The Field Trip Academy

02/21/2025

Tweens and teens are hard to impress. They can smell a “mom assignment” from a mile away—and let’s be honest, worksheets and textbooks aren’t exactly exciting.

But what if science wasn’t about memorizing facts?
What if your kid could be part of real research, contributing to actual scientific data—all from a simple outdoor field trip? 🌱🔬

That’s exactly what happens with our Spring Nature Study: Cherry Trees, a hands-on, community science project based nature study that turns your homeschooler into a real-world scientist.

🔥 Here’s what they’ll do:
✅ Find and track a cherry tree’s seasonal changes
✅ Use the Budburst app to submit data to ongoing scientific research
✅ Observe & journal like a scientist, not just as a student
✅ Follow along with instructional videos to guide the process

🚀 Why this works for tweens and teens:
This isn’t busywork. It’s purposeful. It’s real. And it lets them see their impact in a way that a textbook never could.

And the best part? This nature study resource is 100% free when you register for the Homeschool Roundtable on Deschooling happening this Friday, February 21st at 1 PM EST!

🎟 Register here to grab your seat & learn how to get your freebie:
👉 homeschoolteachingsimplified.com/roundtable-deschooling-2025
There’s a clickable link in our bio too!

💡 Deschooling isn’t just about stepping away from curriculum—it’s about finding ways to make learning feel real. This study is a perfect way to do that.

Can’t wait for you to check it out. See you tomorrow for the roundtable!

02/19/2025

This Friday, February 21st at 1 PM EST, I’m joining an incredible lineup of homeschool educators for a FREE Roundtable on Deschooling. Each of us has a unique approach, but we all share one goal—helping families break free from traditional school mindsets and create an education that truly works for their learners.

🎤 Meet the panelists:
⭐ Elan Page (Homeschool Our Way) – Advocate for families of colour to have educational freedom and creator of the START homeschool method.
⭐ Corinne Guido-Powell (Change Radically) – Showing those who had to grow up too soon change toxic patterns to finally start taking care of themselves without guilt.
⭐ Katie Yanez (Deschooling Through Faith) – Leading the charge with shifting mindsets and unlearning societal views on education.
⭐ Natalie Burns (Homeschool Teaching Simplified) – Providing possibilities and perspectives for deepening connection with your child through homeschool teaching so your child will love learning.
⭐ Kelly Dowd (Me!) (Field Trip Academy) – Helping homeschool families leverage the power of technology and real world science projects to deepen their understanding of the natural world.

We’ll be talking about…
🔹 How to reframe learning beyond traditional school methods
🔹 Why mindset matters more than curriculum
🔹 How to break free from educational programming and truly personalize your homeschool

🔥 You don’t want to miss this! Register now: homeschoolteachingsimplified.com/roundtable-deschooling-2025

This is your chance to hear from five experienced homeschool mentors and ask your burning questions LIVE. See you there! (...and of course there's a replay if you can't make it live!)

02/18/2025

📣 Homeschool parents, let’s talk about DESCHOOLING! 🏡

You ever feel like your homeschool days are too structured… but when you try to loosen up, everything feels chaotic? Like there’s this invisible rulebook telling you how learning “should” look—even though you KNOW there’s a better way?

I’ve been there. And guess what? That “rulebook” conditions us to think pretty rigidly about how kids learn.

🌟 This Friday, February 21st at 1 PM EST, I’m joining a panel of homeschool advocates for a FREE Homeschool Roundtable on Deschooling. We’ll be sharing personal experiences and giving you tools to break free from outdated ideas about education.

Here’s what we’ll unpack together:
🔹 Why “taking time off” isn’t real deschooling (and what to do instead)
🔹 How to rewire your thinking so you stop replicating school at home
🔹 Why curriculum swaps don’t matter if your mindset stays the same
🔹 How to create an immersive, field-trip-filled homeschool that actually excites your kids

🎟 Register now (it's free!): homeschoolteachingsimplified.com/roundtable-deschooling-2025 Clickable link in our bio!

You’ll leave feeling empowered, validated, and ready to homeschool YOUR way—without falling into the “school-at-home” trap. Join us live, or catch the replay if you can’t make it. Let’s rethink education together!

02/18/2025

📣 Homeschool parents, let’s talk about DESCHOOLING! 🏡

You ever feel like your homeschool days are too structured… but when you try to loosen up, everything feels chaotic? Like there’s this invisible rulebook telling you how learning “should” look—even though you KNOW there’s a better way?

I’ve been there. And guess what? That “rulebook” conditions us to think pretty rigidly about how kids learn.

🌟 This Friday, February 21st at 1 PM EST, I’m joining a panel of homeschool advocates for a FREE Homeschool Roundtable on Deschooling. We’ll be sharing personal experiences and giving you tools to break free from outdated ideas about education.

Here’s what we’ll unpack together:
🔹 Why “taking time off” isn’t real deschooling (and what to do instead)
🔹 How to rewire your thinking so you stop replicating school at home
🔹 Why curriculum swaps don’t matter if your mindset stays the same
🔹 How to create an immersive, field-trip-filled homeschool that actually excites your kids

🎟 Register now (it's free!): homeschoolteachingsimplified.com/roundtable-deschooling-2025

You’ll leave feeling empowered, validated, and ready to homeschool YOUR way—without falling into the “school-at-home” trap. Join us live, or catch the replay if you can’t make it. Let’s rethink education together!

12/02/2024

🍂Oak trees turn shades of red, brown, and gold in the fall, giving forests a warm, autumn glow. These trees can live for centuries, and they produce acorns, which are food for squirrels, deer, and many birds. Oak wood is known for being incredibly strong and has been used for centuries to build ships, furniture, and barrels for aging wine and whiskey. The oak tree has long been a symbol of strength and wisdom. You’ll find these majestic trees across much of the U.S., especially in the East.🌳

Want to learn more about how to identify fall leaves? Check out our Fall Leaf Identification Mini-Book at: https://products.thefieldtripacademy.com/products/offers/view/1173843

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11/25/2024

🌟Don’t be fooled by its name—the Tulip Tree shines in fall with bright yellow leaves! This tree is one of the tallest native trees in the U.S., sometimes reaching over 150 feet. Its tulip-shaped flowers bloom in the spring, but in autumn, its leaves steal the show. Tulip tree wood is lightweight and has been used for canoes and furniture. Native Americans used this tree for dugout canoes, and it’s still appreciated for its useful wood today. If you're in the eastern U.S., look up—you might see one towering above you! 🍂
Want to learn more about how to identify fall leaves? Check out our Fall Leaf Identification Mini-Book at: https://products.thefieldtripacademy.com/products/offers/view/1173843

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11/18/2024

🔥Black Tupelo trees put on a fiery display in the fall, with leaves turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Native to the eastern U.S., they thrive in wetlands and swampy areas. Their berries provide food for birds in the fall, and their wood is strong and resistant, used for carving and boxes. Tupelo honey, made from the flowers of this tree, is prized for its light, sweet flavor. This tree brings beauty, wildlife, and even honey to the table! 🍯

Want to learn more about how to identify fall leaves? Check out our Fall Leaf Identification Mini-Book at: https://products.thefieldtripacademy.com/products/offers/view/1173843

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11/15/2024

Your homeschoolers can be naturalists right in your own backyard, studying creatures that live in the watershed? Macroinvertebrates, organisms without backbones visible to the naked eye, are excellent indicators of water health!

🔍 Grab your magnifying glasses and wading boots and let your backyard pond, stream, or even a puddle surprise you with the wealth of life it holds.

💡 Intrigued? Tap into your inner naturalist and learn how to explore macroinvertebrates in our hands-on learning blog post, “Macroinvertebrate Exploration: Hands-on learning.” Link below.

https://thefieldtripacademy.com/macroinvertebrate-exploration-hands-on-learning/

11/11/2024

🌰Hickory trees are known for their tough wood and tasty nuts! In the fall, their leaves turn a rich golden yellow. Hickory wood is one of the strongest in North America, used for tools, furniture, and even baseball bats! Hickory nuts are also a favorite snack for squirrels and humans alike. Native Americans used hickory for everything from cooking to building. Today, hickory wood is still used to smoke meat, giving it that special flavor. 🍖

Want to learn more about how to identify fall leaves? Check out our Fall Leaf Identification Mini-Book at: https://products.thefieldtripacademy.com/products/offers/view/1173843

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11/08/2024

"It is in the world of small living things, things overlooked by the average person, that nature is most fascinating and stimulating." - Edwin Way Teale

Grab your homeschooler’s interest with the diverse world of macroinvertebrates living right under your noses. These little creatures can tell you a lot about the health and wellbeing of your local creek or stream, and it’s a great way to get outside in nature this year.

🍃Ready to explore? Read our blog post, “Macroinvertebrate Exploration: Hands-on Learning” for a comprehensive guide. Link below!

https://thefieldtripacademy.com/macroinvertebrate-exploration-hands-on-learning/

11/04/2024

🍁Sweetgum trees are like fireworks in the fall, showing off red, purple, orange, and yellow leaves all at once! Their star-shaped leaves and spiky “gum balls” make them easy to recognize. Native to the southeastern U.S., the resin from these trees was once used as chewing gum—hence the name! Sweetgum wood is commonly used in furniture and flooring. Wildlife loves the seeds in the spiky gum balls, but watch out—they can be sharp underfoot! This colorful tree adds extra magic to any autumn walk. 🎆

Want to learn more about how to identify fall leaves? Check out our Fall Leaf Identification Mini-Book at: https://products.thefieldtripacademy.com/products/offers/view/1173843

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10/28/2024

🍃Ginkgo trees are living fossils, having existed for over 200 million years! In the fall, their fan-shaped leaves turn bright yellow, creating a beautiful golden carpet on the ground. Ginkgo trees are super tough and can survive in polluted cities, which is why you see them lining urban streets. Originally from China, the ginkgo has a long history in traditional medicine. Ginkgo wood isn’t commonly used, but the seeds, when properly prepared, are a delicacy in Asian cuisine. These trees are symbols of longevity and resilience! 🍂

Want to learn more about how to identify fall leaves? Check out our Fall Leaf Identification Mini-Book at: https://products.thefieldtripacademy.com/products/offers/view/1173843

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