The second grade classes visited the Hawaii Nature Center in Makiki Valley as part of their exploration in science on Jan. 18.

Teacher Melissa Carlos said, “We took all second grade classes because it was aligned with our science curriculum. They learned about all of the five cycles in nature.”

The students searched the forest floor for decomposers, seeds and seedlings.

Student Sydney Europa said, “I learned that there are five life cycles. There were the gas cycle, plant cycle, animal life cycle, water cycle and nutrient cycle. My favorite part was when we got to go fishing. I fell in the water!”

Students also walked through streams searching for life so that they could build their own terrariums.

Mahina Mercier said, “ I learned about the water cycle. When the water comes from the Earth and goes up to the sky, it’s called evaporation. My favorite part was when we went fishing because I caught so many fish!”

Carlos said, “It was a very successful field trip! The girls had an amazing time! It was extremely educational, and the Hawaii Nature Center educators were very knowledgeable.”