Middle Schoolers Explore Vienna Through Art, Science, and Service

On October 8, our Middle School students went on various field trips with their grade levels. Students had a fantastic time learning beyond the classroom and campus walls.

Grade 6 students participated in an exciting excursion which directly connected to their social studies topics. The day began with a guided tour of the United Nations Office in Vienna, followed by an afternoon litter cleanup along the Danube River at Donau-Auen National Park. This beautiful park, rich in natural wonders, also faces challenges from plastic pollution. Students worked alongside national park rangers to help restore and protect this important environment.

The field trip fostered students’ sense of self, curiosity, and social engagement; inspired interest in both domestic and global issues; encouraged responsible citizenship and civic participation; and helped them discover their roles as global citizens in social, political, and environmental contexts.

Grade 7 spent a wonderful day in Vienna filled with creativity, curiosity, and exploration. The morning began at the Albertina Museum, where students stretched their creative writing skills by using the art around them as inspiration. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to connect visual and written expression, and many shared unique interpretations of the pieces that caught their eye.

After enjoying lunch downtown, the group walked together to the Natural History Museum, continuing their day of discovery. There, students explored the exhibits with a focus on matter and life sciences, engaging in hands-on inquiry and observation. From the dazzling mineral collections to the fascinating displays of evolution and biology, students were able to link classroom learning to real-world science.

Grade 8 students participated in two separate, eye-opening activities. Half of the students took part in an exchange with peers from the Clara Fey Schule, a school in the 19th District for children with intellectual challenges. During the morning, students engaged in a variety of creative and athletic activities with approximately 30 Clara Fey students. In the afternoon, they participated in an activity connected to our ongoing service-learning work with the Clara Fey School. The sentiment “Different, not less!” guided the day’s experiences and interactions. This opportunity allowed students to integrate and extend concepts from their World Language, English Language Arts, and Advisory classes.

The other half of Grade 8 students visited the Dialogue in the Dark experience and also tried bouldering. Both activities were linked to our Service Learning Project and emphasized fostering inclusivity and empathy for people with disabilities. Students explored the barriers that individuals with disabilities encounter daily and brainstormed solutions to reduce these obstacles. This experience provided an invaluable opportunity to introduce and deepen concepts that will continue to be a focus in their service-learning work throughout the year.

Using the city of Vienna as an extension of our campus allows our students to engage meaningfully with the community, enriching their educational experience at AISV while also giving back in thoughtful and impactful ways. Thank you to our dedicated teachers for curating these incredible experiences!