Two adult presenters stand at the front of a group of seated students outdoors. A yellow school bus is parked in the background, and the group is gathered near a fence and wooded area.

Exploring Nature Up Close: Haynesfield Third Graders Visit Steele Creek Nature Center

Haynesfield Elementary School

May 20, 2025

Our 3rd-grade students recently visited Steele Creek Nature Center for an exciting, hands-on science experience! This field trip enhanced their understanding of wildlife and ecosystems through interactive activities, including: Examining real animal pelts and skulls to learn about local wildlife, adaptations, and animal classification. Students participated in a guided nature walk through one of the trails. This gave students the chance to explore the natural habitat firsthand, observe plants and animals, and discuss the environment. This engaging field trip supports our science curriculum and provides a meaningful, real-world connection to what they have been learning in the classroom. It was a great opportunity to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for nature!

A group of elementary students sit on wooden benches outdoors. A boy in the center gently holds a small animal, possibly a skunk, while other students look on with interest. They are surrounded by grass and trees.A girl in a pink hoodie carefully holds a large animal skull while another student beside her looks on. Several other students around them appear to be listening or examining the skull as well.A group of students sitting closely together, with one student holding a large animal skull. Another student next to him looks on curiously while a girl in the foreground wears glasses and a purple jacket.A girl playfully holds a skull up to her eyes like binoculars. Other students nearby sit quietly, with various expressions of curiosity and concentration.Several students sit in a group, examining animal skulls and pelts. A boy holds what appears to be a skunk pelt, while a girl in front looks at a large skull with interest.