Students listen closely as park employees describe the exploration they are about to begin.
BRONX, N.Y. – Science came alive for Truman High School students during a recent field trip to Orchard Beach, where they explored both the ancient geologic history and the vibrant ecosystem of one of the Bronx’s most fascinating natural spaces.
Led by science teacher Justine Wagner, students examined rock formations that tell the story of tectonic plates colliding nearly 450 million years ago—a dramatic event that helped shape the Appalachian Mountains. They also discovered glacial evidence left behind by the Wisconsin ice sheet, which receded from the region about 18,000 years ago.
“This trip gave students a chance to literally step into Earth’s history,” said Ms. Wagner. “It’s one thing to learn about plate tectonics and glacial movement in the classroom, but it’s another to actually touch the rocks and see the evidence for yourself. The kids were excited to connect science to the world around them.”
In addition to exploring the bedrock of Earth’s past, students examined Orchard Beach’s living ecosystem—home to an impressive variety of species. They spotted horseshoe crabs, fiddler crabs, Italian wall lizards, raccoons, fish, birds, Virginia glasswort, oak trees, and much more. The experience helped students understand how geology and biology intersect to shape environments over time.
The trip offered a hands-on, multidisciplinary learning experience that deepened students’ understanding of both Earth’s deep history and the diverse life that surrounds us today.
