Gilbert Paterson Middle School students had a unique experience last month as part of the Southern Alberta Collegiate Institute Explore, Engage, Experience (E3) initiative.
Paterson's Knowledge and Employability students in Grade 7 and Grade 8 participated in an Inside Education field trip in connection to E3, a new program offered in Lethbridge that focuses on potential careers and hands-on learning experiences for middle schoolers.
The day began with a visit to a local greenhouse, where students learned how the tomato plants that were grown in soil feature roots often stretching over 40 feet.
"As the plants grew upward, they were lowered weekly using twine to keep them manageable," said Shelby Johnson, Grade 7 and 8 Knowledge and Employability teacher at Paterson. "The greenhouse also showcased innovative technology, including a solar-powered weed-picking machine that allows people to lie down while operating it."
Students also learned that quail and insects are used for pest control and beehives are purchased each year to pollinate the plants, with each hive lasting around eight weeks.
"We connected these observations to our science unit on cells and systems, as students saw how organisms and technology work together to maintain healthy ecosystems," said Johnson.
In the afternoon, Paterson visited a feedlot, where students met a trailblazing female cow manager, who provided inspiration to the students, showing them the vital role women play in agriculture. "She gave students a hands-on opportunity to use the cow chute and neck stretcher, allowing them to experience the process firsthand," said Johnson. "Students even had the chance to step inside the chute themselves and weigh in, connecting their science studies to real-life animal systems in a highly interactive way."
Students also viewed a seed cleaning plant on the feedlot, where they learned about barley, wheat and canola.
"This connection to agriculture allowed us to discuss how these crops tie back to our social studies lessons on the Renaissance, emphasizing how land was the first form of currency," said Johnson. "The trip highlighted how vital land remains in Alberta's economy today, especially in agriculture, where it sustains local industries and provides food."
In all, Johnson added the experience was one her students won't soon forget.
"The field trip was a wonderful opportunity for students to see places they may never have had the chance to visit, opening their eyes to the essential aspects of Alberta's economy, and allowing them to visualize potential pathways in their future."
Lori Adamson, junior high teacher with the Southern Alberta Collegiate Institute, added the field trip served as a learning opportunity for program organizers as well.
"By observing student engagement and gathering feedback, we aim to improve and adapt the pro-gram for future groups," she said. "Finding out which hands-on activities students enjoy most, as well as noting practical details like timing and group size, best time of year for tours and making connections with farmers, we will alter our program to create the best possible experience in the future. These takeaways will guide us in building a program that both inspires students and helps them understand the skills they'll need for careers in agriculture and beyond."
For more information on the Southern Alberta Collegiate Institute, please visit the website: www.southernalbertacollegiateinstitute.ca
December 26, 2024
