For the last two years, Caldwell middle school students from Syringa and Jefferson Middle Schools have spent time exploring the biology and geology of Yellowstone National Park as a capstone project for their middle school science classes. Eighth graders from both schools have traveled to the northern region of the park to take water samples from geothermal features in the park as well as to explore how different members of the Yellowstone ecosystem interact in predator-prey relationships. Authentic scientific experiences like these give Caldwell students a chance to understand the concepts that they have studied in class and to explore potential careers in the field of science. Stepping away from their technology devices and practicing real-world skills like meal preparation and cleaning tasks has helped prepare these students to take on the challenge of entering high school and the world beyond.