We're going on an expedition!

Last week our crew as we kicked off our Fall expedition: Surviving and Thriving! In this expedition, the students will spend the semester answering the question "How are organisms connected to the habitat around them?" On Friday, our students were field scientists as they explored the organisms that live in a wetland community.


The students began fieldwork by learning the physical features of a beaver. Our expert, Ranger Beth, dressed one of our crew members as a beaver and explained all the physical features a beaver uses to survive. Our crew was fascinated by the fact that a beaver uses its tail as a kickstand while chewing wood, and also slaps its tail on the water to signal danger to their colony!

After, Ranger Beth asked the students to reflect on all the different organisms that live within the pond and created a mural with the student's ideas. Then, the students headed to Ladybug Lake to create a beaver lodge and discover the different organisms that live in the pond. The students had a blast catching nymphs, crayfish, and a special insect called the aquatic walking stick!

This kickoff allowed our students to truly believe in themselves as scientists. We are eager for our next fieldwork opportunity on Septemeber 13th!