Grade 1 Field Trip to the Organic Farm: An Inquiry Into the Natural World

As part of our inquiry cycle exploring how we use our senses to discover and understand the changes in the natural world, our Grade 1 students embarked on an exciting field trip to a local organic farm. This hands-on learning experience marked the "going further, making conclusions, and taking action" phase of our transdisciplinary unit, integrating English and Chinese literacy, science, and multiple approaches to learning skills.

Exploring Nature Through the Senses

The day began with an engaging activity where students picked sticks to build a fire. With great enthusiasm, they gathered around to roast sweet potatoes, experiencing the warmth of the fire and the delicious aroma of freshly roasted food. This activity provided a wonderful sensory introduction to the natural world and the changes we observe through fire and cooking.

At lunchtime, the students enjoyed a delightful meal featuring organic vegetables and eggs. The farm owner intrigued the students by adding a secret ingredient to the scrambled eggs and encouraged them to search for this mystery element later during the farm tour. This added an element of curiosity and excitement to the day's activities.

A Tour of Taiwanese Endemic Plants

After lunch, students participated in a guided tour of the farm, where they used their five senses to explore a variety of plants unique to Taiwan. They tasted the leaves of Cinnamomum osmophloeum, marveling at their surprising resemblance to cinnamon bubble gum. They also encountered a plant whose leaves emitted a distinct garlic scent and learned to differentiate between the textures of Alocasia odora and taro leaves. A playful activity with "stamp leaves" further deepened their sensory exploration, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Hands-On Harvesting and Learning

The farm visit also included a lesson on cultivating and harvesting green scallions. Students learned about the specific type of scallion grown on the farm and the meticulous process involved in its cultivation. Equipped with this knowledge, they carefully harvested their own scallions, taking pride in the hands-on experience. This activity not only connected students to the source of their food but also highlighted sustainable farming practices.

From Farm to Table: Taking Action

Building on their farm visit, students will now create a bilingual recipe featuring the green scallions they harvested. This summative assessment allows them to apply their learning by cooking a dish at home, documenting the process with photos, and reflecting on their experience. The project integrates multiple disciplines, including literacy in both English and Chinese, scientific observation, and creative expression. It also emphasizes skills such as inquiry, communication, and action-taking.

This field trip was more than just a day at the farm; it was a meaningful step in our inquiry cycle. By using their senses to explore, making connections between what they observed and learned, and taking action through their summative assessment, students deepened their understanding of the natural world and their role in it. This experience not only enriched their knowledge but also inspired a sense of curiosity, responsibility, and creativity that will continue to flourish.