Hudson Montessori Students Explore the Pond Habitat at Liberty State Park

Our young elementary students recently embarked on an exciting field trip to the Liberty State Park Nature Center, located along the Hudson River estuary. This trip provided our first-, second-, and third-grade students with valuable time out of the classroom and in nature, allowing them to apply the scientific method in real-time. Through observation, collection of information, and review of data, students deepened their understanding of the natural world while connecting their studies to hands-on experiences.

The children eagerly explored the pond habitat. With dip nets in hand, guides helped them discover a fascinating variety of pond life, including shrimp, water beetles, mummichogs, and banded killifish. Students combined scientific exploration with creativity by recording their findings in journals and sketching their observations.

The learning continued indoors at the Liberty State Park Nature Center, where interactive displays and the aquarium allowed students to take a closer look at even more species and ecosystems.

Field trips like this one highlight the power of experiential learning. By connecting classroom lessons with the natural world, our students not only expand their scientific knowledge but also their sense of wonder and respect for the environment. The nature center fieldpost provides the perfect backdrop for discovery, exploration, and a deeper understanding of the ecosystems that exist right in our own backyard.

Hudson Montessori School, located in downtown Jersey City, serves children aged 2 to 8th grade. Our teachers use an interdisciplinary, theme-based learning approach to education, grounded in the Montessori philosophy and methodology, to foster a love of learning in its students. Its STEM-certified campus is the only one of its kind in New Jersey, featuring STEM-certified teachers who meet the highest standards set by the National Institute for STEM Education. The school invites parents to attend an open house to learn more about its programs.