Sussex Academy students explore Delaware history, ecosystem

Sussex Academy fourth-graders made the most of a recent educational field trip by exploring Delaware’s ecosystem at St. Jones Reserve and state history at the John Dickinson Plantation.

“It was a fantastic learning experience,” said teacher Don Ott, of the trip he planned in coordination with teacher Tiffany McMahon. It came at no cost to students; the trip was fully covered by activity fees. “Even our bus driver joined in, taking an interest in the historical sites, which the students found exciting!”

First, students visited St. Jones Reserve in Dover, where they explored the coastline and discovered the vital role of horseshoe crabs in the ecosystem.

“Students engaged in hands-on learning, uncovering fascinating facts, like how horseshoe crab blood is used to test medical equipment before it’s used on humans,” Ott said.

Next, the class visited the John Dickinson Plantation, where they toured the Dickinson mansion, smokehouse, Samuel Dickinson’s gravesite and the visitor center.

“They participated in an interactive activity, filling small cloth bags with herbs, historically called ‘sachets,’ which were used to keep bugs away from clothing,” Ott said.

Students also learned about John Dickinson’s role in history. Dickinson’s plantation was once operated by enslaved individuals; Dickinson freed his slaves nearly 100 years before the Emancipation Proclamation was issued Jan. 1, 1863.

“The plantation later became part of the Underground Railroad, playing a crucial role in helping enslaved people escape to freedom,” Ott said. “Overall, this field trip was a memorable, hands-on experience that deepened our understanding of history, nature and the impact of those who came before us.”