Explore, Discover, Learn!
Applewood welcomes school groups and organizations for in-person and virtual learning experiences during our open season, May through October. All pre-K through high school field trips align with state of Michigan curriculum standards. Using history, civics, science, and literacy skills, students on field trips explore how they are an important part of their community and ways to get involved!
Our staff works with groups of all ages and abilities. Education programs are free and availability depends on timing and demand.
Field trip options are detailed below and the field trip request form can be found at the bottom of the page.
Field Trips (In Person)
In-person field trips are available, schedule permitting, during our open season from May–October. Field trips are generally scheduled Thursdays between 10 a.m.–12 p.m. or 1–3 p.m., and Fridays between 1:30–3:30 p.m. Transportation and meal assistance may be available for schools and organizations located in north Flint or serving north Flint residents (ZIP codes 48504, 48505, or 48506).
Preschool – Kindergarten
Apples
Approximately 1 Hour
30 students maximum, 1 adult chaperone required for every 10 students
Students will learn about Applewood Estate and the Mott family using our historic apple orchard. Students will use motor skills, develop expressive language skills, and have the opportunity to taste something grown on site.
This experience supports the following Head Start domains of learning:
—Approaches to Learning
—Language and Communication
—Literacy
Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
'Hugs Around Your Neck' Book
Approximately 1.5 Hours
75 students maximum, 1 adult chaperone required for every 10 students
We can learn about the natural world from each other as we get to know new people. Using the book “Hugs Around Your Neck,” students will engage with themes of diversity and inclusion while learning about butterflies and the role they play in our environment. As always, students will be able to taste something grown right here at Applewood.
This experience supports the following areas of Michigan curriculum standards:
Kindergarten:
- Reading
• Informational Text (Key Ideas and Details, Integration of knowledge and ideas, craft and structure)
• Literature (Key Ideas and Details, Integration of knowledge and ideas)
• Foundational Skills (Print Concepts, Phonological Awareness, phonics and word recognition, fluency) - Science
• Engineering Design
1st Grade:
- Reading
• Informational Text (Key Ideas and Details, Integration of knowledge and ideas, craft and structure)
• Literature (Key Ideas and Details, Integration of knowledge and ideas)
• Foundational Skills (Print Concepts, Phonological Awareness, phonics and word recognition, fluency) - Social Studies
• History (Living and Working Together in Families and Schools)
• Geography (Human Systems, Environment and Society)
• Civics and Government (Civic Participation)
2nd Grade:
- Reading
• Literature (Key Ideas and Details, Integration of knowledge and ideas)
• Informational Text (Key Ideas and Details, Integration of knowledge and ideas, craft and structure)
• Foundational Skills (Print Concepts, Phonological Awareness, phonics and word recognition, fluency) - Social Studies
• Geography (Human Systems, Environment and Society)
• Civics and Government (Civic Participation)
3rd – 5th Grade
Farm History
Approximately 2 Hours
75 students maximum, 1 adult chaperone required for every 15 students
Students get to explore Applewood with farm chores and making butter while they learn how the farm functioned and how we grow fresh fruits and vegetables today.
This experience supports the following areas of Michigan curriculum standards:
3rd Grade
- Reading
• Informational Text (Key Ideas and Details, Integration of knowledge and ideas, craft and structure)
• Literature (Key Ideas and Details, Integration of knowledge and ideas)
• Foundational Skills (Print Concepts, Phonological Awareness, phonics and word recognition, fluency) - Science
• Engineering Design - Social Studies
• History (The History of Michigan)
• Geography (Human Systems, Environment and Society)
• Economics (Market Economy)
4th Grade
- Reading
• Informational Text (Key Ideas and Details, Integration of knowledge and ideas, craft and structure)
• Foundational Skills (Print Concepts, Phonological Awareness, phonics and word recognition, fluency) - Science
• Engineering Design
• Energy
• Structure, Function, and Information Processing - Social Studies
• History (The History of Michigan)
5th Grade
- Reading
• Informational Text (Key Ideas and Details, Integration of knowledge and ideas, craft and structure)
• Foundational Skills (Print Concepts, Phonological Awareness, phonics and word recognition, fluency) - Science
• Engineering Design
6th – 8th Grades
Applewood Technology
Approximately 2 hours
50 students maximum, 1 adult chaperone required for every 15 students
Learn how technology played a role in Applewood’s history, and how it continues to aid us in food production today. Students consider both the positive and negative aspects of technology in agriculture and discuss ways that technological innovation in one industry can impact others. This experience includes hands-on activities and a visit to our weather station.
This experience supports the following areas of Michigan curriculum standards:
6th-8th Grade
- Science
• Engineering Design
• Energy
• Weather and Climate
• Human Impact - Technology (Computer Science)
Civics and History
Approximately 2 Hours
75 students maximum, 1 adult chaperone required for every 15 students
Using historical examples and current practices, we invite students into a discussion about the roles they play within their community. Students will learn about the Motts’ legacy of civic participation and will engage in a guided debate to practice critical thinking and civil discourse.
This experience supports the following areas of Michigan curriculum standards:
6th–8th Grade
- Science
• Engineering Design
• Weather and Climate
• Human Impact - Social Studies
• Geography (Human Characteristics of Places, Environment and Society)
• Public Discourse, Decision Making, and Civic Participation
• History (Historical Inquiry and Analysis, Historical Understanding) - English Language Arts
• Informational Text (Key Ideas and Details, Integration of Knowledge and Ideas, Craft and Structure)
9th–12th Grades
Civics and History
Approximately 2 Hours
75 students maximum, 1 adult chaperone required for every 15 students
Using historical examples and current practices, we invite students into a discussion about the roles they play within their community. Students will learn about the Motts’ legacy of civic participation and will engage in a guided debate to practice critical thinking and civil discourse.
This experience supports the following areas of Michigan curriculum standards:
9th–12th Grade
- Science
• Engineering Design
• Human Sustainability - Social Studies
• Processes and Skills (Reading and Communication, Public Discourse and Decision-Making, Civic Participation)
• Civics (Structure and Function of Governments in the U.S., Rights and Liberties in the U.S., Citizenship and Civic Participation)
• Economics (Market Economy) - English Language Arts
• Informational Text (Key Ideas and Details, Integration of Knowledge and Ideas, Craft and Structure)
Careers
Approximately 2 Hours
25 students maximum, 1 adult chaperone required for every 15 students
Students explore potential careers by visiting with Applewood staff members. Career exploration may include horticulture, security, visitor services, volunteer coordinating, caring for historic objects, and education programming. Additionally, students will participate in hands-on examples of different tasks that each job entails.
This experience supports the following areas of Michigan curriculum standards:
- Career and College Ready Skills
- Social Studies
• Economics (Personal Finance) - English Language Arts
• Informational Text (Key Ideas and Details, Integration of Knowledge and Ideas, Craft and Structure)
Virtual Field Trips
We have reimagined some of our in-person field trips to offer them in a virtual format. The programs have designated age ranges; however, if you are looking for a multi-grade program please contact us. Virtual field trips are hosted on the Zoom platform, and a stable internet connection may be required to participate. Please use the dropdown form at the bottom of this page to request a virtual field trip. All virtual field trips must be requested at least three weeks in advance.
3rd–5th Grades
Farm History Virtual Field Trip
Approximately 30 Minutes
Min. of 5 students/Max. of 25 students
This field trip explores the history of Applewood as a working farm and activities that can contribute to a more sustainable society. We will start with a virtual tour of the estate, highlighting areas that were important to historic farming operations and learn about key things in nature that are needed to grow crops. We’ll see how butter is made and try and make some ourselves. Finally, we’ll learn how to grow your own vegetables with a bean sprouting activity. While we encourage participation in the activities by gathering simple supplies, it is not necessary for participation in the virtual field trip. If your students are interested in doing these activities during or after the field trip and need assistance purchasing materials, please contact us and we may be able to help.
6th-12th Grades
Civics and History Virtual Field Trip
Approximately 30-45 Minutes
Min. 5 students, Max. 30 students
Explore what civic participation means and how it applies to the Mott family’s commitment to their community. Learn how you can take an active role in making your community a better place. We will take a virtual tour inside the house and engage in a timeline exploration with an interactive game.
We encourage participation in the activities by gathering simple supplies, though it is not required. If students are interested in doing the activities during or after the field trip and need assistance acquiring the materials, please contact us and we may be able to help.
Pre-Recorded Virtual Materials
For additional digital content you can access and use at any time please visit our virtual program page.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Please note that most field trips are conducted in outdoor spaces in a variety of weather conditions.
- Due to the large size of the estate there is a significant amount of walking over a variety of uneven terrain, such as paved and gravel walkways, grassy areas, and up and down hills.
- We recommend students and chaperones wear comfortable closed-toe shoes, and dress in layers as weather may change over the course of the visit.
- Field trips will be canceled in the event of dangerous weather such as thunderstorms or high winds, and every attempt will be made to reschedule.
- School/organization must submit a signed release form stating all families received a copy of the Ruth Mott Foundation/Applewood release of liability. (See Field Trip Information Packet and Teacher Release Form found below.)
Fill Out This Form to Request a Field Trip
Field Trip Request Form
Forms & Documents
Please read the following notices completely and carefully. Granting permission for your student to participate in activities at Applewood is deemed consent. Please notify your student’s teacher or program coordinator if you require an exemption from the photo release.
NOTICE OF RISK/LIABILITY
Every visitor to Applewood Estate is advised that there are inherent risks and dangers involved with visiting the property which could result in bodily injury, property damage, or other harm. These risks and dangers can make walking, using a wheelchair, or being a passenger in a golf cart difficult. As a result, visitors must remain aware of their surroundings at all times and act safely and responsibly during the course of their visit. During your visit to Applewood Estate, you voluntarily assume the risk of any loss, property damage, or personal injury by accident or otherwise that may be sustained by you and your student(s)/child(ren) or guests. You further agree that the Ruth Mott Foundation is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, property damage, or other harm caused by the action, inaction or negligence of you, a visitor, or any other party during the course of the visit.
PERMISSION FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT/MEDICAL INSURANCE
I fully understand that Ruth Mott Foundation (RMF) associates/representatives are not physicians or medical practitioners of any kind. With the above in mind, I hereby release RMF staff members, volunteers, Red Cross affiliates to render temporary first aid to named persons and/or participants in the event of any injury or illness, and if deemed necessary by any of the aforementioned personnel to seek medical help including calling of an ambulance for aid to named persons and/or participants should this to be deemed necessary. Additionally, I hereby agree to individually provide for all medical expenses, which may be incurred by named persons and/or participants as a result of any injury sustained while participating in any RMF sponsored activity.
CONSENT TO USE PHOTOGRAPH, FILM, OR VOICE
I also understand and give permission for photographs and videos of participants and/or myself be used in print, broadcast, website, or social media by the Ruth Mott Foundation for promotional purposes. I acknowledge that the photographs/video taken are property of the Ruth Mott Foundation.