal life found in the wetlands and understand how wetlands clean and purify the water. Activities can focus on:
  • Water chemistry
  • Biological monitoring of streams
  • Wetland ecology
  • How wetlands function

Scheduling

Programs take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, scheduled by advanced reservation only. Please call the Sanctuary or click here for the application.
Autumn: September through November
Spring: March through May
Summer: June through August

Fees: $2 per student, chaperones free
Marsh Canoeing: an additional $10 per student

Maximum Group Size*: 30 children or one class
One adult for every six children
*Maximum Group Size for Marsh Canoeing: 16 Children
One adult for every 8 students

To apply for a field trip, fill out the application form and send to:

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
1361 Wrighton Road
Lothian, Maryland 20711

For more information, call 410 741-9330

Check out some of our other programs where you can see and do some of the same things on weekends.

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