3RD GRADE: Geology in motion
The field trip consists of a 1-hour hike along the Lost Creek Children’s Discovery Trail. Students will explore rock types, soil changes, and landforms as they move through different parts of the canyon. Along the way, they will observe gray limestone formed in ancient oceans, sandstone shaped from desert dunes and notice how soil color and texture shift depending on the underlying rock. Students will also investigate evidence of slow and fast Earth processes like erosion and weathering, look for fossil clues, and discover how geology helps shape where plants grow, water flows, and desert life survives.
LOCATION: LOST CREEK- CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY
DISTANCE: .8 MI
DESCRIPTION: MODERATELY EASY, SOME LOOSE GRAVEL
DAYS OFFERED: WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS
Next Generation Science Standards
3-LS3-2: Use evidence to support the explanation that trats can be influenced by the environment.
3-LS4-1: Analize and interpret data from fossils to provide evidence of the organisms and the environments in which they lived long ago.
Trail Video
BOOKING DETAILS
General information
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- Field trips are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
- Each school may book up to two field trip days to ensure equitable access for all schools.
- Group size is limited to a maximum of 60 students.
- Chaperones 1 per 10-12 students. *Please note that specialized program teacher assistants who are required to oversee an individual student do not count toward the chaperone ratio. Additional chaperones will be needed to meet our required supervision guidelines.
- Title I Schools: Bus grants are available through the nonprofit Friends of Red Rock Canyon to help cover the cost of transportation to and from Red Rock Canyon. Learn more and apply here.
- Once your field trip request has been approved by Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, please complete all required CCSD field trip paperwork promptly to avoid cancellations.
- Please note: This paperwork is submitted to your school’s administration, not to Red Rock Canyon.
Sample itinerary
9:30 AM – Arrive at Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
9:30 AM – Bathroom Break
9:45 AM – Depart Visitor Center
10:15 AM – Arrive at Lost Creek Trailhead
10:30 AM – Begin Hike
11:30 AM – End Hike
11:30-11:45 AM – Bathroom Break, Load Bus
12:00 PM – Depart Red Rock Canyon
*This is a sample itinerary and may shift slightly as needed, there’s a little wiggle room built in for flexibility.
CANCELLATION POLICY
To read our Field Trip and Assembly Cancellation Policies, including important information about cancellations and program changes, please click here.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT US
Email: [email protected] or call 702.515.5367