First Grade Field Trip to the Hastings Museum
Mrs. Koos' Classroom
By Mrs. Koos
April 21, 2008
On April 18, 2008, the first graders took a field trip to the Hastings Museum. On the bus ride to Hastings, students enjoyed a “bus window scavenger hunt”. They circled items from their papers of things they were viewing outside the bus. They also had fun with word search puzzles.
Upon arriving at the Hastings Museum, first stop was the Native American exhibit. They saw two kinds of Native American homes. The first was the teepee that was native to the Plains Indians. The other was an Earth Lodge. Clothing, toys and utensils used by the Native Americans were also of interest.
Students were able to observe many of the mammals, birds, fish and reptiles they had studied during the school year. Of special interest was the “rattling” rattlesnake. Students also got an up close look at a groundhog and a marmot. The mole was another animal that students had not seen before. It is great to be able to associate a real animal with some of the animals that had been featured in their reading books or science lessons.
The planetarium was very interesting. A show entitled “The Little Star” was enjoyed. It told the story of a star who was looking for some planets of his own. By the end of the show, students had learned a lot about all the stars, the planets and the solar system.
The Big Screen Theater was the next stop. The movie “Sea Monsters” was the featured film. It told the story of three Dolichoynchops osbornis and their adventures in the great inland ocean that now includes Kansas. Students were amazed to find that one of the sea creatures was the size of a minivan. It was an exciting movie filled with lots of interesting action and information.
Lunch was eaten in the museum park. It was a bit breezy but students still enjoyed their sack lunches. After lunch, students played on the playground equipment.
After lunch students enjoyed spending time in the Discovery Center. Many of the Native American utensils, clothing and even a real teepee were available for students to explore. A pioneer home complete with a bed, table, stove, food and clothing of the time was also quite popular. Another activity gave students the opportunity to become archaeologists as they “discovered” fossils.
All too soon the day was over. It was a fun day for all filled with many educational activities.
