Experience the farm as a living classroom!
The HEAL Project offers educational programming at The San Mateo County School Farm (SMCSF) in Half Moon Bay.
Our goal is for every student to come away with a greater understanding of where their food comes from and why it matters.
All of our field trip program options provide age-appropriate activities and lessons focused on science, the environment and health. We offer four different options based on season and grade level: Setting Roots, Fall Harvest Trip, Spring Explorers and The Full Farm Experience.
Our Farm Educators work with teachers and organization leaders to complement and reinforce your educational goals. Based on Next Generation Science Standards, our curriculum is hands-on and experiential. The farm is a unique living classroom for students to get their hands in the soil while they grow and harvest produce.
Learn more about how we connect to Next Generation Science Standards Here:
Farm Field Trip California State Education Standards
Questions? Read our Teacher Resources page to find out everything you need to know before the day of your trip.
Field Trip Key Themes
Eco Literacy
We develop students’ environmental literacy through practical experience of farm-based food systems management. We build or reinforce each student’s understanding of the connections between food, health and the environment.
Seasonal Learning
Our field trip key themes and concepts are best reinforced by a multiple touchpoint model. When students engage with seasonal learning, they come to understand how agriculture is tied to earth systems and natural cycles.
Science Inquiry Learning
Field Trips at the San Mateo County School Farm are designed to reinforce inquiry-based science learning. We use the farm as an outdoor classroom to explore, make observations, ask questions and wonder about the natural world around us.
Health Literacy
We develop health literacy through farm-based food systems education that seeks to inspire or reinforce student attitudes toward healthy food and healthy eating.
“Your educational field trip is by far one of the best programs I have ever taken a class to. This was a very special learning experience for the students and has inspired me to renew my efforts to dedicate more time to the outdoor classroom.”
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