2/25/12
Today we woke up early and went to the Weather Station to collect data and develop a forecast for the day. For breakfast we had scrambled eggs, sausage, and biscuits. After breakfast, we got our backpacks together and packed a sack lunch with several snacks for the All Day Hike. We divided up into four hiking groups and headed out on the 8 mile loop. 2 groups went in each direction. Groups altered where they ate lunch and the section of the trail that they used to do the Solo Hike. The Solo Hike was where each student was given about a 10-minute time period to hike without anyone with them before the next student began to walk. This allowed students to feel as though they were alone in the would and to experience the national park on their own between two point. This is often the favorite activity of the Tremont trip experience. Along the 8 mile loop, we often stopped to talk about various topics as we encountered things along the trip. For example, as we traveled along a valley floor beside a stream bed, we came across a still pond of water that was filled with frog eggs, which led to a conversation about their survival. They had been deposited in the pond 2 weeks ago because of the warm temperatures, but might not survive due to the timing. The fact that wild boars eat the eggs was also discussed and tied into the many signs of boars in the area. Real life connections and experiences linked to the classroom curriculum. We also included a Citizen Science lesson on Phenology, which the study of the timing involved in natural processes. For example, are wildflower budding and flowering before their pollinators are ready to do their jobs. Students were given trees within a plot to examine and establish their present characteristics. The data on all the specified trees was collected and that data will be utilized by scientists to establish when events in nature occur and whether those events might be changing because of Climate changes. After returning to Tremont, we ate supper (Chicken n Dumplins, green beans, rolls, salad, and brownies). Saturday night activities were Folk Dancing and a Night Hike. The students warmed up an absolutely loved the Folk Dancing. Students danced with Chinese Ribbons and did dances from Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Vietnam, Cuba, France, and America. Students tackled the Night Hike without lights of any kind to learn about human night vision abilities and the creatures that come out at night. We discussed owls and tried to call to them. We also looked at different ways to create light like mint candy and pieces of quartz. We were all very, very tired this evening because we were on the go all day long.
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