The WOW! factor was worth the long bus ride from the Mettawee Community School (MCS) to the Montshire Science Museum in Norwich, Vermont. “I was surprised by all the cool things to do with my friends,” said one second grader. “We got to touch and try out things we’ve never done before.”
This was the overwhelming reaction from the MCS second grade class on their recent full-day field trip to the hands-on science and exploration center that encourages creative learning in the physical and natural world.
“Field trips offer an alternative learning experience for kids,” said MCS second grade teacher Ross Harmon. “At Montshire they get access to materials and experiences not available in the classroom. This was a different type of learning and the level of excitement and smiles on their faces tell me all I need to know.”
During their visit the kids rolled up their sleeves for hands on learning at a variety of exhibitions, including :
Air Works allowed them to steer objects through a two-story, three dimensional maize by using levers and doors to control air flow from one location to another.
Planetary Landscape enabled the students to experience the fog or dust devils found on Jupiter and sculpt sand dunes like those found on Mars.
Exploring Motion provided insights and examples on the science of movement - gravity, momentum, inertia, turbulence and more.
Discovering the Natural World revealed lessons on wildlife by examining animal skeletons, solving botanical mysteries, and playing games that required critical thinking and observation.
“The field trip brings us closer together as a class,” said Harmon. “It was an added benefit that a number of parents joined us as well. This day was great for the kids.”
Or, even more precisely, as one student put it: “It was a memory I don’t want to forget.”
(Photo above: The Mettawee second grade class ready to explore the Montshire Science Museum.)
Mettawee students use levers to control air flow and float scarves at the “Air Works” exhibition at the Montshire Science Museum.
These students delighted to see how objects can be lifted by a cushion of air at the Hover Table.
Young Mettawee scientists making bubbles learn the joy, wonder, and science that can be found with just soap and water.
The "Planetary Landscape" exhibit enabled the students to experience the fog or dust devils found on Jupiter.
This young Mettawee scientist holds a moose jaw at "Discovering the Natural World" exhibit at the Montshire Science Museum.