The November air was thick with excitement as a bus full of high schoolers rumbled to a stop at the edge of Charleston, South Carolina’s lowcountry. For the AP Environmental Science and Literature in the Environment students from T.C. Roberson High School (TCR), this was no ordinary field trip. They ventured into a new learning environment where rivers, swamps, and coastal shores would be their classroom.
Over the course of three days the students experienced the coast like never before. They ventured out with paddles in a hands-on a guided kayak trip through a beautiful blackwater swamp. Here they observed the ancient cypress trees draped in Spanish moss and learned about the vital role these swamps play in water purification and wildlife habitats.
The group also visited the Center of Birds of Prey, where students watched live demonstrations from an array of birds. As part of the trip, students experienced an ecotour of the estuary. Here they were able see first hand how the estuaries benefit marine life. Students and staff also enjoyed a night under the stars as they camped out on a barrier island. This trip is a favorite for many, including AP Environmental Science teacher Kevin Keen.
“There’s nothing like learning directly from nature - seeing the ecosystems, experiencing the wildlife up close,” said Mr. Keen. “It’s unforgettable, and it opens our eyes to the impact we have on these environments and the responsibility we share to protect them.”
By the time students returned to TCR, they had a new appreciation for the world outside their textbooks. Their trip to Charleston had shown them the complexity and beauty of environmental systems and their role in protecting them for future generations.
Photos Courtesy of TCR