Field Trip Programs

Center for Environmental Education

Oracle State Park offers educational programs to engage students and offer curriculum support for educators throughout the state. This includes field trips to the park, which are interactive experiences that encourage students to connect with the local natural and cultural history. These programs bring ecological concepts learned in the classroom into a real-world context. 

Field trip programs happen at Oracle State Park and feature a guided hike (up to 1 mile) with students participating in activities at different stops along the way. These trips put hands-on, in-person context to content in the classroom and connect to state standards.

The park provides teacher packets with expectations for your field trip as well as pre- and post-field trip activities. 

There are currently two field trip programs: the Oracle Adventure and the Oracle Odyssey. See information for each program below.

The Oracle Adventure: Grades 1-3

The Oracle Adventure offers an environmental awareness program specifically designed for sensory learning. This participatory and interactive field trip focuses on developing an awareness of nature through the senses. Appreciation of the natural world and our relationship to it is emphasized during a series of hands-on activities along a trail. Park rangers and trained docents will guide the students during the 90 minute program, as they explore the oak-grassland and learn to use all of their senses in this exploration. Teachers receive a packet with pre-visit and post-visit classroom activity suggestions to further enhance the on-site experience. 

Associated State Standards: 1.L2U1.8, 3.L1U1.6

The Oracle Odyssey: Grades 4-6

The Odyssey sparks curiosity, challenges students to think about the environment in new ways, and encourages students to consider simple positive actions that contribute to healthy environment. The Oracle Odyssey focuses on habitat and interrelationships and includes the study of humans as an integral part of the natural community.

Teachers receive a packet with complete pre-visit and post-visit lesson plans. The materials contain specific key concepts, teacher background information, and student activity sheets. During their field studies, students are guided by park rangers in a series of activities along a trail in the 4,000 acre park. This 2-2 1/2 hour program of hands-on activities brings ecological concepts learned in the classroom into a real world context.

Associated Arizona State Standards: 4.L4U1.11, 4.SP2.1, 5.L4U3.11, 5.SP2.1, 6.L2U3.12, 6.L2U1.13, 6.G3

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Field Trip Information

  • Programs are available by reservation Mon-Fri from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., October through April. 
  • A minimum of two weeks advance notice is required when scheduling a field trip.
  • There is a charge of $2.00 admission per student*. Chaperones and teachers assisting with the field trip are admitted for free. 
  • The park can accommodate a maximum of 60 students per day.
  • A minimum of one adult (teacher or chaperone) per 12-15 students is required.
  • Special accommodations must be requested in advance.
  • Visitors must follow three main rules: don’t hurt any plants or animals, be safe, and remember that you are here to learn.

* Need help covering field trip costs? We can help! If you are a Title-1 school, we offer financial assistance programs. Friends of Oracle State Park has limited funding to help cover district bussing fees (up to $250) for your field trip, and/or we can waive the student admission fees via education waivers. Mention your interest in financial aid when you reserve your field trip. 

 

If you are interested in a field trip or would like more information, call the park at 520-896-2425 or email Malana Starr, Environmental Education Coordinator, at mstarr@azstateparks.gov.