FIELD TRIPS and PROGRAMS

The purpose of Curriculum Enrichment is to enhance the learning experience for our students. CE field trips and programs deliver hands-on experiences tied to our curriculum and classroom learning, enabling students to make interdisciplinary connections, explore values and culture, meet experts in a field, and leverage local resources and institutions. These programs are 100% PTA sponsored.

February 2024 Curriculum Enrichment Programs

School-Wide (K-5)

In honor of Black History Month, "The Blues and Beyond" came to perform a music assembly that took the students on a journey of music about the Civil Rights movement. The Blues and Beyond explored a variety of music throughout the Civil Rights movement beginning with the influence of freedom songs and moving through bebop, jazz, R&B, rock n' roll, and soul music. Students learned throughout the performance that they have the ability to use their voice to change the world. Thank you to Kalli Kemp and Anna Pickens, our music coordinators for Curriculum Enrichment. 

Kindergarten

Kindergarten participated in a visit from storyteller Heather Forest with Story Arts.  Children participated in a musical presentation of classic stories and folktales such as "The Tortoise and the Hare" and "A Big Quiet House." The children used their imagination and learned how to perform and express ideas through music. Questions to ask your student to find out more:

1. What is  fable?
2. What is a folktale?
3. What does it mean to use your imagination?

In addition, Kindergarten participated in an interdisciplinary make-and-take Weatherperson Workshop run by the Eli Whitney Museum. Students discussed the weather, the four directions of the wind, and how the wind affects the weather.  Students built their own weatherperson with a wind vane at its back and an embedded compass at its base.  Here are a few questions to ask your Kindergartener to find out more:

1. Name the four cardinal directions of the wind
2. How does the wind affect the weather?
3. What do cloud patterns tell us?
4. How does the weather affect your life?

Grade 1

1st grade students went on a field trip to Stepping Stones Museum for Children.  First, students went on a guided museum tour where they explored a line-up of interactive exhibits:

• In the Energy Lab,  students investigated the energy that all living things need and use.  Students engaged with water tables, wind tunnels and more in a habitat showcasing the rich tapestry of ecosystems that make up our world. 
• In Big Adventures-Dinosaurs, students entered a wacky, whimsical (and somewhat warped) time machine to meet resident paleontologists that introduce lead dinosaur, Dolly Dilophosaurus and her amazing family and friends.
• In Lights On!, students were lit up by an energetic showcase of the brightest lights

Second, students attended a Space Systems Workshop where they explored the mysteries of the solar system, covered spacecraft designs and discussed space travel. They also did a fun Space themed activity where the kids did artwork and created sculptures with model magic. Here are a few questions to ask your 1st grader to find out more:

1. How many planets do we have in the Solar System? 
2. Which planet is the hottest planet in the Solar System? 
3. How long does one revolution around the sun take for planet Earth? 

Grades 2-5

Grades 2 through Grade 5 had a visit with Amanda Foody, a New York Times, USA Today and indie bestselling author of young adult and fantasy novels, including All of Us Villains series, the Wilderlore series, and the Shadow Game series.  Her presentation to OGS focused on the Wilderlore series and her idea generation process. The students used her idea generating process to create their own creature like those found in her books. 

Here are a few questions you can ask your child to find out more:

1. What character series gave her the idea to have magical creatures/beasts in her Wilderlore series? 
2. What is the setting for the Wilderlore books? 
3. Ask your child about the beast they drew, what special talents it had, what setting they selected, and what type of “lore keeper” they themselves are (scholar, guardian, apothecary, surveyor).
4. What were her suggestions for how to build plot in an adventure story? 
5. Who is each book dedicated to?   

You can order one or more of her Wilderlore series books at Athena Books here. Wilderlore Book 4 will be released on Tuesday, March 5th.

Grades 3-5

Students from Grades 3 through Grade 5 competed in a Spelling Bee in front of a live student audience (the whole school!) Congratulations to our Spelling Bee winner, Willow Wies (Grade 4).

Grade 4

Grade 4 students participated in a Mythology Interactive Workshop run by Shakesperience where they were introduced to the storytelling of mythology through dramatic performance.  The goal of this workshop was to provide a basic history of various types of mythology from different countries.  The program gave the students the opportunity to explore themes and lessons from folktales, myths, and fables that are relevant to their everyday lives.  Here are some follow-up questions to ask your 4th grader to learn more:

1. What are the different kinds of folklore?
2. How is mythology different from fables?
3. What are some myths you have heard?

Grade 5

5th grade students participated in the second of three programs with Middle Years Matter. Middle Years Matter runs programs to prepare students for the upcoming challenges and opportunities in the middle school environment.  The goal of this program is help students discover who they are as learners and curious individuals, utilize effective organizational and academic skills to feel confident in and out of the classroom, develop classroom confidence and leadership, and focus on wellness and individuality. 

In today's session, students learned about using a calendar and backwards planning.  They also learned about the Problem Solving process, working memory and paying attention. Ask them about playing Shake, Jump, Clap! 

January 2024 Curriculum Enrichment Updates