Eighth graders plan field trip to Museum of the Rockies, Lewis & Clark Caverns, YNP

The 8th grade class at Riverside Middle School is embarking on an exciting educational field trip this May, visiting the Museum of the Rockies, Lewis and Clark Caverns and Yellowstone National Park. This trip is especially meaningful to the students, as they did not have the opportunity to visit Yellowstone in elementary school—a trip that most classes in Basin typically take. 

When the students brought this to the attention of their teacher, Mr. Mendenhall, he worked with them to find a way to make the trip possible. Since February, the class has been diligently fundraising to cover the costs of the experience, demonstrating their commitment and enthusiasm for this unique learning opportunity.  They’ve done bake sales at school and also during basketball games alongside the concessions stand. 

The trip is scheduled for May 15-16. On the first day, the students will explore the Museum of the Rockies, renowned for its extensive collection of dinosaur fossils and engaging exhibits on Montana’s natural and cultural history. Following this, they will tour the Lewis and Clark Caverns, where they will learn about geology and the region’s fascinating underground landscapes. That evening, they will stay overnight in Bozeman before heading to Yellowstone National Park on May 16 for a full day of exploration and hands-on learning in one of the most famous natural environments in the world. 

This trip will provide students with a deeper understanding of science, history, and the natural world, reinforcing their classroom studies in an unforgettable way. Their hard work and dedication to making this trip happen truly highlights their passion for learning and adventure. 

There are donation jars at Wheelers and Valley Hardware. 

If you would like to make a monetary donation directly to the school for this trip, you can call the school at 586-2416 to find out more about how.