Snowshoe expedition teaches ecology, biology

Friday, Mar. 06, 2015

SALT LAKE CITY— Third-grade students from Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic School enjoyed an educational field trip to Big Cottonwood Canyon last month. To wrap up their unit on living and non-living organisms, students enjoyed a snowshoe adventure while learning about the Wasatch Watershed and its vital importance in bringing water to residents in the Salt Lake Valley.  

As they explored the Spruces Campground on snowshoes, the students identified and discussed the organisms in the mountains. In addition, they learned about animals’ adaptation in winter months.

While hiking, the students not only learned about Utah’s environment but they also enjoyed nature’s beauty while exercising.  

“The most popular fact that my students learned was that it takes 24 hours for melted snow at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon to appear in our faucets in our homes,” said Mrs. Haney, 3rd-grade teacher.