Learning Across the East Coast

Despite rising costs of travel and external pressures to maximize instructional time in the classroom, we not only acknowledge that kids learn from doing, we have maintained a commitment to experiential learning through extended field trip experiences. Most recently, upper division students traveled to various locations across the Eastern seaboard to apply academic knowledge while learning about the world around them. As sixth grade students embarked on the 4-day trip to Sea Camp in the Florida Keys, the seventh and eighth grade classes boarded a plane that would begin their journey to Washington, DC for a 3-day guided educational tour.

High Interest, hands-on learning experiences provided opportunities for students to learn while getting to know one another in a context outside of the classroom. The Washington trip successfully solidified previously covered history and civics facts, while the trip to Sea Camp emphasized biology knowledge and laboratory practices.

Several parents joined the faculty to chaperon the older students as they explored the historical underpinnings of our great nation. Students were transformed into historians as they visited the Lincoln Memorial, learned about the Washington Monument, and received a private tour of the White House. Simultaneously, faculty and parents of sixth grade students observed as they became marine scientists dissecting squid, discovering ocean life, and examining a variety of sea creatures in their natural habitat.

Upon return, students highlighted experiences in written reports and oral presentations. Recall of the highlighted activities was excellent, including the detailed recounting of fun and friendship experienced along the way.