What is Field Studies for Schools (FSS)?
Field Studies for Schools (FSS) connects 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!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.
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 all interested teachers have 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 in that same school year.
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 – Wildlands Program
Minimum: 12 students
Maximum: 30 students
Day – Urban WATER Program
Minimum: 10 students
Maximum: 20 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, depending on the type of trip and how many students will be on the trip, there is a minimum and maximum number of adults (teachers, chaperones, or other school staff) that should also attend the program and support ITE staff with student management.
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
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.
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 financial assistance. Please ask us about this.
Do you provide food?
For day programs, we do not provide food except for some supplementary snacks. All participants, including adults, should supply their own lunch.
For all overnight programs, the school is responsible for the cost of all of the food. ITE will supply all of the food (minus lunch on Day1) for all participants, including adults, and will prepare for any/all dietary restrictions and needs.
Do these programs cost money?
Thanks to funding from our various partners, day programs for public, and some charter, schools are offered at no cost to you. 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 do cost a fee. If you are interested in an overnight program, please fill out our interest form and we can discuss program options!
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 Wildlands Day Programs last approximately 5-7 hours in the field, though shorter and longer day programs are not uncommon. Our Urban Day Programs last 3-4 hours.
Overnight programs vary in length based on your needs and wants for the trip, however our typical program length is 2-day/1-night or 3-day/2-night. 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?
We visit many different locations around Southern Arizona. The program type, length, and time of year are all factors in deciding the location for a particular trip. Some of our most frequently visited wildland locations are:
- Madera Canyon
- Sabino Canyon
- Gordon Hirabayashi (Mt. Lemmon)
- General Hitchcock (Mt. Lemmon)
- Marshall Gulch (Mt. Lemmon)
We also visit many green spaces within our urban environment. Our Urban Day Programs visit select County Stormwater Parks in town.
If you are interested in bringing your students to a different location than listed above, we can discuss this!
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.