Field Trips to the Farm
Unique, educational, hands-on learning experiences for public, private, and home school groups, scout troops, day care centers, and other youth groups.
Field Trips: All of our programs are designed to incorporate some of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks in History and Social Science, Science and Technology/Engineering, Mathematics,and/or Visual Art. Our programs can also be tailored to suit individual class needs. Longer programs can be made by special arrangement. You are welcome to stay after your program to enjoy a snack or lunch at our picnic tables. You may also schedule your snack or lunch during the program, an additional fee may apply.90 Minute Program:
$6/child
($5/child—Middleboro Schools)
$75 Minimum for any program
A $20 non-refundable deposit is required to hold the date of any program
RESCHEDULING POLICY: You may reschedule your program with no additional fee provided you call us within regular business hours of Monday – Friday, 9am - 5pm and give us at least a 24 hour notice. Rescheduling less than 24 hours before the program will add an additional $20 to your program fee.
All Field Trip Programs - 50 children suggested maximum
For groups over 50, a $50 large group fee applies.
*$2 for all teachers and chaperones*
Please download our Chaperone Guide for more information.
90 Minute Programs
See the Frameworks Mapping for specific frameworks incorporated into each program.- MEET THE ANIMALS:
- Get to know our farm animals, and learn how they help farmers work, provide food, create fibers, and more. Each child can spin a bracelet to wear home as they discover how wool journeys from sheep to sweater.
- GET TO THE ROOT OF IT:
- Learn to identify different parts of a plant, understand what plants need to grow, and how they help people. Seasonal activities may include composting, work in our organic gardens, and/or sowing seeds in a planter to take home.
- SIMPLE MACHINES:
- See how simple machines make hard tasks easier all over the farm. Students will use wedges, levers, wheels, screws, incline planes and pulleys, and learn how farms functioned before the industrial age. A great hands-on way to learn the science and power of simple machines!
- THEN AND NOW:
- Farming, New England and American History are explored as we meet the animals and investigate the grounds of this historic farm. Learn how farming, lifestyles, and landscape have changed, and what has remained the same.
- BIRDS OF SOULE
- We’ll start with a short introduction to birds, and their importance to the Soule Homestead ecosystem and on a larger scale the Taunton River Watershed. We’ll continue by using tripod magnifiers to view feathers and nests. We then hike around the farm with binoculars to bird watch and view various habitats. Ending back in the classroom with a take home Birds of Soule activity book.
30 MINUTE PROGRAM ADDITIONS
You may add one of the following 30 minute lessons to a 90 minute program for an additional $2 per child. See the Frameworks Mapping for specific frameworks incorporated into each program.- SPINNING:
- Students learn all about wool, from sheep to sweater. They card and spin the farm's wool, making bracelets to wear home as souvenirs.
- BUTTER-MAKING:
- Students learn first-hand how butter is made, with hands on experience demonstrating the states of matter. We'll enjoy the finished product on fresh-popped organic popcorn.
- DAIRY BARN TOUR:
- Discover how milk gets from the udder to your refrigerator. Learn about milk production and dairy products. Walk through our historic dairy barn and see where 100 cows once lived. Activities may include exploring and examining cow bones.
- COMPOSTING:
- Where does soil come from? Learn how Mother Nature is the original recycler, and discover the life in the soil. What many folks consider waste, gardeners and farmers turn into "black gold". Find out how, and why! This lesson involves getting up-close and personal with the beauty of compost!
- NATURE HIKE:
- Discover the secrets of the season with a walk on our forest trail. Learn about native flora, threatened species, invasive and non-natives as well. We'll discuss the difference between wild and domestic plants and animals. Spot signs of wildlife and have your eyes opened to what's going on in the forests all around us.
- LETTER BOXING
- Students will practice map reading and decipher clues as they explore the farm scavenger-hunt style.
OTHER OPTIONS:
- OUTREACH:
- Although
not quite like being on the farm, Soule Homestead
can come to you. Most programs listed here are available for Outreach
and can be tailored to suit the facility, class, and curriculum
requirements. Call or e-mail for more details.
Suggested 30 children maximum group size for 1 hour program
$150 per program
($125/program Middleboro Schools)
For groups larger than 30 children there will be an additional $50 fee and additional time may be required. - LITTLE FARMERS
- Designed for mom and child ages 2 – 5. The 1 Hour Program
includes an interactive story, meet a farm animal and a take home
project.
30 suggested group maximumChoose 1 of 3 specially designed programs: Eggstra-ordinary Chickens, Hop - Bunny - Hop, and Fluffy Fun Sheep
$6 mom and child
$60 minimum program fee - SCOUT PROGRAMS
- We offer customized programming for your troop here at the
scenic 120 acre organic educational farm! We will work with you to
achieve your desired goal.
50 children suggested maximum group
Pricing will vary according to length and program description