In a world where classrooms often mean desks and textbooks, Principia School takes education to new heights—literally—with a trip to Yellowstone National Park. For 21 aspiring student-researchers from the popular Field of Natural History course, this adventure isn't just a break from routine; it's a deep dive into experiential learning that will shape their educational journey.
Departing on a snowy Sunday and returning the following Saturday, these students are not just tourists, they're budding field researchers trekking through Yellowstone in snowshoes. Guided by Principia's focus on hands-on learning, they immerse themselves in the park’s distinctive ecosystem, braving frigid temperatures and deep snow to study everything from animal behavior to geothermal phenomena.
"At Principia, we really level up. We're field ecologists out there,” says Lynne Scott (C’01), Field of Natural History course instructor and Science Sustainability Director. “Students are learning scientific thinking and research methods in real time, not just from textbooks."
From tracking animal prints in the snow to discussing wildlife management strategies, the students are challenged to think critically about environmental issues. "Yellowstone has the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48," explains Scott, "so the management challenges there are unlike anything our students face back home."
Back at Principia, this experience doesn't end with the trip. Students will turn their field observations into infographics and formal scientific posters, presenting their findings to peers and teachers—a testament to the intensive academic approach that sets Principia apart.
But it's not all about science. Evenings in Yellowstone are filled with Native American art workshops, stargazing sessions, and even a dip in the natural hot springs—a perfect blend of education and adventure.
"The trip isn't just about what we learn," says Scott, who noted that students will not have access to their phones during the week. "It's about how we learn. Observing without distractions, connecting with nature—it changes how you see things."
As they return, armed with new skills and perspectives, these students are not just recalling memories, they're applying their knowledge in ways that will shape their futures. Whether they pursue careers in science, art, data, or simply gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world, one thing is clear: Yellowstone isn't just a destination—it's a classroom unlike any other. And at Principia, every experience is a lesson waiting to be learned.