Today I'm linking up for another Spark Student Motivation Saturday with Joanne from Head Over Heels for Teaching!
If you read my last post here, I talked about my Social Studies is coming to life in my exploring the regions unit. So far, we have still been boarding our boat (I turn all the chairs and desks around each day before Social Studies into a "U" shape so that the room is our boat, and students provide me - the captain - with a ticket before they board).
On Friday, we visited Florida, where we made three important stops. First, on our riverboat, we traveled to the Everglades, to learn about the biodiversity present there. We watched a fabulous tour video to learn about how alligators and crocodiles are cohabitants together in the Everglades waters, and received a brochure to keep as a souvenir.
Then, we went upstream to Cape Canaveral to visit the JFK Nasa Space Center and take a tour to learn about the United States' exploration in space.
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| Don't I look great in an astronaut suit? ;o) |
Students brought in their favorite Disney item as souvenirs so we took a gallery walk around the room to view all the different toys, movies, and items that students were able to share. It was a fabulous experience for students who have been there to share with those who have not visited there before.
We are continuing to explore the Southeast region of the United States this week by taking a trip to the Gulf of Mexico, where we will explore the effects of oil spills, to Jamestown, Virginia, the site of the first permanent English settlement in America, where we will explore an interactive online game called The Online Jamestown Adventure.
Students have been keeping a travel journal (with pictures, both hand-drawn, and actual photos I've taken) to include to describe their learning from each place. This interactive, authentic approach to learning has definitely gotten students excited about Social Studies unlike ever before.
Enjoy the rest of you weekend!
Such a great idea Stephanie! I bet your students can't wait to get in the boat! You're like Miss Frizzle! :) Such an interactive and memorable way to learn about social studies! Thanks for sharing and linking up!
ReplyDeleteJoanne
Head Over Heels For Teaching
I thought of Miss Frizzle too when I was reading your post! I love that you "visited" Florida during Social Studies. The Everglades alone has so many wonderful things you can learn about. I miss living so close to there. There are so many places I've yet to discover and explore in all my years of living in Florida. I would love to go on a trip around the United States....one day!
ReplyDeleteAlison
Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'