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Middle‑school field trips praised as hands‑on environmental learning; students describe water testing and kayaking
Summary
Peaslee Middle School students described field trips to Dragon Run, VIMS and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation; teachers and students told the board the trips reinforce classroom science and asked the board to continue funding those experiences.
Students and teachers from Peaslee Middle School presented the board on March 11 about environmental field trips that provided hands‑on science learning.
Students described trips to the Dragon Run, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Brock Environmental Center, recounting activities such as kayaking, seine netting, water‑quality testing with turbidity tubes and pH capsules, and observing key species such as bald cypress and oysters.
A student participant said the Dragon Run trip taught her how to test water quality: "We tested the water quality. We use a turbidity tube and use pH capsules to test the pH," the student said. Another student who traveled to VIMS described using seine nets to catch fish and crabs and then documenting the biodiversity. A classmate who attended the Chesapeake Bay Foundation trip said "Not only was this a very fun and exciting field trip, overall it was also very informational and educational, and I do ask that you continue your funds for all of these awesome field trips." The teacher presenters emphasized research showing that field trips can increase engagement, test scores, attendance and civic participation.
Why it matters: the trips supplement classroom instruction, promote environmental stewardship and connect students to local research partners including VIMS, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Friends of the Dragon Run. Board members praised the partnerships and noted summer camp and enrichment opportunities at VIMS.
Ending: staff said they will continue to seek community partnerships and funding to sustain hands‑on field experiences for students.
