BLAINE, Minnesota – In a unique class at Blaine High School, students spend a lot of time outside of the classroom. Referred to as an experiential learning opportunity, students in this science class learn by spending time in nature, focusing on ecology. In the winter, however, the class is forced to deal with the conditions that nature produces.
Senior Trevor Thompson built a quinzhee in his front yard as a project for the class, with the help of a few friends.
“It’s kind of like an igloo,” said Thompson.
And it does look like an igloo, at least somewhat. And igloo is made out of ice blocks, whereas a quinzhee is a pile of snow that is carved out to create a snow dome.
Thompson and four of his friends spent one night sleeping in the quinzhee as practice for a camping trip they are taking to the Boundary Waters. On that trip, they will have the option of building another quinzhee for the weekend, or packing a tent. They said they haven’t made a final decision about what their camping housing will be, but they did say that will at least bring a tent along.
