Big Island Preparation
Two more weeks until the trip, and preparations are well underway. You should have already received copies of the chaperone list, final itinerary, flight list, and packing list. If you have not, please contact Ms. Byrne. Also, if you have not yet turned in the medical release form for your child, please do so as soon as possible. Don’t forget that you need both parents' signatures.
In class, we have currently been studying how our island has changed and how it continues to change. Our trip to the Island of Hawai`i extends our study as we explore a newer island that is actively growing and changing. This trip will be an introductory experience to our study of volcanoes. Once we return to class, we will use our knowledge and experiences from the trip to help us with our inquiry projects.
In class, we have began exploring the places that we will be visiting during the trip. In their inquiry groups, students are researching a site that fits with their topic.
Ocean Group: Mokupapapa Discovery Center
Recycling Group: Kilauea Military Camp and Akaka Falls
Animal Group: Volcanoes National Park
Star Group: Imiloa Center
While researching, students will create four tasks for their classmates to complete at their site; one task that has to do with their inquiry topic, one question about the site, one thing to take a picture of, and one task of the group’s choice. Some examples of tasks are: recycle something at KMC and show evidence of it, and find and record three types of coral on the ocean mural at Mokupapapa. Therefore, when we get to Hilo, the entire class has a sort of scavenger hunt that they have to complete. At each site that we visit, students will have to find the answer to certain questions and take pictures to complete their tasks. They can also take notes on whatever they find interesting about the site. When we come back to class, we will review the scavenger hunt questions and our notes. This new information will provide new insight into our inquiry question of how our island is changing.
On Monday, February 26, all of the 3/4 classes will meet after lunch to discuss the trip. At this meeting, the teachers will go over the packing list, itinerary, and other trip logistics with the students. Teachers will also be available to answer students' questions. Cabin assignments will be sent home later this week. If you have any questions or concerns about the trip, please let me know.
Thank you!
Posted on February 23, 2007 12:14 PM | Permalink