The sky was not the limit for members of the science club at Apache Junction High School, 2525 S. Ironwood Drive in Apache Junction, as they explored history, dinosaurs and the solar system at a recent trip to the Arizona Museum of Natural History in Mesa.

During class and the club activities the students had discussed topics including astronomy. This background information made viewing the museum’s models of the location of the stars and models of how the planets in the Solar System looked in the past more relevant.

On the more down-to-earth level students viewed pictures taken from Yellowstone National Park’s eruptions and geysers. Part of the tour included exhibits with the fossils from the Earth’s ancient past, including large and small dinosaurs.

“The fossils show us how the animals lived in their past environments,” said Brenda Willis, AJHS Earth and space science teacher who is also the sponsor of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Club.

Part of STEM education involves asking questions and using critical reasoning rather than rote memorization. During the more than two hours that the students explored the museum they probed beyond what they saw and read. As the students studied the dinosaurs they probed deeper to ponder things such as were their bones shaped for running fast on two legs? Did they have wing bones and an aerodynamic body shape for flying? Did their jaws and teeth indicate they ate meat or plants only?

“I love how some of the exhibits supported their past learning, while others piqued their curiosity about other areas, such as seeing eroded pueblos of where their ancestors used to live,” said Willis.

In addition to Willis the field trip was coordinated by Club President Susana Martinez, Vice President Josey Yost, Treasurer Giselle Dominguez and Secretary Julianna Carillo. Also in attendance were Christopher James, Ezme Miranda Garcia, Alexis Morales Ahumada, Dorothay Morrow and Casey Woolhouse.

The look into the past prompted future thinking as well. Willis said the students proposed plans for future field trip ideas such as to go hiking to see other ruins. Overall, Willis said the trip was a huge success for all involved.

Arizona taxpayers can contribute up to $200 per person to help fund field trips such as the Science club’s trip to the Arizona Museum of Natural History through the Arizona State School Tax Credit. For more information visit ajusd.org/Page/211.

AJHS emphasizes a well-rounded education where academics, sports and extracurricular activities allow students to grow scholastically, physically and emotionally. AJHS graduates have access to more scholarships per student than in most communities in the Valley and qualifying students have access to Promise for the Future to earn a tuition-free education at Central Arizona College.

Registration for all new students who wish to enroll in Apache Junction Unified School District schools are currently being accepted at all school locations. For more information about AJUSD or its schools or departments visit ajusd.org.

Editor’s note: Sally Marks is the public relations specialist for Apache Junction Unified School District.