KS3 Science Trip to Tenerife
During the Spring holidays, 28 pupils from Key Stage 3 attended the Tenerife Science Trip in the Canary Islands. On this trip the pupils enjoyed learning about a range of real world science applications including marine biology, geology, volcanology, ecology and astronomy.
Day 1: Marine Biology
During the first day the pupils boarded a boat from the beautiful San Sebastian Harbour and went dolphin and whale watching whilst in the shadow of the largest cliffs in Europe, Los Gigantes. These cliffs tower nearly 800m over the Atlantic Ocean and are abundant with life as are the waters around them. The group was fortunate enough to see bottle nosed dolphins, pilot whales, Bryde’s whales and green turtles. Students even enjoyed a dip in the ocean to swim amongst some of the see life before retuning back to the idyllic base of the Teide low lands just outside the village of Arona.
Day 2: Geology
After a restful start to the day exploring the local beaches of Los Cristianos, the group went to the north of the island to explore the geology behind lava tubes and had a fully guided tour of the Cueva del Viento lava tubes. These natural wonders are the largest in Europe and extend for more than 17km underground.
Day 3: Volcanology
One of the highlights of this trip is the opportunity to study and climb the active volcano El Teide. Before ascending to the 3718m volcano in a cable car, the group walked around the Teide national park and had their environment explained to them by guide Prof. Alexis Schwartz. After a very tiring ascent and discovery of the volcano’s summit, the group headed back for some well earned rest.
Day 4: Ecology/astronomy
On day 4, the students were able to explore four of Tenerife’s eco-systems which define the island’s geography: the dry coastal plains, the highland valley rainforests, the mountainous pine forests and the familiar Teide volcanic plain.
The group then only had a short time to rest before waking up again to have the perfectly clear night’s sky explained to them in detail by a local astronomer. Pupils got to see galaxies, nebulas and planets using state-of-the-art equipment.
Day 5: Siam Water Park
Probably the most anticipated day was the final full day in Siam Water Park. Students and staff alike enjoyed the dozens of rides available in what has been voted best water park in the world 5 times! Sufficient to say, all of the party rested well that evening and left the island with once in a lifetime memories as well as a unique understanding of practical science in action.
