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For the month of January our kindergarten class learned about the polar regions “traveling” to the Arctic Circle as well as down to the most southern part of Antarctica. Students learned about the animals that lived there and how they, along with people, survive in such cold & harsh conditions. To celebrate the end of their unit, the students went on a field trip to SeaWorld San Diego. While it was a long drive, the visit was well worth their time in the cars.

Upon arriving, it was quite cold and overcast which seemed appropriate with their first stop to the exhibit “Wild Arctic.” As soon as they walked in they were greeted by beautiful white beluga whales. Then they continued to watch 2 large walrus swimming right up to the glass. Students got to touch an ice wall, crawl through ice tunnels, & even compare their hands to a polar bear’s.

In just a few steps they then went from the Arctic to Antarctica to see the penguins. This was a highlight for many who got to watch hundreds of penguins move about, swim, and eat. Penguins ranged from the majestic Emperor penguins to the curious Chinstrap penguins.

Before heading over to see the next incredible polar animal, the orca, students stopped for lunch before heading to see other sea creatures such as turtles, sharks, & sea lions. They were also able to catch a dolphin show and enjoyed the sun finally coming out creating warmth and a beautiful blue sky. The day ended with them seeing the orcas swim and then doing a little shopping at the gift store.

When asked what was their favorite part of the day, John Harding, said it was the dolphin show, with many others in agreement. Amaris Alvarez enjoyed the penguins, & Audrey Freidrich shared how her mom liked the Beluga whales as she had never seen one before. Mrs. Trudeau loved the whole experience with her students stating, “There is nothing like watching the excited faces of children seeing real live animals that have come right off the pages of the books & pictures we have been reading and looking at in the classroom all month long. It was truly a wonderful and special experience.”