On March 28, Eighth grade STEM science class loaded up the bus to head to Big Bend National Park in Alpine, Texas. On this trip students got to use their knowledge on the things that they had been learning about in class.

There was a lot of preparation that went into this trip. Students were split into groups or “tribes” and had competitions like best funniest skit, best meal and dessert. Each tribe cooked on a different night competing for the best meal as they cooked all the meals on the trip. Students learned how to use Dutch ovens as well as measurement conversions in order to feed all 21 people. All students also had to research trails and learn how to use topographical maps as well.

There were many activities included on this trip such as staying in tents, hiking, canoeing, stargazing and more. Some of the trails that they went on in Big Bend were the Window Trail and the Balanced rock Trail. These trails took them through desert, canyons and forest terrains. Students canoed six miles down the Rio Grande and some even swam in the river to cool off. The students even got to cross the river into Mexico. Each night, the students would star gaze. Chaperone Brett Dahl was the astronomer of the trip. Eighth grade science teacher Sharon Boese adds that “We had Astronomy class each night from about 10 p.m.-12 a.m. Yes, midnight. We were able to locate constellations that we had previously studied and we shared myths about constellations. We also were able to see shooting stars, the Beehive cluster and even the Milky Way galaxy.” Eighth grader, Nate Krusing said “My favorite party of the trip was definitely swimming in the Rio Grande. It was cool in the river and really nice in the hot springs. I also got to learn some interesting facts like people used to have hotels in Big Bend right on the Rio Grande.” All in all, these students and chaperones had a unique experience surrounded by and in awe of God’s creation in Big Bend National Park.