At Leysin American School in Switzerland, we believe that experiential learning brings academic knowledge to life. We offer our students impactful opportunities to see the practical applications of their studies in the real world by augmenting traditional classes with events and programs that fuel students’ passions and address current global issues. In turn, this helps them develop critical skills in thinking, entrepreneurship, and teamwork.
Recently, our grade 10 Pre-AP Biology students took their studies outdoors to Les Trois Terres Vineyard, an LAS Partner in Sustainability. This annual field trip allows students to gain hands-on experience in the vineyard, connecting their biology studies to real-world processes while helping with the final grape harvest of the season.
The day began with the students being shown how to harvest the grapes that had ripened to the perfect sweetness with high fructose levels. In the vineyard, they learned firsthand about the environmental factors that influence grape production, seeing how everything from the soil quality to the surrounding ecosystem plays a part. This was a prime example of the water, carbon, and nitrogen cycles they had been studying in class, allowing them to see these cycles in practice and how they affect real-life examples.
After learning about the harvest, the students were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at winemaking. Their tour guide led them through the vineyard’s equipment and machinery, explaining the steps involved in transforming freshly harvested grapes into wine. A highlight was tasting the freshly pressed grape juice, followed by observing the first stages of fermentation. Watching the bubbles and smelling the transformation allowed students to understand how sugars convert into alcohol in this reaction.
The day continued with a fondue lunch overlooking Les Trois Terres and Lake Geneva. Students participated in a discussion on sustainability and the operational side of the vineyard. They learned about the challenges faced in the winemaking industry, from seasonal labor work to managing environmental impacts, and they examined the processes required for a business like this to thrive in the competitive wine market. This session was helpful because not only did the students study the science behind the wine, but they also gained insight into the entrepreneurial and business side of the industry.
The grade 10 trip to Les Trois Terres was incredibly insightful, allowing students to learn about scientific concepts they are studying through real-world experiences. At Leysin American School, we genuinely value experiential learning and believe students learn better by deepening their academic knowledge in the real world. By collaborating with local partners like Les Trois Terres, we continue to develop our curriculum and empower students to become global citizens!
