Netzaberg Elementary fourth graders explore winter ecosystems through outdoor learning
NETZABERG, Germany — Fourth grade students at Netzaberg Elementary School recently turned their snowy surroundings into a living classroom during a walking field trip through their local neighborhood, discovering how winter landscapes can provide powerful opportunities for environmental learning.
The field trip was organized through a partnership between fourth grade teacher Sandra Brighton and Scott Lynch, an environmental consultant with the Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division at U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria. The collaboration helped create a hands-on learning experience that connected classroom lessons to the natural environment surrounding the school.
Guided by Lynch and fellow environmental consultant Elene Ingebrand, students explored local ecosystems and learned how environmental factors influence the design and development of the land around them. During the walk, students examined how water runoff moves across the landscape and discussed why certain plants were intentionally placed in specific areas to support the local ecosystem.
Students also visited marshland areas where they learned about cattails and the important role the plants play in moving and filtering water through the environment. Along the way, they identified native plants and berries, learning which berries are safe to eat and which are unsafe—an important lesson in both environmental awareness and personal safety.
To help students better understand wildlife in the region, Lynch placed taxidermy animals throughout the nature areas. The activity allowed students to observe animals up close while learning about habitats, wildlife behavior, and how animals adapt to survive in their environments.
In nearby wooded areas, students examined deciduous forests and learned how to determine the age of trees by examining tree rings or counting grouped branches. The lesson helped students identify differences between younger and older trees while making connections between forest growth, environmental health, and sustainability.
Despite the snowy weather, the field trip proved to be an engaging and memorable experience for students. School leaders said the partnership between educators and environmental experts helped bring science lessons to life while encouraging students to explore and appreciate the natural world around them.
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The Department of War Education Activity advances student success through the Blueprint for Continuous Improvement, supporting Strategic Goal 1: Student Excellence by providing engaging, real-world learning experiences that connect students to their environment and community.
