Sycamore's middle school Language Arts teacher, Beth Simpson, traveled (along with Mr. Lowell, Mr. Tormoehlen, and Mrs. Obst) with our 5th Grade students for a field trip to Indiana Dunes State Park this week (September 12-14). She's a writer, so we share her words and details, along with pics taken by parents who are chaperoning, and the teachers.
DAY 1:
"We arrived at camp around 11:45am CT Monday, got settled, and ate lunch. The travelers then divided into our trail groups and went on a hike, discussing the different ecosystems in the area: their traits, inhabitants, and various tools scientists might use when conducting research.
While it was misting throughout our hike, the rain largely held off and had completely cleared by the time we returned to camp.
Once back, each trail group created their research question that we will begin investigating on Tuesday's all-day hike. After dinner, groups did some background research and played a few games before going on a night hike. Our group heard a barred owl a couple of times, which was super cool.
Campers are now tucked in, universally ready for sleep, and excited for another fun day tomorrow."
DAY 2:
"We wrapped up a fun-filled (and jam-packed) day two at the dunes Tuesday. After breakfast, we gathered in our trail groups, all set for our all-day hike and ready to investigate our research questions. We hiked a little over 4.5 miles through wetlands, an Eastern deciduous forest, one of the few remaining Oak savannas, and forested dunes all while gathering data and charting our findings.
Midway through our hike, we made it to the beach where we lunched and played for a bit. After some free time and dinner, groups began compiling their research findings in preparation for our presentations Wednesday morning.
We ended the night with a campfire, s’mores, and some tuckered our campers.
We’re looking forward to heading home Wednesday..."
