Eighth graders learn in an underwater classroom

A group of about 40 Stillwater Middle School 8th graders learned to scuba dive as part of a unique scuba unit taught by physical education teacher Andy Olson.

While Olson has been teaching scuba to students for more than 4 years, this year's class was a little different than previous years. The students were part of the brand new Unified Physical Education class, which brings together general education students and special needs students.

The 8th graders spent several days preparing for their dive by learning about the scuba equipment and practicing safety hand signals. They also took a short practice dive with the teacher in groups of two. The unique unit culminated with students jumping into the school's pool with full scuba gear. They were joined in the water by Olson, a certified diver, and two certified dive instructors from Midwest School of Diving.