Curriculum Materials

Rangers have developed lesson plans for the classroom and the field that follow Standards of Learning in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Please feel free to use these materials on your own or with a ranger.

Many curriculum-based programs are still being field-tested. Outlines for these new programs will appear periodically, so check back often.

Call 703‑289‑2553 to request a ranger for your field trip.

Dyke Marsh is Alive

How do we know whether something is living or non-living? Kindergarteners work out answers to this question while making scientific observations and verbalizing descriptions of several marsh-related mystery bag items. This program works best with 15-25 students and a two-hour walk on the Haul Road Trail.

Field Visit Outline

Meaningful Watershed Education Experience in Dyke Marsh

What can we learn about the world by dividing it into biomes? Sixth graders connect the dots between water quality, invasive species, sedimentary geology, and human activity to build a big picture of a freshwater marsh biome. This program works best with four classes of 20-30 students rotating among four stations during a 3.5 hour field trip to the marsh (including lunch in the field).

Classroom Pre-visit Outline and PowerPoint

Schedule and Station Suggestions