KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Students from Brandywine Virtual Academy participated in an in-person field trip to Longwood Gardens to study environmental science concepts and connect classroom lessons to real-world applications, the Chester County Intermediate Unit announced.
The trip involved middle school students enrolled in the fully online program, which incorporates periodic in-person experiences to supplement virtual instruction.
Students explored indoor and outdoor gardens, observed plant diversity and learned about sustainability practices and conservation efforts during the visit.
“Field trips like this allow students to make real-world connections to what they are learning online,” said Melonie Schmitt, BVA K-8 assistant principal.
Teacher Rebecca Chelius said hands-on experiences help students better understand scientific concepts.
“A student can watch a video on photosynthesis, but standing in a conservatory … helps to shift science from a concept … to something real,” Chelius said.
Students also described applying classroom concepts during the visit.
“The visit … helped me understand that condensation is not just in the clouds,” said Joshua Nye, a seventh-grade student from the Downingtown Area School District.
Brandywine Virtual Academy, operated by the Chester County Intermediate Unit, offers online instruction aligned with Pennsylvania state standards while incorporating optional in-person learning opportunities.
More information is available at http://www.bva.cciu.org.
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