Students from Whitefish High School dug into science last week with a half day spent touring three Whitefish farms.

Walking around the property at Two Bear Farm west of town, students saw the workings of a commercial greenhouse, learned about how produce is cleaned before going to market, and even met one of the chickens that live on the farm.

Two Bears owners Todd and Rebecca Ulizio took time to explain to the students what it’s like to be a farmer.

“This is one big science experiment,” Ulizio said, gesturing to the land. “We have to worry about soil chemistry and the ecosystem. We deal with complex issues.”

Ulizio explained the farm’s focus on growing organic and using crop rotation to mimic what happens in nature. He also explained why he and his wife, along with three apprentices, spend 70 hours per week working in the months of July and August.

“We’re passionate about eating well,” he said. “We care about land stewardship and we love that we can have a positive effect.”

Students also spent time at Purple Frog Gardens and The Wicked Good Farm as part of the field trip. They asked questions of each owner about how their farm and business operates. Students constructed a diagram that showed the layout of each farm.

Earth sciences teacher Eric Sawtell said going to the farms allowed students to learn from professionals, obtain firsthand knowledge of how farms operate, and to gain a better understanding of the food system.

The field trip will eventually tie into a farm design project in the soils and food production unit.

“Students were making observations at each farm — to create a list of common practices and unique attributes,” Sawtell said.

In the classroom, students are beginning to study soil and learn about the components and functions of a soil system.

“It is important for students to understand that land use decisions can either improve or degrade soil resources,” he said. “At each farm, students heard directly from the farmer about techniques and practices they incorporate to improve and sustain their soil.”

The Ulizios were happy to show off their operation to students. They pointed out that the carrots the students eat during lunch at school are grown at Two Bear.

“It’s all about education,” Todd said. “They are bombarded by big food companies about the choices they make to eat. We’re local food advocates and it’s important for them to have an exposure and connection to that.”

Students also got a chance to see a greenhouse similar to the one the high school hopes to purchase. Fundraising for the greenhouse is ongoing with Richard and Carol Atkinson pledging a $25,000 matching grant to the cause and students raising funds to meet that match.

Donations for the greenhouse project, maybe given through the Whitefish Community Foundation, 214 Second St. W., P.O. Box 1060, Whitefish MT, 59937,