Emerald Necklace Outdoor Elementary Education
The Conservancy has developed a place-based, environmental education program consistent with Boston Public Schools science curriculum standards to connect Boston youth to the natural world. Our goal is to guide students to become more environmentally conscious by highlighting the real-world applications of science and its relevance to their daily lives.
The Canopy Classroom Outdoor Education Program is executed through fun, interactive nature connection field trips that are facilitated at Emerald Necklace parks. We offer fall and spring field trips designed for 3rd and 4th grade classes, approximately 2 hours in length. Each field trip begins with an introduction to the park and the field trip topic, followed by a guided exploration of the park, and concludes with a fun activity that reinforces the field trip content.
Canopy Classroom is free to Boston Public Schools, including transportation to and from the parks. Interested educators should see our FAQs below and email Caroline Waples, Education Manager (cwaples@emeraldnecklace.org) with any questions, or to join the mailing list for future registration.
Current field trip topic areas:
Fall: Signs of Fall, Tree Life Cycle
Spring: Predator Prey Relationships, Animal Adaptation
Teacher Testimonials
“This field trip was amazing! My students enjoyed the outdoors experience of being in nature while simultaneously being surrounded by city life. The activities and structure were appropriate and engaging to our 3rd grade scholars. They were making connections to concepts learned on the trip throughout the week. I highly recommend this experience and look forward to more opportunities to participate!”
“The fact that this trip was fully funded opened up a wonderful opportunity for my students. They were engaged in critical thinking and hands-on activities and got to spend a few hours out in nature. This was a wonderful experience that I hope to enjoy with my next group of third graders.”
“The Emerald Necklace Conservancy provides an engaging and rigorous learning experience for students. The learning and exploration is standards-aligned, hands on, and fun! I appreciate the approach of the facilitators; posing open ended questions, teaching/emphasizing relevant vocabulary, and being responsive to what students notice and wonder.”
“I have been teaching for 22 years, this was by far the best field trip my students and I have participated in during that time.”
