Each year, our fourth graders experience nature to the fullest with an overnight adventure to the Missouri Botanical Gardens’ Shaw Nature Reserve. The Reserve inspires stewardship of the environment through education, restoration, and protection of natural habitats, which leads to public enjoyment of the natural world. Immersing themselves in nature, fourth graders were primed for a stellar experience.
The land is outfitted with several cabins for overnight groups, so upon arrival, students were giddy with excitement to tour their cabins and unpack. They soon split off into groups to make and launch paper rockets and explore ecosystems. “Fourth graders are learning about energy in science, and I wanted to continue to build excitement around the recent Artemis II mission,” said Lower School Science Teacher Laura Pupillo. “We also had the perfect setting for a launch. The best part of the rocket building was seeing the many iterations the students created. All students modified their designs at least twice, and we had numerous rockets that launched into the tree line.”
“A highlight for me is seeing the kids discover new things, like the plant that smells like peppermint and the one that smells like grape soda,” said Fourth Grade Homeroom Teacher Donna Waters. “Some even tried taking a drink of water while smelling the grape-smelling plant to see if it changed the taste of the water….it did NOT!”
Between activities, students enjoyed playing stick-and-ball games, other outdoor games, and connecting in their home-away-from-home cabins.
After a full day of activities, the students and faculty chaperones enjoyed dinner and gathered around a campfire. “Later in the evening, we brought out light-up stomp rockets, which were equal parts fun and nostalgia for the kids,” said Pupillo. “The students enjoyed helping build the fire and learned that pinecones make a great firestarter. Everyone enjoyed roasting marshmallows and making traditional s’mores.”
Once the sun fully set, the group prepared for a night hike. They broke off into homeroom groups and ventured off under the stars. “Our night hike was magical–filled with fireflies, constellations, and a chorus of frogs,” said Pupillo.
The group ended their experience by sharing their favorite parts, showcasing their cabin cheers, and creating a giant human circuit with an energy stick. With everyone joining hands, electrons traveled through their human-made current!
As expected, when bedtime arrived, many stayed up giggling and talking until their eyes closed.
Students woke to a morning drizzle, but it didn’t dampen their spirits as they devoured a camp breakfast before a final hike, playtime, and sharing favorite memories. Onto the bus they climbed for a restful trip back to campus.
Fourth Grade Homeroom Teacher Jen Van Dyken said, “For me, this year’s highlight was seeing a large black rat snake that was so curious it followed us for part of our hike! The excitement on the students’ faces brought me so much joy.” Allison Antolik, Fourth Grade Homeroom Teacher, added, “The highlight for me was the chance to see students outside of the classroom setting, exploring nature and building core memories with their friends.”
What a connected and energetic way to explore the natural world with their own senses, turning curiosity into discovery, and making lasting memories along the way!