Adventures In Learning

Nicolas Untz
I see learning as an adventure. My role as a teacher is a bit like that of a navigator: I’m here to guide students through this exploration and offer them opportunities to learn through experience. One of the moments that really illustrates this idea is the trip we take every year with our 7th graders to the Washington State Capitol and Mount St. Helens. 
This trip is much more than just a school outing. When we visit the Capitol, for example, it’s an amazing opportunity to start our year in humanities. The students are directly immersed in the history and political system of Washington State. They don’t just learn about it in class; they find themselves in the heart of what we’re studying. It adds another dimension to teaching and makes the subject much more concrete.

Then there’s Mount St. Helens. I always remember the fascinated looks on the students’ faces when they arrive at the visitor center, and we start talking about the eruption. In history and geography, we use the eruption to discuss natural hazards and geographical risks, and in science, it’s a goldmine. We explore geology with concepts like volcanism, plate tectonics, earthquakes—and there, they can see it all in real life. It’s so much more powerful than any textbook or video.

For them, this field trip is an incredible opportunity to discover concepts we introduce in class, but this time, with real elements right in front of their eyes. It creates strong memories. They retain more information because they’ve experienced what we’re teaching. Every time they think of volcanoes or political systems, they’ll remember this trip, the discussions we had there, and it stays with them. 

Beyond the academic aspect, the night we spend camping is a special moment. It’s a unique chance to really get to know the students outside of the classroom and to build connections that will last throughout middle school. They also bond with each other in a different way, away from the usual pressures, and it strengthens the group dynamic. 

I’m convinced that immersion is essential for deep learning. Students learn better when they’re immersed in an environment where they can see, touch, and feel what we’re teaching them. At FASPS, we’re fortunate to be able to encourage these immersive practices, and I truly believe it’s one of the best ways to teach.
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