Stewart students take virtual field trip
Kerry Calvert’s fifth-grade class recently participated in a “Gorilla Quest” virtual field trip. This imaginary excursion was provided by the Buffalo Zoo, and set up with the help of librarian Dawn Ripp, and computer specialist Judith Conforti. Through the use of the videoconference, the students were able to learn about gorillas and their behaviors. The fifth-graders also found out about the behind-the-scenes requirements and missions of zoos, and learned the reasons why gorillas and other animals are endangered. The virtual field trip to the Buffalo Zoo also gave Calvert’s class a better understanding of primate classification. At the end of the videoconference, the students were given the chance to ask questions of the zookeeper. The presentation was supplemented by a read-aloud of the Katherine Applegate novel One and Only Ivan.
