Field Studies for Schools
Choose Your Adventure: Outdoor Field Trips and Virtual Livestreams
*We are currently scheduling programs for the 2024-2025 school year! Scroll down to fill out the interest form.*
(Looking for our ITE Live! stream? Click here)
What is Field Studies for Schools (FSS)?
Field Studies for Schools (FSS) is ITE’s program for connecting educators and their students to the Sonoran Desert.
From Biology to Art to Creative Writing classes, ITE staff lead students through experiential learning as concepts from the classroom unfold in the natural world.
Programs span the range of 40-minute virtual experiences to multi-day camping trips.
Who is FSS for?
FSS programs are designed for youth in 7th through 12th grade. Any educator or school professional can sign their class up for an FSS program!
*Qualifying groups/schools can participate in single-day programs at little or no cost. Fill out the interest form below for more info!*
What can I expect from FSS?
Based on your desired outcomes, ITE’s skilled staff apply their knowledge of the Sky Islands region to weave place-based lessons into the field experience.
Outdoor Field Trips:
ITE provides…
–Gear and equipment for youth and adults that fit each type of program
–Expertise in outdoor education and risk management, including Wilderness First Aid certification
–Positive learning experiences that foster class camaraderie
Can’t get out in the field? Consider ITE Live!
-ITE Live! uses a synchronized learning model where ITE instructors connect with you via a livestreaming platform.
-Just like an in-person FSS program, our staff guide you on a journey in the urban and/or natural environment to share stories and knowledge of the land.
-You and your class can interact and stay connected with our staff in the field using a chat box.
Fill out this interest form to get in touch with us about FSS.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trips can I do in one school year?
While we don’t have a limit on how many trips one teacher can do each school year, we try to offer as many trips to as many different schools and teachers as possible. With a recent surge of interest in our programs, we are currently allowing each teacher to initially schedule one trip per school year. Once every interested teacher has had the opportunity to schedule a trip, we will open up our remaining available dates for teachers to bring other students/classes out on an additional trip.
Is there a minimum or maximum number of students I can bring out per trip?
Yes, there is a minimum and maximum number of students, depending on the type of trip:
Day program
Minimum: 12 students
Maximum: 30 students
Overnight Campout
Minimum: 10 students
Maximum: 30 students
Overnight Field Station
Minimum: 10 students
Maximum: 20 students
Is there a minimum or maximum number of adults I can bring out per trip?
Yes, there is a minimum and maximum number of adults, depending on the type of trip and how many students will be on the trip. For the purpose of this section, “adults” refers to teachers, chaperones, and/or general school staff. If a student(s) on the trip needs 1-on-1 support from an adult, that adult may join and will not count towards the total adult count for the whole group.
Day program
For all day programs, we allow a minimum of 1 adult, and a maximum of 2.
Overnight Campout
10-25 students : 1-2 adults
26-30 students : 2-3 adults
Overnight Field Station
< 15 students : 1-2 adults
16-20 students : 2-3 adults
Do you provide transportation?
We do not provide transportation. If you need assistance paying for transportation from your school or district, we may be able to provide some financial assistance.
Do you provide food?
For day programs, we do not provide food. All participants, including adults, should supply their own lunch and/or snacks.
For all overnight programs, the school is responsible for the cost of all of the food. ITE will supply almost all of the food for all participants, including adults, and will prepare for any/all dietary restrictions and needs. The only meal that participants will need to supply for themselves is lunch on the first day of the program.
ITE provides reusable water bottles for all participants to borrow during all types of programs.
Do these trips cost money?
Day programs are offered at no cost, thanks to funding from our various partners, including the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Depending on your school or district, you may need to pay for your transportation. ITE may be able to provide financial assistance for transportation.
All overnight programs are offered with a cost to the school. If you are interested in an overnight program, please contact Deborah Oslik (deborah@ironwoodtreeexperience.org) with questions about overnight trip costs.
How long is each trip?
Day programs vary in length based on your school’s start and end times and the location of the program. Most day programs last approximately 4 hours, though shorter and longer day programs are not uncommon.
Overnight programs vary in length based on your needs and wants for the trip. Overnight programs are offered as 2-day/1-night trips or 3-day/2-night trips. Considerations to factor into your decision about overnight trip length include trip cost, transportation cost, trip location, and your desired outcomes for the program.
Where do you go?
Because our day programs are offered at no-cost thanks to funding from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), all of our day programs are held on USFS land. As the teacher, you have a choice between the following locations for your trip:
- Madera Canyon
- Sabino Canyon
- Gordon Hirabayashi (Mt. Lemmon)
- General Hitchcock (Mt. Lemmon)
- Marshall Gulch (Mt. Lemmon)
If you are interested in bringing your students to a different area managed by the USFS for a day program, please discuss this with Paige Humphrey when planning your trip. Please note that trips to areas not managed by our funding partners will require the school to cover the entire cost of the trip.