For AP Environmental Science students, learning doesn’t stop at the textbook. This year, a group of students took part in the Yellowstone Winter Ecology trip, an immersive, hands-on experience that brings classroom lessons to life.
Courtesy photos from Mrs. Cunningham of everyone on the Yellowstone trip. (Sahara Small)
Every other year, Mrs. Cunningham, the AP Environmental Science teacher, takes her AP Environmental Science class to Yellowstone National Park. There, the students participate in the Yellowstone Winter Ecology course which began on Saturday, January 17th and ended on Wednesday, January 21st. “We do everything from looking at wolves to learning about hydrothermal events and general ecology of the area,” Mrs. Cunningham explained. The hands-on learning helps connect classroom lessons to real environments. “It really makes what we learn in class and out of the textbook come alive, because now we can see it in action in our local environment,” Cunningham said.
This trip is aligned with when Mrs. Cunningham teaches an AP Environmental Science class, a biannual course offering. While the academic benefits are clear, Mrs. Cunningham says that the best parts have nothing to do with learning. “Getting to know students in a different level is my favorite part,” she said. “It’s really fun to see a different sides of students outside of class and have time with them.” The trip doesn’t just provide learning; it gives educators and students the chance to get to know one another.
Cortesy photos from Mrs. Cunningham of people on the yellowstone trip. (Sahara Small)
Students also agree that the experience was unforgettable. Junior, Maggie Haney, said her favorite part was waking up early and seeing wolves. “We got to see a pack of 15 wolves,” she stated; “That was my favorite part.” Before the trip, students didn’t know what to expect. “I knew it was an educational trip, but I didn’t really know what to expect,” Haney continued. What followed during the trip easily exceeded expectations. Over the course of the trip, students observed bison, wolves, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife. “Oh yeah, it definitely exceeded my expectations,” Haney concluded.
Both students and teachers highly recommend the trip, especially for younger students considering taking AP Environmental Science in the future. Combining education, adventure, and real-world experiences, the Yellowstone trip offers a unique opportunity that leaves a lasting impact even after the snow melts.
