MILL HALL - They've been observing tadpoles and froglets, learning about plants and amphibians and researching and conducting experiments.
And last week their studies came to life as they saw first hand wetland wildlife, water and vegetation.
The students were from Sugar Valley Elementary School under supervision of Michelle Hanna. The teachers for this lesson were high school students in Suzanne Hanna's AP biology class.
Article Photos
At top, a snapping turtle is shown to students from Sugar Valley Elementary School. Above, students enjoy pointing out different things they spot in the wetlands at Central Mountain High School. At top left, Hunter Torres releases the snapping turtle back into the water. At left, students take a look at specimens using microscopes in CMHS.
BILL?CROWELL/THE?EXPRESS
It was an exciting time for both groups.
Wearing rubber boots, the elementary students were in awe of the large snapping turtle hidden among the aquatic plants.
With help from the high schoolers, they used nets to scoop up leeches, tadpoles and other critters living in the marsh.
Some found the wetlands inviting... a couple even slid into the water up to their knees, one to her waist, as they watched in anticipation. Others, of course, were quite content standing a safe distance from the edge to watch.
The biology students had been preparing activities and lessons to present to the younger kids to demonstrate the purpose of wetland, the effects they have on the environment and what they have to offer and explore.
Before visiting the wetlands, they showed a safety movie they had prepared, showing the kids what to expect at the wetlands and how to behave there.
After the wetlands visit, the biology students invited the little kids inside the high school where they showed them how to use microscopes to look at leeches and other insects and plants found in the marsh.
This field trip was a great connection between traditional instructional environment and a real world resource offered by their very own school district.
It also demonstrated the interschool community that KCSD offers to the wide variety of students it serves.
