AP Environmental Science students recently embarked on a field trip focused on teaching students how different forms of waste are managed, using real-world examples along the way.
The students participated in a four-part field trip, with each stop focusing on a different form of waste management. The four locations included a water treatment facility, recycling center, landfill and farm focused on restoring native species.
At the water treatment facility, students observed the filtration and purification process used to turn contaminated water into safe water for everyday use. Moving through the multiple steps allowed for a broader understanding of how much work goes into keeping water systems and communities clean.
The landfill provided students with an insight into the impact of human waste. The sheer size of the site highlighted the issue of consumerism in a stark way. Senior Kate Fitzpatrick was shocked at the amount of accumulated waste at the landfill.
“The landfill was an eye-opening experience to just how harmful consumerism is in modern-day society,” Fitzpatrick said. “Upon hearing that the landfill is set to become the highest peak in the area, I knew that I needed to cut back on my consumption. I hope that my peers and people all over the world also realize the impact our waste is having on the Earth.”
The tour of the recycling center ended on a more positive note, showing that not all products must end up in the landfill. While recycling is costly, it is ultimately necessary to help manage waste.
Finally, the AP Environmental class’s last stop was at Prairie Oaks Farm, where students hiked through the forested areas the farm maintains. Students shifted their focus from waste management to species and habitat conservation. The farm works to restore native plants to the community, many of which have been lost due to farming practices. Students learned about these conservation efforts while being immersed in nature.
As the tour came to an end, teachers and students left with new information and perspectives, with hopes of applying what they learned to their own daily lives. Environmental Science teacher Zachary Marotta, shared what he hopes students took away from the experience.
“The information that was learned on the field trip impacts the daily decisions that the students make when throwing their garbage away,” Marotta said. “I hope that they get a sense that their decisions on a daily basis impact the environment.”
Overall, the AP Environmental Science field trip was a success, connecting students’ everyday decisions with their broader environmental impact and furthering their understanding of responsibility and sustainability.
