Science students take their annual field trip to Flagg Mountain
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Special to the News
On Friday, September 29, Mr. Mitchell’s biology, earth and space science, and environmental science students went on a field trip to Flagg Mountain in the Weogufka State Forest, located right here in Coosa County.
The weather was perfect for an outdoor day of learning. Forester John Goff talked about the history of the native stone and timber tower that sits at the top of the summit, which was built during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The tower played an important role in forest fire surveillance. He then took the students up to the top of the tower which offers 360-degree views where he was able to point out various landmarks to the students.
Forester Brad Dunham taught the students how to calculate their pace and how to use a compass during the orientation class, and forester Braxton Lashley led the afternoon orienteering session. Dr. Doug McConnell led the students on a short hike as he taught them how to use leaves and bark to identify trees. Some students returned to school with their leaves and shared their new found knowledge with other teachers and students.
Mary Thurman, caretaker of Flagg Mountain, led a hike down to the cabins, which were also built by the CCC in the 1930s. She gave the students a history lesson about the CCC, the Pinhoti and Appalachian Trails, and the slogan, “Leave no Trace.”
The students also learned to start charcoal fires. The grills were put to good use as the students grilled hot dogs and roasted marshmallows for s’mores. A mini lesson was given on how salt lowers the freezing point of water as an introduction to the making of homemade ice cream in baggies!
The trip would not have been possible if it were not for Coosa County Schools science coach, Mrs. Shelley Wood, who spent countless hours coordinating with the different individuals, gathering materials and planning activities to make this a field trip the students will never forget. Besides the science lessons learned, the students made a connection within their community and gained an appreciation for a valuable natural resource right here in their home county.
A new student at our school summed it up best when he said, “Man, my old school would never let us do something like this!”
Mrs. Wood said, “The students had an awesome day on the mountain! We are very thankful to our speakers for taking the time to teach each session.”
In fact, all three foresters; Goff, Dunham and Lashley; are graduates of Central High School. Mrs. Wood would also like to thank the Alabama Forestry Commission for allowing us to visit; Tad Eason and the Coosa County Highway Department for making sure the roads were ready for the buses; our parent chaperones; our PTO president Maressa Ware for taking the amazing pictures; our lunchroom staff for the sandwiches, chips, apples, and milk; and to our Bus Supervisor Jeff Moore for leading the buses up the mountain.
Mrs. Wood added, “A huge shout out goes to our bus drivers! The trip up the mountain was an adventure in itself! The views were spectacular! See you next year, Flagg!”
See additional photos and school news on page __.
