Whether taking homecoming pictures near the Lincoln Memorial, admiring the exhibitions in various museums or indulging in the classic Georgetown Cupcakes, WCHS students can recount their fondest memories spent outing in Washington, D.C. However, they recently discovered a hidden gem in the city, separate from its main attractions.
On Oct. 23 and 24, WCHS AP Environmental Science (APES) students boarded the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s research workboat, Bea Hayman Clark, at the D.C. Wharf Marina for an educational boat ride along the intersection of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers. From testing the water quality to trawling for fish, students conducted a series of studies to assess the ecological diversity in the Chesapeake watershed.
“My favorite part of the trip was fishing because we got to look at all the cool fish and touch them,” WCHS senior and APES student Riya Menon said. “I enjoyed the hands-on experience of having direct contact with nature instead of sitting in a classroom all day.”
After collecting the fish, students transported them into tanks to examine them more closely, briefly holding them in their hands to identify their species. Students were then able to draw conclusions on the endangerment levels of each species and how that influences the watershed’s health. Alongside active activities, like fishing, students engaged in insightful discussions with the instructors.
“We talked about the various present and historical human impacts affecting the environment of the Chesapeake Bay,” Menon said. “I was able to apply the knowledge I gained from APES about eutrophication to how it relates to human activities such as fertilization, agriculture and sedimentation.”
Eutrophication refers to excessive amounts of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, entering bodies of water, ultimately leading to biodiversity loss. Eutrophication is only one of the many terms that APES students expanded their understanding of during the trip.
“I think going on field trips is beneficial because the hands-on experience allows us to more deeply connect with the class material, making it easier to recall on tests,” Menon said. “I also think that there is a lot of pressure on students as a whole, so going on these field trips can be a way to distress while still learning and meeting curriculum requirements.”
Many students find a lack of field trips in high school compared to their elementary and middle school years. Whether this be because of complicated planning or time constraints, the success of this trip serves as a testament to the beneficial role field trips have.
“I think real-world experience is really important,” APES teacher Mira Chung said. “I feel like with social media, students may think they have a perception, but the reality is that life is a lot different out in the ‘real world.’ I realize many students may go on extravagant trips but rarely have opportunities like this trip to appreciate what the earth has to offer.”
