Sam Patch

Fieldwork & Guest Experts

Exploring community connections by learning on location.

Fieldwork & Guest Experts

Fieldwork & Field Studies

Fieldwork is an integral part of the academic program at GCCS. Our students frequently venture outside the school building for purposeful and challenging fieldwork that brings history and science to life.

  • Field studies are carefully structured to address the learning goals of the expedition, and afford students rich opportunities to “learn on location”
  • With a specific learning purpose in mind, students visit local museums, parks, businesses, cemeteries, historic sites and nature centers
  • Overnight field studies are planned when distant experiences are central to our students’ understanding of the content of an expedition
  • Field studies test the limits of our students’ physical stamina and academic ability and cultivate peer collaboration.

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Frequent Field Study Destinations

  • Rochester Museum & Science Center
  • Genesee River
  • Rochester Public Market
  • High Falls
  • Penn Dixie Fossil Preserve and Nature Reserve
  • Memorial Art Gallery
  • Highland Park
  • Lamberton Conservatory
  • Genesee Valley Park
  • Crossman Seeds
  • Strong National Museum of Play
  • Camillus Erie Canal Park
  • The Webster Arboretum
  • Old Erie Canal Aqueduct
  • Genesee Country Village & Museum
  • George Eastman House
  • Lockport Canal
  • Pittsford Lock
  • Palmyra General Store
  • Bay Creek Paddling Center
  • Susan B. Anthony House
  • Seneca Park Zoo
  • Sam Patch Canal Boat
  • Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra

Guest Experts

In addition to venturing out into the community for fieldwork, we often invite experts into our school. Professionals in the field share their expertise to deepen students’ understanding of the topic at hand.

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Overnight Fieldwork: 4th & 5th Grade

  • “The River Trip” at Letchworth State Park

Students investigate river formation and geology by traveling the entire length of the Genesee River over three days, making stops to engage in hands-on learning along the way.

  • Philadelphia, PA or Boston, MA

Students learn about the beginnings of our country by traveling to either Philadelphia or Boston. The destination is determined by the focus of the expedition (Revolutionary War/Declaration of Independence).

  • New York City, NY / Pawtucket, RI / Lowell, MA

Students travel to explore immigration and the American Industrial Revolution.

Overnight Fieldwork: 6th Grade

  • Leadership Retreat at Camp Gorham, Adirondacks

Students develop leadership skills by engaging in team-building activities.

  • The “Four Cities” Trip

As part of their year-long research on a “hot topic”, the class divides into four groups, each traveling to a different city to learn about the topic. The information gathered on this multi-day field study is synthesized and shared in a formal presentation or other final product with stakeholders to help inform decision-making in our community.

Save The Date!

We will begin accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year on December 2nd. See our Admissions page for more information.