Southwest Licking School System

Pataskala Elementary second graders explore nature at Blacklick Woods

The day-long trip included stops at The Swamp, where frogs and flies could be seen resting in the soggy, shaded ground; The Pond, in which a turtle was swimming lazily with just its snout above the water; and Stump It!, a station where students learned about how the fallen logs and stumps turned into rich soil.

The final stop was the Nature Center, where some students watched the geese, red-winged blackbirds, blue jays and cardinals gathering around the bird feeders. Other students explored the exhibits in glass cases, which separately housed a snake, two turtles, and a salamander. An open table let students pick up and examine natural items, such as deer antlers, rocks, turtle shells, and a raccoon skull.

The students soaked up knowledge along with the warm sun, for a fun learning experience for all.