DP2 Exploring Iceland

Article written by Rowan Ray, DP2 Student

"When imagining a school trip, most would probably picture museums or walking tours, maybe an art gallery. Our students, however, replaced those things with waterfalls, lava fi elds and bathing in hot springs. The DP2 ESS and Biology trip to Iceland showed students that a fi eld trip can mean looking over the edge of two tectonic plates or walking behind a ginormous waterfall. What an incredible experience, made possible by Ms. Johnson’s hard work- perfectly thought out and planned.

We began the adventure in Reykjavik, where we went whale watching. Despite the unpredictability of nature, spending time on the water allowed us to absorb Iceland’s beauty from offshore. From there, we spent time at Friðheimar’s greenhouses to experience a real-world example of sustainable farming and geothermally powered year-round crops, tasting tomatoes throughout the process.

No trip to Iceland is complete without the Golden circle. We visited Gulfoss waterfall which thundered its way into everyone’s memory, then watched Strokkur geyser erupt every ten minutes, full of scalding hot water as well as its unforgettable sulphury smell. While later visiting Skógafoss waterfall, we were able to walk behind its showers and, although drenched, we all left full of adrenaline and excitement. Along the south coast, black sand beaches and driving past overdue active volcanoes reminded everyone of Iceland’s natural power. Viewing beautiful sceneries worked simultaneously with learning about environmental issues and seeing them in action, particularly while visiting the retreating Sólheimajökull glacier, representing the reality of our climate. Witnessing the works of a geothermal powerplant really put Iceland’s sustainability into perspective and left us all in admiration.

The Blue Lagoon delivered the perfect finale: steaming pools, silica masks and the incredibly surreal feeling of bathing surrounded by lava rock. By the time we were headed to the aiport, we took home a lot more than souvenirs. We obtained a unique lens of the world related to sustainability and Iceland’s raw natural beauty; bringing back once-in-a-lifetime memories and lots and lots of photos. A big thank you to Ms. Johnson and the Discover the World Education team."