OFF TO SEE THE LIZARD

Eighth grade students at All Saints’ Episcopal School recently took a trip to Southern Florida to study the ecosystem in that area. The trip is a rite of passage at the school and lower grade students anticipate taking the jaunt into the Deep South during their final year at All Saints’. In preparation of the trip, each student was assigned a “Doctorate” in an area of special interest. If questions arose during the trip, the student with the appropriate “Doctorate” would attempt to provide answers.

Because Florida has such a varied ecosystem, having both the Everglades and costal opportunities, the students had a wide range of experiences. From wading in swamp waters to snorkeling in clear waters, they spent five active days submerged in the world of science. Sting rays, sharks, alligators and even the elusive crocodile added excitement to the adventure, though the students also appreciated the less toothy discovery of indigenous life in the areas.

Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Though most of the time was spent on the move, viewing, touching and experiencing as much as can be crammed into a short time span, students did find a little time for a milkshake break and were impressed by the strange varieties that were available. Beyond the traditional vanilla and chocolate, there were unique and tropical blends from fruits that some had never heard of before, making even drinking a shake an exercise in enrichment.

The discovery trek provided students with a hands on scientific experience and allowed them to take a look at an environment that is very different from that in East Tennessee. All Saints’ Head Master Dr. Henry Selby stated that this is a trip that he has taken with students for many years and that they return with a new appreciation of the diversity of the world around them. The school’s goal is to spark their interest, give them an experience outside of their normal daily lives and to prepare them to ask questions as they investigate the far reaching areas of science.