A lucky group of McIntosh and Sandy Creek students just returned from the trip of a lifetime. A team of six students, along with one teacher from each school, embarked on a field research experience through Ecology Project International that took them to Yellowstone National Park.

The trip was based around a field research model where students participate in research that will be collected and used by the US Forest Service. They participated in a bear safety hiker survey, an amphibian alpine pond survey, and invasive weed monitoring using transect surveys.

Participating students were Phoenix Young, Aaron Bryant, Adeola Batiste, Soren Anderson, Ethan Williams, and Logan Hunter.

The trip was led by Permeil Dass, a chemistry teacher at Sandy Creek High, and Stephanie Sisk, a biology teacher at McIntosh High.

“We hope they gain research and critical thinking skills and a field research experience that will allow them to have a broader perspective in the field of science,” said Sisk.