Is this tradition connected to its environment? How? Field trips are an important way for students to see things in new ways. Not only did they get to see Chicago from a new perspective, they also got to learn about life on the water.

One aspect of life on the water is that you're very sensitive to the weather. If it gets really windy, you have to take down sails. If the wind dies, you have to turn on your engine to keep moving. If it rains, some people have to stand in the rain to drive the boat.

While we were on the Windy, it started raining. I had a rain jacket with me, so I stayed on deck to help sail. Most people didn't have jackets, so they went into the cabin to stay dry. "One thing I learned from Aldebaran is that you have to be prepared for rain," I said.

"After this field trip on a sailing ship, we'll know better next time!" said one of the teachers. "I hope that next time comes soon!"