Science Field Trips for Middle School Students in Ohio

These three suggestions for middle school science field trips in Ohio offer both exciting learning opportunities and ample teacher resources to prepare for the field trip as well as to reinforce the learning experience after the field trip.

Lange Tree Farm - Ohio's 2010 "Tree Farm of the Year"

The Lange Tree Farm is a great destination for a middle school science field trip anytime of the year. Walt and Donna will lead the students on a tour of their tree farm at little or no cost depending on the size and needs of the group. Walt explained that the tree farm contains 10,000 trees which are part of a reforestation project. This includes 5 acres of Red Oak trees, 5 acres of White Oak trees and 41/2 acres of White Pine trees which are part of a plantation type of planting. They have 13 acres of older trees as well as a green tree marsh wetland area. On the tour the students will learn about the types of trees, planting and reforestation, wetlands, windbreak program, hardwood management, Chestnut trees and the need for hybrids, and the Emerald Ash borer.

Contact Walt & Donna Lange at 419-825-5792 to arrange a science field trip to the Lange Tree Farm, 5893 CR 3, Swanton, Ohio.

The Ohio Forestry Association offers educational resources which would enrich the field trip experience : http://www.ohioforest.org/

Ohio Energy Project

The mission of the Ohio Energy Project is: To promote an energy-educated society and to facilitate leadership, through effective partnerships with schools, businesses, government and communities. Their purpose is: To empower students to be educated leaders of an energy responsible society. They offer Energy Education Programs, Energy Workshops, an annual energy Fair and many opportunities for involvement on a school, classroom or individual basis. They even have a School Audit Kit which provides materials for teachers/students to: 1) improve learning environment, 2) save energy & cost 3) create a learning laboratory environment. An annual Energy Generation Tour is offered which focuses on a different type of energy production. Inquire as to the current tour information.

Contact Sue Tenney at 614-785-1717 or stenney@ohioenergy.org for information.

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives' Education Center

Energy efficiency is a focus of Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives. The education center presents an annual Farm Science Review at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center at 135 SR 38 NE, London, Ohio 43140. Some exhibits focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, generators, insulation, water purification, home economics, and a strong focus on being aware of the ways you can save energy and cost.

Contact :www.fsr.osu.edu or www.buckeyepower.com ph: 614-846-5757. Molly Caren Agricultural Center, 135 SR 38 NE, London, Ohio 43140.