Field Trips

At Meridian we know that learning happens in many ways and in many places – often outside the walls of the classroom. Field trips are an integral component of our academic program, and start as early as kindergarten with simple walks in the neighborhood. As students get older, they venture further from the Meridian campus for longer periods of time. These excursions extend and enhance classroom activities, often giving children the opportunity to see their learning in “real life” situations.

Examples of favorite field trips include:

• Meridian third graders travel to beautiful Camp Sealth on Vashon Island for an overnight outdoor education experience. Students collect data in science journals, learn about Puget Sound sea life and hike through an old growth forest.
• In conjunction with their study of Washington State history, fourth grade students head to Camp Orkila for a 3-day/2-night outdoor environmental education and community building excursion on Orcas Island.  
• The culmination of the fifth grade Lewis and Clark/Corps of Discovery unit is a 3-day trip to Oregon to visit Fort Clatsop and other Pacific Northwest historical sites. Students also enjoy kayaking along a portion of the Corps' trail on the Columbia River.

Locally, students might venture to the Seattle Tilth Garden just beyond Meridian's doorstep and work with volunteers to learn about organic gardening and sustainble practices.  Or,  they may head out on a "Wallingford Walk" to explore local businesses and gain an understanding of commerce and markets in their own backyard. At Meridian, learning can happen anywhere!