Students Bring Learning to Life Through River Collaboration

Learning came to life in a powerful way as students and teachers from Amherst County High School (ACHS) recently partnered with Amherst Elementary School (AES) for an engaging, hands-on field experience at the Pedlar River.

 

The trip centered around Amherst Elementary’s annual Trout Release and Biotic Aquatic Life and Water Quality investigations - an outdoor learning experience that immerses students in environmental science through real-world application. This year’s event was made even more impactful through the involvement of six ACHS students - Sienna Hall, Peyton Doss, Bree Taylor, Ricky Loving Jr., Landon Mays, and Braedon Hicks - along with ACHS teachers Ms. Christy Mays and Ms. Rhonda Sprouse, who volunteered their time to support and guide younger learners.

 

The ACHS students were carefully selected based on their science skills, leadership qualities, and ability to serve as positive role models. Each had also played a role in raising the trout prior to the release, making the experience even more meaningful.

 

Throughout the day, elementary students released trout into the river, collected and examined biotic specimens, and conducted water quality testing. Their findings revealed that the Pedlar River’s water quality was rated “Excellent,” reinforcing the health of the local ecosystem and the importance of environmental stewardship.

 

Beyond the science, the experience created meaningful connections between students. ACHS participants worked alongside AES students - sometimes even stepping into the water themselves - to assist with investigations and encourage curiosity. The collaboration allowed high school students to step into mentorship roles while rediscovering the excitement of hands-on learning through the eyes of younger students.

 

“Our ACHS students all enjoyed working with the younger students,” shared Ms. Mays, ACHS teacher. “The elementary energy reminded them of what it feels like to be excited about learning something new.”

 

The partnership itself grew out of a collaborative effort among staff, who recognized an opportunity to share resources and enhance the experience for all students. With many high school students already familiar with biotic sampling through previous environmental science experiences, the decision was made to bring that expertise to the AES field trip- creating a richer, more connected learning experience rather than just repeating similar activities at the high school level.

 

In addition to supporting elementary students, the experience also served as a confidence-building opportunity for the high school participants, reinforcing both their academic skills and their ability to lead.

 

This field trip is a strong example of the power of collaboration across grade levels and schools - where students not only learn content, but also learn from one another. By connecting classrooms and creating authentic learning opportunities, ACPS continues to foster curiosity, leadership, and a shared love of learning.

 

Use the following link to view a short video highlight of the field trip collaboration.