Taking Science Outdoors- Signature Learning Experience on the East River and in the Poconos
Taking Science Outdoors- Signature Learning Experience on the East River and in the Poconos
Over three days of active science study at the Pocono Environmental Education Center, seventh graders conducted field work in forest and stream ecology, including wading in streams and collecting water and specimen samples, traversing hiking paths and assessing the forest habitat, and traveling by canoe to monitor pond and stream ecosystems. They connected this learning to work they were doing monitoring water and restoring the oyster population in the New York Harbor through the Billion Oyster Project.
The boys also learned the geologic and cultural history of the Delaware River region, and bonded as a class by overcoming team challenges, wayfinding in the woods, navigating in the dark, roasting marshmallows, and telling spooky stories. Throughout their stay, they practiced‘ leaving no trace’: living with as minimal impact as possible, while preserving threatened wildlife and habitats.
Immersive travel programs like this bring years of classroom learning into sharper focus, allowing boys to explore the ideas and concepts they’ ve studied— up close and in context.
66 • Saint David’ s Magazine