Topics Related to Notes from the Field
“To hear a thousand monarch wings beatingTo see a humpback whale breachTo savor foods and flavors I have never tasted before
As a DNCR Teacher Ambassador, there have been many inspiring resources and experiences that have stood out to me – but when I learned about DNCR’s free dual-language publication Plott’s Tales and Trails: Aventuras con Carolina, my brain lit up.
Ever wish you could take your students on a statewide adventure, exploring art galleries, walking historic battlegrounds, peering into a shark tank, basking in the sounds and stories of a symphony orchestra, or even handling real archaeological discoveries? The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) makes that possible.
As a transplant from the lower Carolinas, I arrived at Bennett College for Women in 1989 as a young, impressionable future teacher. Now, with thirty years of educational experience, I proudly call this state home. And as an African-American woman, I want to see my reflection and my students’ identities reflected in my state's educational content and curriculum.
Field trips have the power to change lives. I know that’s a bold statement, but it’s true.
June marked an incredible start for the 2025 America 250 NC Freedom Fellows! sponsored by DNCR as part of our statewide leadership of the America 250 NC initiative and hosted in partnership with Carolina K-12.
Designed with school groups in mind, the North Carolina Zoo App enhances the educational experience of your students during your field trip to the North Carolina Zoo. The free app provides four self-guided learning experiences, which are available in both English and Spanish.
As schools settle into summer break and the pace of life slows down, there's no better time for North Carolina's educators to unwind, explore, and reconnect with the people and places that bring joy and inspiration. That's why the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Education and Outreach Team has put together a Summer Bucket List—filled with some of our favorite DNCR sites across the state! Whether you're trekking through mountain trails or dipping your paddle into coastal waters, these educator-tested favorites offer the perfect mix of fun, reflection, and discovery.
Nicole Ahn, 2025 DNCR Teacher Ambassadors and Arts Integration Specialist at Magellan Charter School, RaleighImagine a school gym transformed into a wildlife gallery—68 vibrant paper mâché animal heads crafted by fourth graders, each one the result of hands-on research and a trip to the North Carolina Zoo, one of the 100+ sites operated by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR.)
As a music teacher and practitioner of the Orff approach, I have often integrated literacy into my classes, using books as a starting point for musical creation. This practice allows my students not only to develop their creativity but also to strengthen their language skills while exploring sounds, rhythms, and movements inspired by literature.