This program's objective is to give our students a chance to experience 8 different activities that closely simulate activities common in the life of a pioneer of the mid 1800s. The students make candles and rope, cook bread on a stick, do tin smithing, make corn husk dolls, do charcoal drawing, play cards and marbles, do leatherwork, and pan for gold. They also sew a gold pouch in the weeks preceding living history.
Students will participate in 1850 crafts and activities in an outdoor setting. Former students state the living history field trip was a highlight of 4th grade.
Each student is expected to complete a journal throughout their day. Each station will be described and critiqued prior to leaving that station. During the following week the students will write about the different activities and experiences.
Depending on snow, the Living History field trip is in June. We use the Tahoe Donner Campground as our setting for this experience. Students will rotate through the 10 different stations, creating objects at each station. 4th grade teachers and many parent volunteers will run the stations and lead the groups of students through their day.
We plan this event as a group. We revise and update the activities every year. We will determine which expository texts we will use as supplemental material.
Our items will be ordered from Michael's.
We have some Visual and Performing Arts funds available that will cover some items.