Field trips are often some of the most vivid, and fond, memories from time in school. While field trips are fun, they are also important learning experiences. At AFIA, we use field experiences to aide in the learning process.

At AFIA, field experiences are a critical component of project work. In the project approach to learning, scholars are encouraged to gather information from resources available to them. Resources can be books, articles, and conversations with experts in their field of inquiry. Last year, 2nd grade teacher, Haley Hurst,  worked with local experts to plan a field visit for her students.

The second-grade class visited Stony Crest Urban Farm during their gardening project. 

2nd Graders Visit Stony Crest Farms

By visiting with local experts, students were able to learn about different types of plants, using greenhouses to grow, and harvesting fruits and vegetables.

During field experiences scholars are able to ask questions and gain knowledge from experts.

Field experiences allow scholars to have hands on interaction with their area of study.

They also visited Pizzeria Locale to understand how fresh ingredients can create healthy meals. 

 

Scholars were able to learn how individual ingredients come together to make a meal.

These scholars were able to apply the knowledge from these experiences to grow their own garden at AFIA in collaboration with the Kansas City Community Gardens. They shared their harvest in the “Second Grade Salad” during our Spring Celebration of Learning. Learn more about this project on Adobe Spark. (Video created by Ms. Haley and her 2nd graders.)