Studying the past to understand the future

Valley Life editor

As school drew to a close, Larson Elementary students got a first-hand lesson in life last week, thanks to a learning project that encompassed everything from industrial development to conservation of the environment.

Students traveled around the Valley and studied developments and environmental preservation efforts, from construction zones like the Parks Highway interchange project to Leroi Heaven's farm. Along the way, students were challenged to see how projects are developed, with many concerns addressed.

"It's a great teaching and learning tool because the students are out there, seeing these things with their own eyes," said Larson Elementary School principal Karl Schleich. "It brings together lessons in a relevant way for them."

One of the questions asked of students on the field trip is why things they see are there in the first place. Right outside the school is the Alcantra sports complex, and students are asked why it was built, who paid for it and what effect it has on people in the Valley.

The field trip continued through Woodfield Estates, with students learning how a subdivision is developed, what environmental impacts were considered in the construction process and how property taxes help pay for services.

"You can teach a lot of these things in a classroom, but it makes sense to the students when they see it in real life situations," Schleich said. "Some of our students live in Woodfield Estates. When we talk about the development of the subdivision, they understand it better."

Woodfield is an upper-middle class subdivision, with above average property values. Through the lesson, students saw how the increased property values lead to higher property taxes, which pays for things like libraries, roads and emergency services.

Another stop included the Parks Highway interchange project.

There, students learned obvious lessons -- road engineering and construction -- but also lessons like how the project was planned with salmon protection and environmental conservation efforts in mind.

"Every decision we make has an impact on how the community operates and looks," Schleich said. "From building a road to putting in a recreational complex."

Lessons also included history -- talks about the Colonists and how the Valley was settled -- as well as geology, with discussions about gravel pits and how the Valley was formed thousands of years ago.

Students also made models for a learning fair, held last week at Larson Elementary.

"They are really excited about it," Schleich said. "Seeing that excitement about learning is great."