Hello again! Today I will be discussing the upcoming field trip that my AP Biology class is taking, what I hope to get out of it and my general thoughts on field trips and interactive learning.
Source: fccb.org
My AP Biology class is participating in a volunteer program through Save the Bay that looks at dirt in the tidal marshes and asses pH levels, salinity levels and more. The DIRT program is an interactive and hands on way for students to get involved in helping restore the SF bay and keep it clean. We are going to be volunteering our time for a great cause and I’m very excited for the field trip.
In my opinion, field trips are great opportunities for students to expand their learning outside of the classroom and apply their classroom knowledge to real world situations and problems. This type of volunteer, science related field trip not only shows up what we can do to help save the bay, but it also relates to what we are learning in biology and it applies what we learn to help society. Field trips are often seen as a waste of time or chances for students to not go to school and learn, however, if done right, field trips are just as valuable, if not more valuable, than in-class learning.
Source: designarchives.aiga.org
I hope to learn more about the Bay’s ecosystem, its state and what I can do to increase awareness of this problem. I also want to learn about plants, animals and other factors that I wouldn’t normally learn in biology class. Learning about certain species or soil samples is something that is not covered in school curriculum, and I personally enjoy learning about the real world applications and topics, not just memorizing a textbook. With this learning, I also hope to make an impact on the environment and how we as a society approach the Bay and its conservation.
Source: spur.org
This volunteer project is supposed to inform the Save the Bay organization about soil data that will help volunteers and members of Save the Bay to know what plants should be placed where and what the ecosystem needs, in terms of nutrients. I hope this data provides them with this information and helps keep tidal marshes healthy and thriving, with the little area they have to grow.
I’m very excited to volunteer and get my hands dirty for this amazing cause. Make sure to check out Save the Bay’s website, http://www.savesfbay.org, to find out more information about their cause.
My Journey Learning the Science of Life 
