Being a full-day school gives us the time and opportunity to offer practical training during field trips at all year levels, from kindergarten to upper secondary school. In the realm of education, integrating practical learning and field trips into the curriculum enriches students' experiences and offers invaluable benefits. Field trips provide a break from routine, sparking enthusiasm and engagement among students.
As part of their biology course, Year 12 students visited the science centre experimenta in Heilbronn, where they engaged in a lab session instead of the usual exhibition tour. This enabled the students to use equipment not typically found in schools.
In the first scenario, students worked on finding the perpetrator of a robbery. They created and analysed genetic fingerprints based on blood left at the crime scene. Under the guidance of the biologist running the course, they employed various DNA techniques, such as PCR and gel electrophoresis, to create genetic fingerprints which allowed them to identify the guilty party.
For the second scenario, students analysed the DNA of bacteria from an outbreak of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in a local hospital. Their goal was to determine the source of the bacteria that caused the outbreak. They isolated the plasmids from the bacteria, amplified them with PCR, and analysed the results using gel electrophoresis.
Year 2 embarked on a thrilling field trip to Stuttgart airport. Donning visitor cards and jackets, students explored various airport sections, even passing through a private security check. A bus ride along the runway treated students to the sight of planes from around the world, and they relished the chance to wave at pilots and passengers as they taxied by. Excitement peaked as students observed the colossal fire engines, each valued at nearly one million euro.
Our kindergarten Maxi group took a trip to the museum Forscherfabrik in Schorndorf. There, they explored technical and scientific processes at over 70 stations. From the laser puzzle to the wind tunnel, from the floating ball to the compressed air rocket, eleven themed worlds offered exciting experiments for our Maxis.
Excursions like these expose students to practical learning, fostering a deeper understanding of theoretical concepts by allowing them to apply what they learn in real-world contexts. Furthermore, such experiences broaden students' perspectives and nurture essential life skills such as problem-solving and teamwork.
Richard Williamson, Vice Principal
Anthony O’Riordan, Primary School Teacher
Laura Heyder, Kindergarten Teacher
Judy Raine, Administration
SIS Stuttgart-Fellbach