A Prairie Classroom Right on Long Island
Field science education for K–12 students in one of New York’s rarest ecosystems — guided by expert instructors.
OUR APPROACH
Inquiry-based science in a living laboratory
The Education Committee of the Friends of Hempstead Plains offers field science programs for Long Island K–12 schools. We bring students directly onto the Hempstead Plains Preserve for hands-on environmental learning.
Our curriculum strongly supports the New York State Science Learning Standards, with activities tailored to each grade's Performance Expectations. Our instructors work with teachers before each visit to plan each class’s program. At the Preserve, they guide students as they carry out their field investigations.
Students don't just observe the Hempstead Plains—they investigate it. Through authentic field science activities, they develop scientific understanding in a setting that can't be replicated in a classroom.
PROGRAM DETAILS
What to expect
IN THE FIELD
Students at work
THE PROGRAM
Designed around your class
Planning & Preparation
Before your visit, the lead teacher and an FHP instructor meet to discuss your curriculum goals and the specifics of your class. This planning discussion shapes the schedule, the activities, and the scientific questions students will investigate.
The curriculum is designed to be used as a general guide to allow students to conduct authentic field science education activities and have first-hand experiences in the natural world at the Hempstead Plains.
At the Hempstead Plains
FHP instructors work with each class throughout the day, providing natural history interpretation and facilitating inquiry-based activities. Students gather data, participate in modeling exercises, and reflect on their findings.
There are Discussion and Action sections for each activity. Students are guided with context and information as their investigations develop. Then they are given time to communicate their results and build genuine scientific understanding.
From Long Island classrooms
"I have been teaching AP Environmental Science for over a decade and have always struggled to find an authentic field experience for my students. The Hempstead Plains experience did not disappoint. Students spent time gathering data that shed light on the effects of prescribed burns on species diversity. Instructor Schmid was engaging, knowledgeable, and collaborative. I plan on scheduling another visit next school year."
Andrew Cloud
A.P. Environmental Science Teacher, Herricks High School
"The location is beautiful and unique, and the concepts presented were closely tied to the AP curriculum and highlighted concerns unique to Long Island and its natural history. Every minute was used to engage and inform students. Thanks to the staff for designing such an awesome experience — looking forward to making this an annual visit."
Tom Dempsey
A.P. Environmental Science Teacher, Massapequa High School
"The hands-on science opportunities offered in this culturally and ecologically important habitat were invaluable for our students. The instructors were engaging and really helped enhance the learning experience for everyone involved."
Mark Filippi
Biodiversity Program for AP Environmental, Plainview–Old Bethpage High School
Ready to bring your class to the Hempstead Plains?
Fill out our educator inquiry form and an FHP instructor will reach out within two business days to discuss your program and plan your visit.