Today began with a shorter than usual hike to the Farmstead where we met up with a home school group. The students ranged from pre-school to sixth grade and man were they excited. Once I met the older kids, I knew that this group would be different! As we went through the powerpoint on Wetlands, I was amazed by the extensive background knowledge and overall curiosity that I was seeing. That level of engagement during a powerpoint presentation is rare, and was very exciting.
After the surprisingly energetic informative section, we finally had a chance to don our waders and find some critters in the pond. Our time spent wading seemed like mere minutes, with the amount of questions hurled our way. With their extensive background knowledge, many of the students were easily led to an answer with just a few guiding questions at times. Following the wading, the kids put on their scientist caps and tried their hand at identifying the macro invertebrates. The morning ended with a great game of Macro Invertebrate mayhem and watching some methane burn!
After lunch, we transitioned to a snake show and straw ride. The kiddos seemed to be getting tired and mainly enjoyed the leisurely fun of the straw ride. However, I did get to have a great conversation with a student who has seen May Apples in his backyard and had never known if he was able to eat them! I was glad he asked before trying! Hopefully now he can enjoy a non-poisonous treat!
Overall, this was an independent and inquisitive group. The lack of leading that they required was strange given the variety of background knowledge we had so far. Even so, it was so exciting to see them explore independently and enjoy nature.
Now I think the night holds pizza (made by the boys of the house!) and maybe even an exploration of the town! I hope we are in for an anthropological treat :)
Keep the term "anthropological treat" handy because you will have a plethora of them the rest of your life!
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