In October we were able to provide a small grant to Lora Strange who teaches Outdoor Natural Science classes at Kuna High School. The grant provided some of the funding needed for 120 students to take a field trip to the MK Nature Center, run by Idaho Fish and Game. While on this field trip students learned about the history of the MK Nature Center. Once a landfill, then a baseball stadium, and finally a centennial gift from the Morrison Knudesen Foundation in 1990, when it began it's transformation into what is now the MK Nature Center.

Stream ecologists, field biologists, Idaho Master Naturalists, and wildlife educators showed students how to collect, identify, and count macroinvertebrates; the actual practice of stream and river monitoring, regularly performed by scientists.

After a brief history provided by Idaho Department of Fish and Game, students were broken out into two groups . One group walked the nature paths of the MK Nature Center and completed a scavenger hunt that educated students about the various wildlife that live in the nature center. The other group of students joined the experts in the river for hands on learning of river monitoring activities.

It was an honor to be invited to join the students on the field trip and speak with several of them about the opportunity to participate in the field trip and be a student in Mrs. Strange's class. Students shared several common themes in their responses. When asked why the selected this science class, responses included it that it sounded like a fun class and they liked the idea of being outside of the classroom while learning. Students who enjoy hunting and fishing shared that the class material increased their knowledge about the environment where they engage in their outdoor activities, and that it has been interesting to learn about fish identification as well. In addition to being a fun class, students expressed appreciation for  the hands on learning opportunities that create a deeper connection to the material they are learning. It was enjoyable to speak with an exchange student from Brazil about her learning experience in Idaho and how Idaho autumn compares to Brazil.

Thank you to Mrs. Strange for the opportunity to support your teaching and your student's learning experiences through this field trip!