Trinity Elementary first graders had an unforgettable day of discovery and hands-on learning during their recent trip to Dan Nicholas Park in Salisbury! From the smallest gemstones to the scales of a snake, the day was packed with excitement.
The students kicked off their morning by exploring the wildlife zoo. As they observed the animals, they engaged in great discussions about different habitats—learning exactly what these creatures need to thrive in the wild. It was wonderful to see their curiosity come alive as they identified the differences between forest and wetland environments.
One of the highlights was the Animal Information Show. The students got an up-close look at three very different guests:
The Snake: Learning about scales and cold-blooded creatures.
The Hedgehog: Observing its unique quills and defense mechanisms.
The Box Turtle: Discovering how these "mobile homes" protect them in the North Carolina woods.
Before getting their hands dirty, the kids attended an educational session on gemology. They learned how to identify various gems based on their colors and shapes. The day concluded with the big event: gem mining! Every student walked away with a bag of treasures and the thrill of the "big find."
This trip perfectly bridged the science curriculum with real-world experience.
