Sixth-grade students from Hemlock Middle School recently took their learning beyond the classroom during a field trip to Hartley Outdoor Education Center in neighboring Saint Charles, participating in three hands-on classes that challenged them to build, create, and work together.
During one class, students tackled communication barriers in working together to build Abe’s House, with Mrs. Newvine’s group taking the top time! Students also took on Hartley’s confidence course, which challenged students to encourage critical thinking, solution making, and celebrating successes and achievements through difficult obstacles. “Hartley was a great chance to see the students in a different environment, so I was able to see a side of the students that is not always visible in the classroom. It was also a great opportunity for students to learn new skills, build their confidence, and learn new information about the history of our great state,” said science teacher Kyle Wilkowski.
In another session, students explored Michigan’s Native American history, artifacts, and created their own jewelry in sumac beaded necklaces, pairing a history lesson with a hands-on creative experience.
Students also connected literature to outdoor learning through a wilderness survival class inspired by Brian, the main character in Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet. By building shelters and practicing fire-building skills, students explored some of the challenges Brian faces while surviving in the wilderness. “It was great to see students who may not always interact with one another at school come together to accomplish a shared goal,” said Jeremy Stedry, middle school math teacher.
Together, the three classes offered students opportunities to apply classroom learning in a new setting while collaborating with their peers. The trip brought history and literature to life through experiences students could take an active role in. “It was a valuable trip for students to interact outside the classroom, get a little dirty, and simply be kids,” says Stedry. “It has been some time since the 6th grade at HMS has visited Hartley, it certainly won’t be the last.”
The staff and students who attended the trip would like to thank the staff at Hartley, especially Mrs. Loshaw, Mr. Petoskey, and Mrs. Hendershot for providing three interactive sessions for us. We would also like to thank the Hemlock Pep Club, who supported this trip in helping supply the cost of our busing to and from the nature center.