Upper Elementary at Barrier Islands!
We just got back from an absolutely EPIC overnight trip to Seabrook Island, SC! 💚
Our Upper Elementary students had the chance to explore incredible ecosystems, study the plants and animals that call them home, and grow both as individuals and as a community. From kayaking alongside dolphins to exploring muddy marshes, this trip was full of unforgettable moments!
Our adventure began with a challenging kayak trip through the estuary, where a pair of dolphins swam alongside us for most of the journey! As we paddled, we explored different environments, from the intertidal zone to the salt marsh, and discussed which plants and animals might live in each.
That evening, students participated in an environmental debate. They took on the roles of local townspeople, ecologists, and an amusement park company proposing to build a park on Botany Bay Island, home to many different species.
The chaperones and I had a giggle because our students could hardly fathom the idea that anyone would want to build an amusement park on such a special island! They did a fantastic job stepping into their roles, using critical thinking, and developing thoughtful, convincing arguments. And, ultimately, the outcome we were all hoping for? NO amusement park on Botany Bay Island!
We ended the night singing silly songs around the campfire beneath a beautiful, star-filled sky. As we sat in a circle on the beach, my heart was so full listening to students share moments of gratitude from their day.
Day 2 was just as full of adventure! We started on the beach learning about the fish that call the estuary home, then put our knowledge to the test by seining to catch and identify different species.
We caught an amazing female blue crab (a first for me on this trip!) along with lots of tiny silverside fish. The kids were SO excited about our finds and equally thoughtful about caring for them until it was time to return them to the water.
Afterward, students had free time to enjoy the beach together. Some built sandcastles, some practiced gymnastics, and others sat in the water, letting the waves roll over their legs. Whatever they chose, it was so sweet to watch them enjoy all their favorite beach activities together!
That afternoon, we walked through five different ecosystems found on the island. Along the way, we had the incredible opportunity to witness a mother dolphin teaching her young how to strand feed! Strand feeding is a unique hunting technique in which dolphins push fish toward the shoreline and beach themselves to catch their prey before returning to the water.
Even more amazing, we witnessed this behavior five or six times! It’s a rare sight, which made it an unforgettable experience for everyone in our group.
After all that excitement, we made our way to a destination that's talked about every year: THE MUD PIT! (One of my personal favorites, of course! 😂)
Most students weren't quite ready to get completely covered in stinky, slimy mud, but they still did an amazing job exploring and playing at whatever level felt comfortable to them. Afterward, we headed into the estuary to rinse off and warm up before dinner!
That evening, we learned about nocturnal animals and the amazing adaptations that help them thrive at night. Students played games and even dissected owl pellets to discover what owls hunt and eat. They found some fascinating bones as they investigated!
For our final day, ALL the students requested a sunrise hike. And what did we do? We went on a sunrise hike, of course! How often do you get to welcome the sun on the beach with your best friends?
We watched the most beautiful sunrise, spotted birds beginning their day, and learned about animals winding down from their night. Our final activity focused on loggerhead sea turtles and their nests and eggs.
We always end our trips with a gratitude circle. Experiences like these can have such a lasting impact, and it's important to give students time to reflect and take it all in. We shared favorite activities, meaningful moments, and memories we wanted to carry home with us.
Almost everyone in our circle mentioned the dolphins strand feeding. That was one of my favorite moments, too, but it's truly so hard to choose just one!
I don't take it lightly that I get to experience these moments alongside our students. Watching them explore, ask questions, care for living things, challenge themselves, and simply enjoy being together is such a special part of what I get to do.
I came home with a full heart, and I hope our students did, too. 💚
-Ms. Emily
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