It is a tradition at our elementary (K-5) school that fifth graders go on an overnight experience in the Smoky Mountains. Students look forward to this trip where they study stream ecology, interdependence, Native American culture, and local history. They also hike and participate in team building activities.
Our lively, intelligent students are a diverse bunch coming from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds.
They are curious and learn best through hands-on activities and sensory-rich experiences. They gravitate towards inquiry, science, and technology. They are also hungry for us to provide connections to their world and life experiences that they can bring to their school studies.
Approximately 1/3 of our students qualify for free and reduced price lunch. The funding source for these students is no longer available, and they truly benefit the most from this enriching, overnight experience where they are immersed in nature and natural history.
Our school is truly a "family" comprised of teachers, students, parents, support staff, and caring administrators. We know this trip is of great value to these students and need to fill the gap in funding so that everyone can go.
My Project
This is a "being there" experience for our students. Our students will master the TN state science standards by studying the rock formations in the area, monitoring stream ecology, and documenting the interdependent relationship among the diverse species living in the Smoky Mountains. They will see how mountain formations affect weather. They will listen to stories and see evidence of Native American people that once lived in the Smoky Mountain region. Students will also learn the life skills of responsibility, caring, initiative, and active listening through team building activities and group hikes.
An experience like this overnight trip with classmates to the Smoky Mountains is a lifelong memory for a fifth grade child.
This type of immersion into learning results in a long-term memory that provides a connection point to future studies in science, technology, and history. It allows students to see real life examples and application of concepts studied in the classroom.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Wysmierski and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.