Hikes are included as a regular part of every grades Environmental Studies curriculum. We have increased all field work when we hike and also spend more time learning about the bugs and insects that inhabit the grounds. For example, pill bugs and millipedes are in abundance so we look at these closely with every class. We have been looking at macro invertebrates in the flood waters up by White Rock Creek.

We have started studying Adele Penguins and the other Antarctic penguins in order to understand global warming issues and how we can use this particular bird and its environment to see changes. We study these in the classrooms, of course, but relate it to our own community and how global climate change can eventually affect us all.