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Experiential Day for Upper School Science Classes
“How would I use this in the real-world?” is a common question in classrooms. Students taught using experiential learning techniques, however, already know the answer.
On April 3rd, the entire freshman class spent the day at Lake Conestee Nature Park in a full-day hands-on program, exploring the subject areas they have learned throughout the school year, through nature. The 400 acres of beautiful natural habitat on the Reedy River their classroom, students spent the day immersed in various activity stations that connected real world problems with hands-on activities. Sessions were conducted by Park Educators along with several of our faculty members who teach freshmen. Other faculty members, many who are ninth grade advisors, served as guides as students explored the park and rotated to each station. Paulette Unger, Upper School Biology Teacher and Elizabeth Jarrett, Director of Service and Experiential Learning, were instrumental in organizing the day. Students performed an invertebrate study in the Reedy River and learned about the tremendous quantity of invertebrates present. They were educated on the history of the river, pollutant concerns, and risks the river faces. Students went on a nature walk, practiced mindfulness and yoga, and did nature journaling for English. They found fractal patterns in nature and used that knowledge to build nature art sculptures. They even organized a service learning project, building 30 birdhouses for the park! Those students who are enrolled in Documentary Film even captured the moments on film for their documentary studies class!
Two days later, AP Biology, IB Biology, and IB Environmental Science classes followed suit, visiting Jones Gap State Park in another full-day experiential learning program, half spent at the river and half in the forest. Chaperones were Paulette Unger, Amanda Beckrich, Aaron Whited, and Nichole Daniels. Students carried with them what they needed to perform field collection experiments on water quality in the Saluda River. They collectively completed a forest study of plants and trees— findings from this citizen-science research will be used and archived by the park and will play an important role in developing and maintaining the balance of the park’s ecosystem.
Experiential learning influences both feelings and emotions as well as enhancing knowledge and skills. It goes beyond classroom learning. As the old adage goes, “I hear I forget, I see I remember, I do, I understand.” It truly is as simple as that.
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