By the final years of high school, something begins to change. For many students, curiosity gives way to routine. Learning becomes increasingly focused on completing assignments, preparing for exams, and earning grades. The sense of wonder that comes so naturally in childhood (remember that feeling?) can slowly be replaced by simply getting through the next semester. Recent research highlights some of the challenges students face in today's classrooms. According to...
Read MoreThis term, TGS students are not only learning about the people, culture, and history of Australia, they are exploring the diversity of Australia’s landscape. From the Blue Mountains to the Great Barrier Reef, students have the opportunity to experience the climate, geology, flora and fauna native to each location first hand.
Learning Ecology in Minnamurra Rainforest
One recent stop on their geographical tour down under was the world-famous Minnamurra Rainforest. An ecologically diverse and visually stunning location, the Rainforest is also home to the Minnamurra River and to Minnamurra Falls. It is home to native species such as lyrebirds, Australian Water Dragons and a host of bird species. On a river walk, students discussed issues such as climate and weather, classification of vegetation, and the impact of humans on the landscape.
They then took to canoes, learning basic paddling and navigation techniques on the Minnamurra River. The canoes enabled them to maneuver among the Rainforest’s dense system of mangrove trees, offering opportunities to learn about the relationships between soil and vegetation, land erosion and soil deposits, and how humans impact water quality.
Spanish teacher Marta Guevara put it best: TGS is the school with no walls!