Organized learning outside the classroom is rare in our current educational environment. This year’s first year high school students were fortunate to enjoy a creative and exhilarating way to be taught some important Science lessons.

      The teachers and students of first year high school were asked to assemble very early, at half past six in the morning. The activity was worth the effort though, as it gave the students the chance to experience a different yet conducive environment to learn about nature.

      All freshmen were treated to several activities. The first one was done in the bus, where students were given a paper with animal and plant drawings printed on it. Given some details about each picture, they were to tell whether the picture was real or fictitious. This activity certainly extended the students’ knowledge of the species endemic to the Philippines.

      The next activity was done in the park, where students had to overcome obstacles, while trying not to spill water from a cup that was tied with several strings of yarn. They had to do all this under the scorching heat of the sun. The objective of the game was to teach the students about the importance of water conservation.

      The third activity took place after the previous game’s victors were announced. Groups were divided per section and were tasked to make a drawing of water and its main consumers. After drawing, they had to pass their work to another group and “tear” the work of the one they received. This symbolized both natural and human destructions. The last part of the activity was to fix what they destroyed as properly and carefully as possible. This activity helped students to understand the importance of water, how vital it is to life, and how difficult it is to effectively implement water-conservation strategies.

      Tree planting was the last, but most important activity of the trip. Each student was assigned to plant a tree. Students were shown a bit of land filled with cut bamboo. Some thought that these pieces of bamboo were just tools for planting, but they soon realized that these were the plants they needed to tend to. This activity aimed to teach students about environmental care.

      The freshmen were taught several important lessons about their environment. After all the games, discussions and picture taking, the first year high school students had made it clear that outside learning is a good, effective alternative to your normal teaching and learning.

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