Looking around in awe, Manny Egbon eagerly took in the sights presented in front of him, excitedly pointing out all the unique animals he never saw to his friends as they strolled along in the zoo.

“I can’t say I was ever bored at any moment because I would just find something new to look at,” Egbon said.

Environmental science teacher, Anthony Strohmeyer, takes his classes out on the annual field trip to the Dallas zoo related to the ecology unit they were currently studying.

“It’s more hands on, visual, engaging,” Strohmeyer said. “It allowed the kids to take advantage of the opportunity to experience something new, something different.”

The students were allowed to wander around the zoo for a couple of hours to explore and gather information for several assignments.

“I saw a light in everyone’s eyes,” Egbon said. “I’ve never seen them look so excited and engaged when they were in the classroom.”

Stromeyer said that he wants his students to take the knowledge they learn in his class and continue to utilize it in their own life.

“Being in APES has not only made me more aware of my effect on the environment but it has also taught me better eco-friendly values I will carry with me in the future.” Bianca Hinojosa said.