More than 100 Grade 4 students in two groups attended a farm safety, agricultural and environmental awareness field trip to Aspen Ranch Outdoor Education Centre on Sept. 20 and 21.
The students from Ecole Olds Elementary School learned about being careful around farm machinery, chemicals and livestock, as well as the importance of environmental stewardship.
Two teachers and six parent volunteers accompanied the students to the ranch, which is located northeast of Sundre.
Student Caitlyn Wood said she particularly liked learning about farm animal safety.
“I liked the animals but if you approach them in the wrong way they could get scared,” said Wood. “We learned about farm equipment and that you have to be careful around all types of equipment because you don't know what kind of power it might have.”
Student Liam McGee echoed Wood's comments.
“We learned to be safe around different farm equipment,” said McGee. “And we learned to be safe around farm animals because they can buck and bite or chase you. They can be nice but if you scare one it's not good.”
“If you were using poison to kill bugs and you thought it was water or some type of drink, you could drink it and die,” he added.
Cashton Weisner said he enjoyed learning about the importance of environmental protection.
“We got to learn about the environment and how you shouldn't drive your quad through rivers because of there is gas coming out of the exhaust pipe and it can go into the water,” said Weisner.
“And stay on the paths when you are out quadding because if you go off the paths you could ruin the animals' habitat or maybe hit a gopher or skunk.”
The trip to Aspen Ranch was geared to the Grade 4 Alberta Education social studies and health curricula.
Teacher Liz Carlson called the field trip worthwhile for all students.
“A lot of the information applies to town and farm kids,” said Carlson. “There was stuff on gun safety and quad safety and what to do when you're around electrical lines. Even the kids who don't live on farms are going to go to farms sometimes. It's good for all the students.”
She commended the corporate and community sponsors who helped finance the program.
"If you go off the paths you could ruin the animals' habitat or maybe hit a gopher or skunk."Cashton Weisnerstudent
