On top of Upper Meadow of the Kelly Campus, Calvin says to no one in particular, “This is so fun.” We’ve hiked up snowy ridges and compared soil samples. We’ve explored riparian areas versus sagebrush and aspen communities, the sun dancing with and through the clouds. The children are focused and enthusiastic, asking questions, tossing around words like ‘abiotic’ and ‘ecotone.’ Our instructor is steady and knowledgeable, engaged and easy-going, yet continually challenging the kids through inquiry and investigation. Snow falls from nowhere, maybe a shift in wind, maybe because we’ve suddenly so high in elevation and I am reminded of the vital importance of field-based learning, experiential learning, shifting perspectives and full-immersion. I overhear Liza and Sydney debating a hypothesis about soil, not because they were asked, but because they’re absolutely engaged. My field group chatters on, asking questions about species of sage brush, deconstructing their Latin names (“tridenta” means three teeth — Ellie figured that one out) and I take in the improbable majesty of the mountains, the tremendous minds’ of the children, the gratitude that I have for this opportunity to be here together. -Gillian Kessler
Posted on: Wed, 30 Apr 2014 18:07:44 +0000
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