Opportunities

While in the metropolitan D.C. area, we are trying to soak up all we can. This past week, the kids and I had an opportunity to learn aboard a buyboat on the Anacostia River. Through an organization called Living Classrooms, children are shown the world hands on. I was told about the opportunity while at one of the local park days. We couldn't pass it up.

With several other children and three staff, we learned about our current environment. The kiddos threw in a net working together with a call and response system. They figured out how the net worked and found it once it was in the water. Hoisting it back into the boat, they found several fish trapped within its confines. The fish were then deposited into a holding tank for further exploration. Everyone was able to hold and examine the fish. The children identified them, classified them and recorded the number of each type (white perch, pumpkinseed sunfish and striper). The fish were then returned to the river.

Another finer net was thrown overboard to capture a few smaller river creatures. These zooplankton and phytoplankton wiggled and swam under the lens of a microscope for the kiddos to see. The staff told them all about the microscopic organisms found in the river. They discussed the environment and pollutants as well as our responsibility to the world around us.

A chance to man the boat was a big hit. Under the careful eye of the captain each of the kiddos had a chance to steer. It was almost as much fun as ringing the bell to let the staff know it was getting time to switch focus.

We were so glad to have found out about this opportunity. This area has a lot of fantastic places to explore and things to do. We are only scratching the surface, but we are having such fun doing it.