Teacher Earth

Staff photos by Kathy Anderson

New Orleans fifth-graders make an important educational discovery in the woods near Covington: if you want to learn about nature, you have to get your hands dirty.

	Students trace the tree tops with their finger during a nature appreciation exercise at Sunship Earth science camp near Covington.

	Lusher Charter School student Tyee Davis studies the trees.

"It's like recess, but you're learning."

That's how fifth-grader Enrique Carrasquero describes Sunship Earth, the outdoor classroom near Covington that has been providing curriculum-based, outdoor education programs to thousands of overnight-tripping students since 1995.

	Enrique Carrasquero reflects on his fourth day at Sunship Earth by the light of a lantern.

A group of Lusher Charter School fifth-graders recently ventured across the lake for five days and nights of natural science enrichment activities, led by the nonprofit group Teaching Responsible Earth Education (TREE). Staff photograph Kathy Anderson tagged along, camera in tow. Her pictures convey what words alone cannot: the unique hands-on learning experience that is Sunship Earth.

	Wingate Jones tries on a bird mask; Roderic Teamer listens to a recycling lecture; Makayla Conley sports a nature card; Conley and Holden LeCesne play nature 'detectives.'

	Lusher Charter School student Makayla Conley crawls out of a tent shaped like a leaf during a Sunship Earth science camp lesson in photosynthesis.

	Camper Madeline McClain sits in a chosen spot to contemplate nature.

	Nicky Sisco leads the pack of students in a lesson demonstrating plants growth.

	Caitlin Juluke measures the circumference of a tree.