Oct 13, 2006 I went on a field trip with the Brent International School 3rd graders to the Unversity of the Philippines at Los Banos (UPLB). The purpose was not to get the three third grade classes registered for their degree studies but to visit the .....










International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) there so the kids could ...







well you'll see below.

Most of the activity took place at the IRRI Experimantal station.

 

After a bit of orientation as to what the day would hold...














...everyone got a real live demonstration of a laser controlled leveler. This is the modern way of preparing the irrigated rice field. The laser is on the tripod to the left. It's being steadied by one of the Brent third graders. Don't want that laser bouncing around - or watch out tractor driver you're in for a ride.








And by the way he did a good job of holding it in one place.

I think Dea is really admiring that laser on the tripod. Maybe I'll get her one for Christmas - but don't tell her Please... 

Preparing the rice field is necessary before planting. The third graders got to experience three different ways of doing that.
















No diesel fuel required this way.
















All in there together plowin' the field!













Which do you think was the favorite?

Then the kids got to actually plant rice.
















At least that's what I think they're doing. Anyway whatever he's doing he's got a big smile.
Sure beats sitting in a class room. Right! 

It wasn't all just heavy duty learning - there was fun too! Look! I found a pollywog.


Also a frog and....

















A great big Worm. 

Entrance to the International Rice Research Institute Riceworld Museum.

They cleaned up after the soil prep and rice planting experience then went over to the Rice muesem. Before going in they got to learn some interesting facts about rice.