Eighth Grade Mount Shasta Trip: Experiential Learning in the Field

Words by Megan and photos by Haley

As part of their fall studies, TEA eighth graders ventured into the field to explore human interactions with nature, thermal energy, and adaptation. While camping at Mount Shasta and Lassen Volcanic National Park for five days, the eighth graders witnessed firsthand how science, indigenous knowledge, and connection to the Earth influence climate change. They also learned about the importance of representation in storytelling and how to identify hydrothermal areas and natural resources. As always, this hands-on experiential learning presents unique challenges that foster growth and resilience in TEA students.

The fieldwork was not without its challenges. “We woke up one morning, it was so freezing, we just stayed in our sleeping bags, and then the teachers came up to us and said, ‘we need to pack up our tents, we’re going to a different campsite,’” eighth grader Gigi said. “We had to pack in like 15 minutes.”

TEA students embraced their camping experience at Mount Shasta, even in below-freezing temperatures. Despite managing cold and wet conditions, Gigi expressed how much fun she had on the trip and how much she got to learn about ecosystems— and her classmates, on the road to Shasta.

“This is an adventure school, so what would you expect? The experts are amazing, the experiences are beyond what I would have ever expected. We went into a sweat lodge and it was so much fun,” eighth grader Mateo said. “We all had a good time. But you know, things go wrong, and that’s just part of it…”

Liz McInroy, TEA’s Adventure Program Co-coordinator, emphasized that fieldwork teaches students empathy and fosters a deep connection with both the community and world. During their exploration of Shasta and its ecology, the eighth grade crew visited a traditional Native American sweat lodge, where they participated in a ceremony aimed at cleansing the mind, body, and spirit. This exposure to different ways of life encourages a greater understanding of society, especially in relation to social studies. Additionally, the experiences instilled in them a respect for diverse cultures and a deeper appreciation for the Earth.

“We were able to connect with the indigenous people and it’s one of the only sweat lodges that work today and I think it was hot, but I think it was a pretty awesome experience. I would definitely go back there,” eighth grader Ezra said. “The connection with the land is really important.”

Ezra continued to say the open mindedness of students makes TEA unique because everyone maintained respect for the ceremony and culture. Mateo praised how much TEA cares for the environment, centering fieldwork around the environment and referencing annual trips to the Rio Grande where students learn about pollution.

“We got some fresh spring water, which tasted delicious. It was the freshest water you’ve ever seen, and tasted. It just goes to show how much care they have for their things up there. The trails are well maintained, they’re still in their original glory— no paved paths, everything is left as we found it,” Mateo said. “There are still people that care in this world about backpacking and all the fun adventure stuff.”

Fieldwork not only immerses students in their studies, but transforms the world into their classroom. Ezra said his crew conducted thorough research on Shasta before embarking on their fieldwork where they interacted with the environment they studied. According to Gigi, Shasta was only the beginning of their class learning about ecosystems and adaptability before putting their knowledge into practice.

“We learned a lot about the sugar pines, and in fact yesterday, on Monday morning, we went to go plant some sugar pines up in Palisades near the KT-22 lift,” Gigi said. “We’re just learning more about sugar pines and how deadly viruses can kill other trees but not sugar pines. They’re immune to it, so we learnt more about that at Shasta, but now we’re starting to plant them.”