Middle schoolers from The Logan School for Creative Learning in Denver wrapped up a 10-day field trip they took out east.
The sixth through eighth grade students went to New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama to learn about working together and giving back to the environment.
The students learned about the history and culture of New Orleans before heading to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Alabama.
There, they took part in numerous hands-on activities exploring coastal Alabama.
They went trawling on the Research Vessel Alabama Discovery. Trawling is where fish and other sea creatures are caught with a net.
Educators with the sea lab taught the students about the different creatures they were catching, and how humans work to help the animals and preserve the environment.
Students also learned how to build remotely-operated underwater vehicles and tested out their designs at the sea lab, dissected a squid, and learned how to measure waves.
Sofie, an eighth grader on the trip, said it was a one-of-a-kind trip.
"My experience at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab has been unlike anywhere I've ever gone on a trip with my school. Everything we're doing here is so hands on and you really get to experience everything," she said. "You get to learn about it while you're at a desk, or watching a presentation, but then you actually get to go out and see what you're learning and doing and how it affects real life."
Seventh grader, Serene, also enjoyed the learning experience.
"It's a great experience to learn all the things that I couldn't have learned in Denver," Meredith shared. "I've never touched a squid until now and I've never picked up a starfish until now. I think I would totally love to come here again and do the same thing over, and maybe do some new things."
The students returned from their trip Friday afternoon.
Every year they take a spring trip to a location that fits in with what they have been learning that school year.
