Kawartha Lakes, Ontario – STEAM School learners celebrated the conclusion of the 2025/2026 school year with a trip to the Riverview Park & Zoo in Peterborough, learning through experience.
“A visit to the zoo fits great into the Ontario curriculum through science learning about habitats and communities. We get to read about each of the animals, where they live and how they survive. We also learned about conservation and how to protect the lands and waters we use every day! It is a great visit to have fun and learn,” says Melissa Jegeris, STEAM Educator.
“The park is also a great every day showing of engineering and physics in action. We get to talk about simple machines and how they can be so fun to play on!”
The trip included visits to animal exhibits, two scavenger hunts and fun at the playground. Students also brought digital cameras on the trip to engage in their artistic side while documenting their day.
Jegeris says these experiences are a great way for learners to see how education can contribute to their future.
“Field trips matter because they give learners opportunities to experience concepts in real life, making learning more engaging, memorable and meaningful,” she says.
“They help bridge the gap between classroom lessons and the world around them. It sparks curiosity and engagement for students.”
Sparking imagination, innovation and creativity is what STEAM School is all about. Having the opportunity to bring the small classes on engaging field trips, working with community partners to add a new layer of connection to the learners’ experiences, and blending traditional curriculum with hands-on, play-based STEAM learning, all contribute to what makes STEAM School so special.
While STEAM School has wrapped up for the 2025/2026 school year, Ampere’s Kawartha Lakes Makerspace & Skills Hub continues to support learners on every stage of their journey. Subscribe to the Ampere−ᑯᑦ ᑐᓴᒐᒃᓴᖁᑎᖓᓄᑦ. to stay informed about what’s happening and upcoming programs, follow the Kawartha Lakes Makerspace on Instagram and Facebook to watch what’s happening, and explore amp.ca to learn about additional opportunities.
