4th Grade Living History at Truckee Elementary

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Jamie Maitia
Grant Co-applicants
Caroline Piper
School Site
Truckee Elementary
Grant Category
History/ Social Science
Grant Date
2024-06-01T12:00:00
Description

To bring the California Gold Rush to life for your 4th graders, we've designed an immersive day-long simulation. Students will be transported back in time to the mid-1800s and experience firsthand the activities common during that era.  They'll pan for gold, craft corn husk dolls, tinker with tin smithing, make their own candles, and even learn the art of rope making – all like real pioneers and gold seekers!

This year we are seeking funds to provide consumable materials for the stations such as corn husks, candle wax, cording, twine, leather keychains, felt, and tin lids. We are also seeking funds to replace some worn out items including traditional games, dish tubs, and pot holders for the candle making station. 

 

Benefits of Program

Every student at Truckee Elementary benefits from this program during their 4th grade year. 

Success of Program

Success for the grant would be measured by increased student engagement, improved critical thinking skills, and enhanced communication skills. Students would increase engagement by actively participating in the program through  hands-on activities as well as completing a learning journal at each station. Completing journal prompts encourages students to use their critical thinking skills. Students also participate in group discussions about the activities which helps them to improve their communication skills. This program enhances the curriculum by adding a hands-on learning component with a practical application of concepts learned in the classroom. It also encourages reflection and analysis through journaling and discussion, allowing students to go beyond simply observing and to critically think about their experiences.

 

Implementation

We use the Tahoe Donner Campground as our setting for this experience. Students will rotate through the 10 different stations, creating objects or participating in experiences reflective of those used in the 1800s at each station. 4th grade teachers and many parent volunteers will run the stations and lead the groups of students through their day.

 

Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

Yes, this grant is inclusive of the entire 4th grade. All classes participate in this event each spring.

Sustainability
This program is mostly sustainable. Each year we do need to purchase consumable materials such as candle wax, leather cording, corn husk, and food. Most of the supplies we use have lasted for many years and we only need to replace a few items occasionally as some things reach their end of their life span. We try to make all of the items used last as long as possible.
Amount Funded
$450.00
Individual Budget Items(s)
$42 - Leather keychains for stamping qty 90
$10 - Leather cording
$15 - twine for ropemaking
$40 - candle wax 10lbs
$18 - bin for soaking corn husks
$26 - 2 tubs for washing dishes
$19 - silicone pot holders
$14 - silicone trivets/pot holders
$17 - tin lids
$15 - felt for gold pouches
$32 - wooden ball toss- set of 8
$12 - dominos
$6 - Pick up Sticks
$20 - Jacks- 6 sets
$140 - Perishable food items
Shipping
$0.00
Taxes
$23.56
Other funding sources

We do not currently have other funding for this project.