One of the important things that the UPP does is to create opportunities for its English as Foreign Language learners to get out and see the practical application of their studies in the community and in the society outside of the classroom. We aim to do Science, to do language learning.

To this end, the Level One English Reading and General Science teachers joined forces and planned a trip to the Nursery - a peaceful, landscaped park in the Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter -- to investigate a small water course that runs through the park, and to inspect the interesting eco-system it has created. The water in the stream is waste coming from a nearby treatment plant run by the Riyadh Development Authority. The involvement of the students in the outing was intended to provide a background for their science-related and reading activities over the succeeding few weeks, so it was both a scientific adventure and a language learning experience of a particular, unique kind.

The project took place on Wednesday, 20 October.  The General Science students collected scientific data on the water’s physical and chemical make-up. This information helps to explain the relationship between the water, soil, plants and animals that together make up this special desert eco-system. The data can also serve as baseline data to monitor changes in the stream over time.  The Reading classes, on the other hand, went on walkabout through the park, doing a site observation, exploring the surrounding environment.

Whatever each person’s individual experience was, both staff and students had a good time, and we used the opportunity to get to know one another, become friends, and unite in a fun Scientific and language project aimed at achieving the program’s mission statement and goals.  

By Dr. Colyn Davey