Tighten up those life jacket straps: you’re going kayaking.

September 16, Ms. Amy Ondeck was able to take her AP Biology students on a kayaking trip again this year—and for free thanks to her participation in a corresponding teacher workshop program. This is her second year hosting this field trip for the students.

The primary objective of the trip was to study the lake and the ecosystem, testing many aspects of the water while also looking for life.

After a bus ride to North Park, students were given a quick introduction to kayaking safety procedures and rules, as well as how to use the kayaks for students with little or no experience kayaking.

The students were able to kayak around the North Park lake and also took this time to do some research.

They tested the turbidity of the lake water (the measure of the level of particles in a body of water) using a device known as a Secchi Disk, as well as testing the temperature of the water in different places both out on the lake and near the dock.

The students also were able to pick samples of aquatic plants while searching for macro invertebrates, all before lunch.

After a break to eat the lunch that the students brought with them, they continued their biology-related activities.

They continued their search for macro invertebrates near the dock on the lake, and after some time doing so, their trip came to a close and the students returned to the school to wrap up a fun and educational day of biology.

Junior Nathan Carlsen said that “The kayaking trip was very fun, 10/10, would recommend.”

Senior Collin Anderson said, “It was my first time doing something like this, and now I regret never having done it before.”

Such responses show just how interesting and enjoyable biology can be, especially when on a fun trip like this one.

Unfortunately, Ms. Ondeck is unsure about whether she will be able to take a field trip like this next year, but she noted that it went well this year, so hopefully for any future AP Biology students, the trip may be done again.