Teacher and student showcase Iceland STEM trip, point to climate and renewable-energy lessons

Nicholas Bridal, a River Dell teacher who leads physics, astronomy and environmental-science courses, told the district board that a recent student trip to Iceland focused on renewable energy, cultural enrichment and climate change.

"Iceland enthralled me," Bridal said while introducing student photographs. He described visits to a geothermal power plant, greenhouse farms using hot-spring water and hikes on glaciers, and he framed the trip as a STEM and cultural experience for juniors and seniors.

The presentation was accompanied by images from student Noah Cole. Cole described Thingvellir National Park and glacier hikes, noting the park’s historic site for public assemblies and the striking visual landscape the students saw. "Any student who has the opportunity to go on this trip would be extremely lucky," Cole said.

Bridal tied the visuals to scientific observations: he described recent lava flows on the Southern Peninsula, noted coastal erosion of a black-sand beach that he said has been "washed out" by 8–12-foot waves in shifted wind patterns, and cited a local uplift he estimated at 1 to 3 centimeters per year. He also described greenhouse operations that use geothermal heat to grow vegetables year-round and said roughly 70% of Iceland's energy production is water-based.

Board members asked whether the trip was tied to a class; Bridal said the trip was organized through AP environmental science but was open to juniors and seniors. The superintendent thanked Bridal and chaperones for organizing the trip and congratulated students for their work.

The presentation concluded with board appreciation for the learning opportunity and a note that staff are planning a similar trip in the future.