Stephanie Uhrich, a fourth-grade teacher at Saluda Elementary School, recently returned from a remarkable 10-day journey to Iceland, a land shaped by the dramatic forces of nature.
Thanks to the support of the Slater Grant from the Polk County Community Foundation, Uhrich had the opportunity to study “Fast and Slow Changes to the Earth’s Surface” in a country known as the land of fire and ice.
Her travels included visiting powerful waterfalls, experiencing a snowstorm and even driving through gale-force winds and a black lava sandstorm, giving her firsthand insight into the dynamic geological processes she teaches in the classroom. She also explored the Perlan Museum, snorkeled between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and walked on both, making the theory of plate tectonics come alive.
“Iceland is like a living science textbook,” Uhrich said. “There’s no better place to observe the forces that shape our planet.”
Uhrich brought back rocks purchased in Iceland to use in her science lessons, which will help her students understand the rock cycle in a more tangible and engaging way. Her experiences will allow her to speak with authority and excitement about fast changes to the Earth’s surface, enriching her classroom with stories and examples students won’t find in standard textbooks.
“I am incredibly grateful to the Polk County Community Foundation for making this experience possible,” Uhrich said. “Their support not only gave me a chance to grow as an educator but will directly benefit my students for years to come.”
This unique adventure will have a lasting impact—not just on Uhrich, but on generations of fourth-grade students who will benefit from her expanded knowledge and firsthand experiences. Her trip is a perfect example of how educators can bring the world into the classroom, one volcanic eruption and shifting tectonic plate at a time.
