Exploring Earth's History

Fourth-graders have been taking their science learning outdoors at Independence Grove in Libertyville as seen in these photos. With the help of soil probes and hands-on investigations, students are discovering how glaciers from the last Ice Age shaped Lake County’s hills, valleys, and lakes. By collecting and analyzing data, they see how water and ice carved the land thousands of years ago and how forces like erosion and deposition are still at work today.

Working in small groups, students act as scientists—digging into the soil, recording observations, and comparing results. They connect these findings to real-life examples around them, from shifting riverbanks to changes in trails and wetlands. The photos capture their curiosity and teamwork as they explore these natural systems.