Field Trips

December 19, 2024

At Adam J. Lewis Academy, we believe that education is more than just what happens inside the classroom. Field trips play a vital role in bringing our curriculum to life, providing students with opportunities to explore the world, make meaningful connections, and deepen their understanding of what they learn every day. Field trips aren’t just about what we see—they’re about how we see the world. They remind us that learning happens everywhere. Below, you will find highlights from the field trips our students have taken so far in the ’24-25 school year.

Pre-K at The Peabody
Our Pre-K4 students had an amazing time exploring the dinosaur exhibit at the Peabody Museum. They marveled at the skeletons of iconic dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus Rex, Stegosaurus, and Triceratops. By observing details such as body structure and teeth, they tested their knowledge to distinguish herbivores from carnivores. Fossils of footprints, plants, and aquatic life that once coexisted with dinosaurs captured their imaginations and expanded their understanding of prehistoric life!

Kindergarten at Common Ground
Kindergarten recently ventured to Common Ground, a center for environmental learning in New Haven, for a hands-on field trip to learn about one of the world’s unsung heroes: the earthworm. In class, they have been reading Carl and the Meaning of Life, discovering how “Carl,” the earthworm, plays a vital role in his community. From making soil fluffy to sharing nutrients that help plants grow, earthworms contribute to a thriving ecosystem. This field trip brought their learning to life as students explored how Carl’s actions impact his community and reflected on how their own choices—whether in the classroom, at home, or in the natural world—can shape and support the communities they belong to.

First Grade at the Keeler Tavern Museum
At the Keeler Tavern Museum, first grade students participated in a hands-on history program, comparing life in the American colonial era to today. They visited The Garden House, where they made natural “bug repellent” and played colonial games like “Quoits” and “Hoop and Stick.” In The Tavern, they experienced life as a working child in the 1700s and learned about the challenges of cooking without electricity. The Barn provided a look at colonial textile work, where students tried weaving and carding wool and learned about linen, wool, and silk production. Inspired by their quilting lessons, they contributed to a community quilt now displayed in our hallway.

Second Grade aboard the SoundWaters Schooner
This fall, our second graders embarked on an exciting adventure at Captain’s Cove in Bridgeport, where they boarded the SoundWaters Schooner, a floating classroom designed to explore the unique ecosystem of Long Island Sound. During their voyage, students conducted hands-on investigations, examining plankton under microscopes, testing water quality, and uncovering the intricate connections within this vital marine environment. This field trip built on their classroom studies of water, deepening their understanding of how ecosystems function and the role we all play in protecting them.

Fifth Grade at the Institute of American Indian Studies
Fifth graders visited the Institute of American Indian Studies to deepen their understanding of the Eastern Woodlands and the Indigenous peoples who have lived in Connecticut for over 12,000 years. They explored a real longhouse, warmed themselves by the fire, examined artifacts along a timeline of Quinnetukut (the original name for the area), and created beautiful pottery. They also had the opportunity to learn words and phrases in the Mohawk language, connecting to their studies of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy!

6th Grade at the Green Village Initiative
This fall, our 6th graders visited the Green Village Initiative (GVI), a vibrant urban farm in Bridgeport dedicated to sustainable agriculture and food justice. During their visit, students explored how sustainable farming practices can address environmental challenges and support local communities. This hands-on experience tied directly to their classroom studies on sustainability, giving them real-world insights into how thoughtful resource management can create a healthier, more equitable future.

These field trips have sparked curiosity and brought our learning to life in meaningful ways. A heartfelt thank you to our community partners for making these opportunities possible. Stay tuned to see where our next adventures take us!