On Oct. 23, the AP Environmental Science class and the Envirothon club took a field trip to the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority in South Williamsport. They arrived at school and left before the end of the first period to get on a bus to drive to the water treatment plant.
The students were able to explore the natural environment the location offered. The students started the day observing trees and identifying plants around the treatment plant. Then they practiced identifying invasive species in the natural Pennsylvanian landscape. After that, the students waded in a stream to learn about biodiversity. They caught crawfish while wading in the water. Then, using binoculars, they bird watched and identified native birds to the Pennsylvanian area. Lastly, the Water Authority brought a man and his pet hawk for the students to meet.
A senior in Yokitis’ AP Environmental Science class, Franciska Seyler, said, “The experience was super cool. It’s one thing to learn about nature and things but it is much more exciting to get to experience it in person at the treatment plant.” The students got to practice the skills they have been learning in class in a real-world situation. Not only that, but they got to experience job opportunities that exist within the field of environmental science while also learning about the functions of the water treatment plant and how it benefits the community.
