WOODBURY – What would you do if you had an opportunity to go on a field trip for your spring break? This April, students in agriscience aren’t going on ordinary field trip. This field trip will ask that students go somewhere warm and tropical but will have to do some research.
On spring break this year a group of 15 agriculture students, two agriculture teachers and a couple of parent chaperones will be going to Key West, Florida from April 12 – April 17 to study and observe native fish and coral reefs with the REEF program (Florida, Reef, Resilience Program). Students will also be going to the Everglades to go look for other native species.
This trip was coordinated by agriculture teacher Jennifer Jedd. The main reason Jedd wanted to bring students on this trip was so they could experience new things and gain new skills and knowledge.
“I think it is important to bring students outside of Connecticut to see the world,” says Jedd, who has spent countless hours preparing students for this experience. “I also have a personal goal of getting to all national parks and forests, and I think it is a valuable experience for students to see the world, and learn more about how we can save and preserve it for future generations.”
For Jedd, she understands how hands-on learning and first-hand experiences like these will improve student learning.
“Seeing other places in-person helps to solidify those places and makes it real,” Jedd said. “It is important to see opportunities and agriculture outside of Connecticut. We will also learn about careers and extensions of our learning to other areas of interest and learn broadly about science and data and incorporating vision of a learner’s skills.”
All the opportunities offered by the agriscience program are to help give students skills and knowledge that could potentially be used in their future, students have many different areas where they could exceed.
Even students are aware that these experiences can benefit them now or in their future.
“Any experience I gain with animals will help me for my dream career of becoming a Veterinarian,” says Andrew Singletary, NHS junior.
Among the many activities that Nonnewaug students will engage in during their week in south Florida will the authentic experience of data collection and scientific research in something Jedd calls “citizen science.”
“Students will be collecting data while snorkeling and submitting them, we will follow up later to see research being done with the results of our data collection surveys,” says Jedd. “[We’ll] see two national parks, and we are hoping to talk with some rangers as well. Learn about fragile ecosystems and how to ensure their survival for the future. How to be educated citizens of our world Learn about careers and extensions.
Some of the careers and extensions, according to Jedd, that students will experience will include exotic vets, a turtle hospital, animal behavior and training, and a dolphin center. Beyond these specific experiences, Jedd also sees additional benefits in students learning to travel, learning to get outside of New England, and recognizes that some students have never been on a plane.
Not only will students be doing work and research they also will be having fun along the way.
“I’m also excited to go snorkeling in the Keys,” says Singletary.
“I am really excited to go snorkeling,” says Rachel Kalmanovsky, current junior. “I have never been before, and honestly I am a little scared, but that is what is making me most excited. This is something I wouldn’t do unless I was with my friends.”
Not only are students excited for this trip and the learning experiences it’ll include, but Jedd recognizes that south Florida is something that’s especially unique for her group of Connecticut kids.
“Beaches and sunshine– but really, going on a trip with students and having cool experiences that center around learning and will make it fun,” says Jedd. “I like to travel, not vacation. There is a huge difference. Travel involves being involved in culture, having great experiences, service, learning about different ways of life and different viewpoints etc. Vacation is relaxing and sitting on a beach. Travel is important in creating a complete and well rounded person.”
“I wanted to go because I enjoy Florida and swimming and thought it would be a fun trip. And the animals obviously,” says Singletary. “I’m also excited to go snorkeling in the Keys.”
Many NHS students who have traveled on previous trips understand the importance of these experiences and don’t want to miss out on this opportunity.
“I went on the Philadelphia plants trip last year, those were the best three days of my life,” says Kalmanovsky. “I knew as soon as another trip went out, I wanted in. Then I saw the announcement, an interest form for this trip, and it had so many opportunities. This isn’t stuff I would normally do, but I believe trips are times for new things. I reached out and found out a bunch of my friends were going to. Trying new things with my friends. Sign me up.”
