Students from Liberty Elementary, Holmes Park Elementary, and Sapulpa Middle School recently embarked on an exciting week of outdoor learning and exploration at The Ecology School at River Bend Farm in Saco, Maine. The trip took place October 4–9 under the direction of Ms. Kimberly McCallum, current Sapulpa Public Schools District Teacher of the Year, along with other district-certified teachers.
The weeklong program provided students with opportunities to step outside the traditional classroom and experience nature through hands-on learning, scientific exploration, and teamwork.
One of the highlights of the trip was an excursion to the Biddeford tide pools, where students explored coastal habitats and discovered fascinating marine life, including crabs, sea urchins, and periwinkles. These experiences allowed students to observe living organisms in their natural environments while learning about the importance of protecting ecosystems.
Back at River Bend Farm, students put their creativity and problem-solving skills to work by gathering natural materials from the forest to build shelters designed to protect them from the rain. They also worked together to create an “Art Yurt,” combining nature, imagination, and collaboration in a unique outdoor experience.
Science was woven into each day of the program. Every morning, students collected weather data and used their observations to help predict the day's weather. This daily activity encouraged students to think like scientists as they gathered information, recognized patterns, and made predictions based on evidence.
Mealtimes offered another memorable learning experience. Meals featured food grown on the farm or sourced locally and were served family-style, with students and staff sharing meals together. Students also took responsibility for cleaning up after meals while learning about composting, food waste, and sustainable practices. These everyday activities helped students understand how small choices can make a difference in caring for the environment.
Wildlife was abundant throughout the farm, providing students with plenty of opportunities to observe animals in their natural surroundings. This year's friendliest visitors, however, were the chipmunks, which quickly became a favorite sight for students during their outdoor adventures.
The trip to River Bend Farm offered students a meaningful opportunity to connect classroom learning with the natural world. Through exploration, experimentation, teamwork, and environmental stewardship, students gained new knowledge and lasting memories while discovering the importance of caring for the world around them.
Liberty STEM Club is grateful to Ms. McCallum and the district-certified teachers who helped make this educational adventure possible. The experience provided students with a unique opportunity to learn beyond the classroom and develop a deeper appreciation for nature, science, and the environment.