AgAcademy

💧 ExploreSPS Spotlight: Water Quality Investigation

For their final walking excursion to Nathanael Greene Park, Explore students investigated water quality through hands-on testing.

Using water test strips, students explored a variety of water quality indicators, including pH, hardness, alkalinity, nitrates, nitrites, and other chemical properties. Through observation and analysis, students gained a better understanding of how scientists monitor water systems and the important role water quality plays in healthy ecosystems.

This outdoor learning experience connected scientific concepts to the real world and encouraged students to become curious observers of their environment.



With the Academy of Exploration
Springfield-Greene County Park Board

🐧🐠🐢🐋 ExploreSPS Spotlight: Oyster Crackers with a Twist!

After learning about the Animal Kingdom through BFARM (Birds, Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Mammals), Explore students brought their science learning into the AgAcademy kitchens! Students created a savory snack inspired by four of the five animal groups they studied, featuring penguins, goldfish, turtles, and whales. A gluten-free alternative was also provided so all students could participate in the hands-on cooking experience.

As students prepared their snacks, they made connections between animal characteristics and classification, discovering that science can be explored in creative and unexpected ways.



with the Academy of Exploration

🌿 ExploreSPS Spotlight: Learning with the Master Gardeners 🌿

During our third field experience at Nathanael Greene Park, Explore students had the opportunity to meet with the Master Gardeners of Greene County, Springfield, MO in the demonstration garden. Students experienced hands-on, garden-based learning as they observed insects collecting water from cup plants, taste-tested fresh herbs, helped manage Japanese beetles, and identified vegetables ready for harvest.

From pollinators to pest management, students experienced firsthand how gardens thrive through observation, stewardship, and teamwork.



with the Academy of Exploration
Springfield-Greene County Park Board

💧⚙️ ExploreSPS Spotlight: Irrigation, Anemometers, Water Filters... Oh My!

This summer, Explore students put their engineering skills to the test as they tackled a variety of real-world STEM challenges. Students discovered how engineers use creativity and critical thinking to solve everyday problems.

By testing, revising, and improving their designs, students learned that innovation often comes from persistence and that every challenge is an opportunity to grow.



With the Academy of Exploration

🐞🦗 ExploreSPS Spotlight: Edible Insect Creations!

✨ Learning is even sweeter when science, creativity, and a tasty treat come together!

After learning about insect adaptations, Explore students transformed homemade Rice Krispie treats into edible insects using melting chocolate and colorful sprinkles. As they designed their creations, students thought about insect body structures and the unique adaptations that help insects survive in their environments.

From crunchy wings to colorful patterns and creative antennae, each edible insect was as unique as the student who designed it. It was a fun (and delicious!) way to reinforce science concepts through hands-on learning.



with Academy of Exploration

🔎 ExploreSPS Spotlight: Creekside Critter Investigation

With magnifying glasses, ice cube trays, and nets in hand, our junior entomologists took their dichotomous key skills into the field during a walking field trip to Nathanael Greene Park.

At South Creek, students carefully collected and observed small aquatic organisms, using their identification skills to investigate the creatures living in the creek ecosystem. Through hands-on exploration, students discovered how these tiny organisms can reveal important information about their environment.

From the classroom to the creek, students put their STEM skills into action through observation, classification, and scientific discovery.



with Academy of Exploration
Springfield-Greene County Park Board

🦗 ExploreSPS Spotlight: Inside the World of Grasshoppers

After exploring insect identification, Academy of AgSploration students took on the role of junior entomologists through a hands-on grasshopper dissection.

Students examined grasshopper anatomy and explored how different body parts help these insects jump, breathe, eat, and survive. Through careful observation and scientific investigation, they connected structures to their functions and gained a deeper understanding of insect anatomy.

Even a single insect can reveal a big story about the natural world!



with Academy of Exploration

🐞 ExploreSPS Spotlight: Insect Investigators 🪲

Week 2 of Explore was all about insects! Academy of AgSploration students investigated the fascinating world of insects through hands-on exploration.

Using insect specimens preserved in resin and dichotomous keys, students worked through identification stations to observe insect features and determine different species. By identifying beneficial insects and garden pests, students discovered how insects contribute to healthy ecosystems and gardens.



with Academy of Exploration

🌿 ExploreSPS Spotlight: Growing Garden Skills 🌿

After their garden tour, the Academy of AgSploration students returned to the high tunnel for another hands-on learning experience.

Before w**ding, students participated in a mini-lesson on w**d identification, learning how to recognize common garden w**ds such as Bermudagrass, nutsedge, crabgrass, and purslane. They also discovered that w**ds compete with crops for sunlight, water, and nutrients.

With their new knowledge, students identified and removed w**ds, helping care for the high tunnel while practicing an important gardening skill.

Hands-on learning isn't just about planting seeds; it’s also about learning how to help a garden thrive. 🌱



with Academy of Exploration
Darr Family Foundation
Foundation for Springfield Public Schools
SPS Farm 2 School
Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO