Field Trips
Bring your students to the Innovation Barn for a hands-on, interactive field trip where they’ll explore the circular economy and discover how small actions can make a big impact! Offering field trips that align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards for grades Pre-K through 12th grade. Our curriculum-based field trips are designed to support classroom learning through hands-on experiences and real-world connections.
What to Expect:
Students will dive into the world of sustainability through engaging activities, real-world examples, and a behind-the-scenes look at how we reduce waste, repurpose materials, and rethink our environmental impact.
Learn what the circular economy is and how it differs from the traditional "take-make-waste" model.
See innovative recycling solutions in action, including how plastic waste is shredded and repurposed right here in Charlotte.
Discover practical ways to be more sustainable at home and in school.
Cost is $250 for up to 30 participants for one field trip option listed below. This also includes teachers and chaperones.
Each field trip option is 90 minutes
Boxed lunch options available for purchase - must be ordered in advance
Field trips are scheduled Tuesday through Saturday 8am to 3pm
Add an aquaponic deep dive with 100 Gardens for an additional fee
email us for questions and to schedule your field trip!
Flexible Field Trip Options
for Your Class
Choose from our list of educational field trip experiences below. Each option costs $250 per group of up to 30 participants and is offered for grades Pre-K through 12th.
Want to create a more in-depth learning day? You can easily combine multiple field trip options:
2 field trip options for $500 (per 30 participants)
3 field trip options for $750 (per 30 participants)
Add a boxed lunch or an aquaponic deep dive from 100 Gardens to customize your visit!
Whether you're planning a half-day visit or a full-day adventure, our field trips make it easy to meet your learning goals while giving students a fun, interactive experience they’ll never forget.
Eco-Engineers
Reuse Commonly Wasted Items
Subject: Science, Engineering
NGSS: ETS1, ESS3, LS1, LS2
CCSS: MD, OA, W, RI, SL, R
EcoEngineers will learn to REUSE items commonly thrown in the trash. Learn to reuse materials brought to the Innovation Barn such as plastics, glass, cans, and textiles. Participants will expand their knowledge of the circular economy and learn about our plastic lab, glass crusher, bailer, and tshirt project. In addition, EcoEngineers will use the engineer design process and problem based learning to design and create jewelry, garden accessories, or even dog leashes. Participants will get to bring home or donate items that improve their community and divert waste from our landfills.
Exploring our Environment and Organisms
Subject: Science, Math, Engineering
NGSS: LS1, LS3, LS4, ESS3, PS1, LS2
CCSS: MD, OA, EE, RP, F, G, G.MG, A.SSE,
RL, RI, W
Participants will explore gardening, identify living and non-living organisms, and dive deeper to understand their impact on the environment and the circular economy. Participants will also engage in hands-on activities involving measurement and problem based learning, all while using sustainable materials.
Scraps to Sustainability
Subject: Science, Math, Engineering
NGSS: LS1, LS2, ETS1, ESS3,
CCSS: MD, OA, RP, NS, SP, G, SCP, G.MG, W, RI
Explore our impact on the environment. Participants will learn about food waste, composting, food growing, ecology, and reducing our negative impact on the environment around us. Scraps to sustainability will focus on the influence our soil and gardens have on the success of our community and the circular economy. Participants will create healthy compost, enjoy our edible gardens, and observe worms, flies, fish, and bee habitats at the Innovation Barn. Through the engineer design process and problem based learning, students will create a sustainable greenhouse from food scraps, pollinator watering stations, and more.
Rethink the Circular Economy
Subject: Science, Math, Engineering
NGSS: ESS3, ETS
CCSS: MP, RST, WHST
Get the inside scoop on Charlotte’s first in the nation Innovation Barn, a circular economy focused hub. Participants will take a tour and explore behind the scenes of the Innovation Barn. Expand their understanding and rethink the way we all have an impact on our community. Help in our mini MRF at the Innovation Barn to sort and learn how our waste in Charlotte is re-circulated. Participants will use the engineer design process and problem based learning to create a blueprint that can RETHINK a way the Innovation Barn re-circulates waste to divert it from the Mecklenburg County landfill.
Deputy of Diversion
Subject: Science, Math, ELA, Engineering
NGSS: ESS3, ETS1, LS2
CCSS: MP, SL, RI, W, SL, L, RST, WHST
Learn how to recycle right and become a Deputy of Diversion in partnership with Mecklenburg County’s Wipe Out Waste recycling program. Participants will learn about recycling; how it works, why it's important, and how to “recycle right” to divert waste from the landfill. Participants will work in teams to become a Deputy of Diversion and make an impact. Each participant will earn a certificate and badge that they can take with them and pledge to educate others to Recycle Right.
Repair and Rewear
Subject: Science, Engineering, Math, ELA
NGSS: ESS3, EST1, LS2
CCSS: MD, G, MP1, SL, RI, W, SL, L, RST, WHST, SL
Join us to repair and rewear our commonly discarded clothes and make an impact on the circular economy. Help divert waste from the landfill and learn how to fix and repair textiles. Roughly 92 million tons of textile waste is generated each year worldwide. Participants will learn their part in repairing clothes that can be worn longer or recirculated back into our community. Walk away with a new design, a new skill, and improve the circular economy with problem based learning.
Exploring our Environment and Organisms
Subject: Science, Math, Engineering
NGSS: LS1, LS3, LS4, ESS3, PS1, LS2
CCSS: MD, OA, EE, RP, F, G, G.MG, A.SSE, RL, RI, W
Participants will explore gardening, identify living and non-living organisms, and dive deeper to understand their impact on the environment and the circular economy. Participants will also engage in hands-on activities involving measurement and problem based learning, all while using sustainable materials.