4th Grade Trip to the Steamboat Arabia Museum

We traveled to the Steamboat Arabia Museum.  It was amazing to learn about the artifacts and see them in person.  The process of restoration was also incredible to learn about.

This a wheel that is the same size as the one on the Steamboat Arabia.

This is the piece of walnut driftwood that caused the Steamboat Arabia to sink.

This is the only casualty from the wreck; a mule they have since named Lawrence (as in Lawrence of Arabia).

2nd Grade Angles and Trajectory Experiment

The students read about the biomechanics of pitching in baseball.  Then they conducted an experiment to see how angle impacts the trajectory of an object using a catapult to launch a marshmallow.  Here are some pictures of the scientists at work:

Evening of the Experts 2014

All of the students displayed their independent study research and projects on March 11.  I am so proud of their efforts.  Below is a quick video of everyone with their display.

5th Grade Trip to DLR Group

What an amazing field trip!  We toured the DLR Group's offices and learned about how engineers and architects work together to design buildings.  Their specialty is designing K-12 schools, but they also design hotels, the KC Speedway, sports complexes, etc.  The students even saw how they use the Sketch-Up program to design 3-D models of their designs.  Then the students worked in small groups to design 3 different rooms of a school and presented them to the group.  As we ate pizza, several of the employees came down and answered the students’ questions.  They talked about what they do each day, the education they need, and important skills (communication, meeting deadlines, and working with others) they need to be successful in their jobs.  I think we definitely have some future architects and engineers in our class! J

4th Grade Trip to the Pony Express Museum

We toured the museum and had an exciting guide who explained the history of the Pony Express.  We reflected on our experience when we got back to school. 

The first ride.

5th Grade Trip to the World War I Museum

We toured the World War I Museum and went up into the Liberty Memorial Tower.  It was an amazing glimpse into our history!

Waiting to go up in the Liberty Memorial Tower

The view from the top of the tower.

3rd Grade Trip to the Puppetry Arts Institute

The 3rd graders traveled to the Puppetry Arts Institute in Independence, MO.  First they learned a little about the history of puppets and puppetry.  Then they chose a puppet to paint and design. Once they were all done, they did a brief puppet show.  Such creative kids!