AP Environmental Science took students from the class to the shores in their recent field trip to Dana Point’s Ocean Institute.

Each of the APES classes were able to interact with the tide pools in ways not readily available in the traditional classroom setting. Wildlife was observed by students firsthand in an effort to help the institute itself monitor certain marine species.

The Owl Limpet is a close-to-endangered species of sea snails that reside in the tide pools explored by the APES students. Dana Point’s Ocean Institute keeps a watchful eye on their population to make sure growth occurs, allowing the species to thrive once again.

Contrary to the standard field trip, students were able to measure the length of the Owl Limpets and mark them as “checked,” to directly contribute in aiding the Ocean Institute.

APES curriculum tasks students with exploring the ins and outs of the environment, but it allows them to do so in both a pen and paper manner and by getting out and observing their own surroundings.

“I think field trips are way better than normal classwork because it allows you to experience the class work that you are learning, instead of just looking at it on paper,” said senior Aishwaran Ratnam.

By adopting a more entertaining and flexible approach to learning the subject, APES students are willing to get out of the classroom and engage with the material in new and exciting ways.

Emily Price, SJHHS’ APES teacher, believes field trips like these differ from usual class work, as they offer a non-replicable experience to those who attend.

“There’s so much benefit that can be had from going out into the field and actually working with experts in an area or getting to see something firsthand,” said Price. “I think for that reason, field trips are really important to be part of our curriculum.”

Field trips have always stood as a break from the norm, but when students are able to go beyond and aide a cause related to the material they are learning, it makes a world of difference.
Further trips are planned for the first semester with student engagement in mind. APES is looking to truly impress its’ students in an attempt to make an appealing learning environment, both in class and out.