To kick off this year in science, our 7th grade Gators embarked on a field trip to Common Ground in New Haven, CT. This was a perfect opportunity for our students to not only learn what is currently being discussed in science, but they also got a head start on content we will be covering later in the year.

Upon arrival our Gators were fully immersed with nature! We started our adventures with a walk to their marvelous gardens where our students were able to roam and explore the different plants, herbs and vegetables being grown. While the 7th grade ventured through the garden, they had free rein to pick any vegetable or herb to try fresh. We also had bowls to collect extra herbs and vegetables which would be used later to make their own, farm to table mini pizzas. This was a beautiful experience in itself as it reinforced our school’s farm to fork mantra. The students were able to see first hand where the food we eat comes from, the work put in to grow and clean the food, as well as learning numerous sustainable gardening/agricultural practices. After the harvest pizza activity, we were able to have meet and greets with various types of farm animals. We learned about the care of farm animals, the benefits they provide (to people and the environment!) and we even got to feed and pet some of them such as chickens, goats, sheep and ducks! To finish off the trip the outdoor educators took us on a knowledge filled hike through West Rock Park in New Haven, CT. On the hike, conversations of seed dispersal, pollination, biomimicry, species relationships, formation of geologic landscapes, animal tracking techniques and much more were buzzing through the air. Not only were these topics discussed, but they were brought up because we were seeing real life examples along the entire hike. Although the hike was full of information, everyone had a blast and we were able to see breathtaking scenery along the way. After we finished the hike, our Gators gathered their belongings and we departed for Unquowa. The connections to the world and memories they’ve made with their friends are sure to carry on with them for the rest of their lives.