Taking Learning Outdoors: Central Catholic Goes on a Hike

Admin
2 days ago
2 min read

Students in Central Catholic's Dual Credit Evolution class spent an immersive day hiking and conducting fieldwork in local San Antonio parks to gain hands-on knowledge about regional ecosystems, species identification, and pressing environmental challenges.

Our school does a lot of unique and amazing things. And, honestly, the annual Evolution Dual Credit field trip is one of them.

On March 20, Mr. James Bendele’s Dual Credit Evolution Class explored God’s creation by spending most of the day hiking and doing field exercises at Hardberger Park and the Salado Creek Greenway, two of the most popular natural areas in San Antonio. Mr. Bendele is a Master Naturalist who believes that getting kids outdoors is a great way of helping them connect with something beyond the typical confines of a classroom or an urban setting. Coach Brian Curran, who teaches Anatomy and Astronomy, accompanied the class and shared his expertise.

Along the way, the class learned about the flora and fauna of the Great Plains, the Texas Hill Country, the South Texas Brush Country, and the Chihuahuan Desert by seeing examples up close and personal. Moreover, the class learned about the effects of drought by immersing themselves in an ecosystem currently experiencing one.

On top of all that, the guys were great! This ended up being an exceptional group to take out on a long hike for fieldwork. They truly represented Central Catholic with pride and class.

By the end of the day, the students in the class learned how to identify many of the species in our region. They also became more aware of some of the environmental problems in our region, particularly habitat loss and invasive species. They also became more aware of the soils of our region - and how important soil truly is as a resource, especially when erosion is involved. They also made some lasting memories that will stay with them for quite some time!