Bullis Blog | Global Studies Trips

Dear Bullis Families and Community, Our final full day in the Outer Banks felt like the closing chapter of a truly special journey—one filled with exploration and collaboration that our students will carry with them long after they return home. Students began their morning at Jennette’s Pier, where they participated in a series of STEM experiences that built meaningful curricular connections to what they have been studying in the classroom. Each workshop invited students to think deeply, ask questions, and apply their learning to the real-world coastal environment around them. The day continued at the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, where students explored the powerful legacy of courage and service along North Carolina’s coast. Later, time spent on the beach offered a chance to simply be together. Standing with the wind at their faces and the ocean behind them, it was also a perfect moment to reflect on all that has been experienced and shared this week. Tonight, we gathered for ...

  Dear Bullis Families and Community, This morning, we were greeted with perfect beach weather - warm sunshine, clear skies, and the gentle sound of waves nearby. Students spent the morning at the Coastal Studies Institute, participating in the Ocean ROVers & NC Shipwrecks Workshops and immersing themselves in hands-on activities. The afternoon brought even more discovery on Roanoke Island, where students stepped into the role of archaeologists and even boarded a replica of the Elizabeth! From morning to evening, the day buzzed with inquiry and lively conversation as students explored new concepts and encouraged one another through every activity. They are truly approaching this trip with a sense of wonder - leaning into the unknown and making each moment as memorable as it is meaningful. Please scroll below to enjoy some photos, along with reflections from our 6th-grade bloggers, through their own eyes. Sarah S. '32 reflects: Today was so fun! We started our day with a t...

  Dear Bullis Families and Community, We’ve safely arrived in the beautiful Outer Banks, and the excitement on the students’ faces made every mile worth it! Our first stop was Jockey’s Ridge State Park, where students eagerly explored the tallest living sand dunes on the Atlantic Coast. They soaked up the sun, climbed the rolling dunes, and delighted in the stunning views around them! We wrapped up the day with a closing circle to gather and reflect on the day, followed by a few quiet moments of writing in their OBX journals back in their rooms. We are so proud of how our students fully embraced their first-day adventures! Please enjoy a glimpse of our day through these photos, along with the voices of our thoughtful 6th-grade bloggers. We can’t wait to share more in the days ahead! Jackson L. '32 reflects: As soon as the 8th graders left for Costa Rica, you could feel the excitement building. Then, when the 7th graders left for the Keys yesterday, the excitement was jus...

Dear Bullis Parents and Community Members, Today, we returned for a full day of STEM exploration and discovery at Jennette's Pier and the Coastal Studies Institute, building on the learning and experiences we began yesterday. We welcome you to experience today's adventures through the thoughtful reflections of our 6th-grade bloggers, as well as photos that capture each moment! Mia R. writes: We started our day with a delicious breakfast! Next, we went to our first stop, which was Jennette's Pier, where we took a fascinating class on the sounds of the ocean and determined what a healthy ocean sounds like. Next, we headed to Roanoke Island for a delicious outdoor lunch. We enjoyed some great sandwiches. Afterward, we visited the Coastal Studies Institute, and this is where the magic really happened! The highlight of my day was building ROVs in a friendly competition. It was fun, and it was also a great learning experience. I discovered how magnetic energy works and ho...

Dear Bullis Parents and Community Members, We've safely arrived in the beautiful Outer Banks! Our day began at the Wright Brothers Memorial, where students enjoyed stunning views and impressed the ranger by asking thoughtful questions and engaging with the history around them. Next, we explored Jockey's Ridge State Park, where students soaked up the sun, explored the rolling sand dunes, and enjoyed friendly games of football and soccer. In the evening, we enjoyed a delicious BBQ dinner (the hush puppies were a huge hit!) and spent time gathering together at the hotel to share laughs and wind down. We're so proud of how our students embraced our first-day adventures with joy! Please enjoy these photos capturing highlights of our day, along with reflections from our talented 6th-grade student bloggers! We can't wait to share more in the days ahead! Lila C. writes: We started out the day by driving to OBX! Bus rides can be very fun when all your friends are there! After ...

Good evening, Bullis parents and community! This morning, we were again greeted by bright, sunny skies as we headed to  Coastal Studies Institute (CSI)  on Roanoke Island, historically known as "The Lost Colony." Here, the 6th-graders delved into the world of marine science via the interactive workshops "The Power of Plankton" and "Ocean ROVers." We concluded the day with some beachside fun, including kite flying, football, and splashing in the waves, followed by a buffet dinner at a local family-owned restaurant.  Please enjoy the following reflections from some of our students and stay tuned for more! Thi N. '30 explains:  One of the most enjoyable activities we had today was to construct a ROVer. We learned about different ROVers and how they can be used in different scenarios. We also learned how to create our own ROVer using available supplies such as foams, motors, and controllers. First, we made a base for the rover. Next, we added a motor...