The students learned that the homesteaders came into Michigan in the 1800s. Today they rotated through three stations to learn more. First, they learned about how the loggers in the 1800s measured trees using Biltmore sticks and a tape measure. Then, they learned about the one-room schoolhouse and some of the games the children played. Finally, they rotated through a cabin to see where families lived and a shed where they learned about the tools and techniques that were used for building. The afternoon was spent completing the next portion of the timeline, taking a hike out to Wood Duck Pond, and singing Native American songs in music class.
Today's topic: Homesteading in Michigan (Years: 1800s) The students learned that the homesteaders came into Michigan in the 1800s. Today they rotated through three stations to learn more. First, they learned about how the loggers in the 1800s measured trees using Biltmore sticks and a tape measure. Then, they learned about the one-room schoolhouse and some of the games the children played. Finally, they rotated through a cabin to see where families lived and a shed where they learned about the tools and techniques that were used for building. The afternoon was spent completing the next portion of the timeline, taking a hike out to Wood Duck Pond, and singing Native American songs in music class.
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Today's topic: Lumbering in Michigan (Years: 1800s)
Lumbering was the topic of the day today. The day began by hearing about, and viewing some photographs of, early lumbering in Michigan. We participated in three groups to learn more about lumbering. In the first group, we learned about how each of the lumber companies marked their logs with the company's stamp before floating it down a river to a sorting facility. We then played "Go Fish" where the object of the game was to collect matching stamps of various logging companies that used to be in Michigan. In the second group, we learned how to identify trees, just like the lumbermen would've done. We identified a cedar, a sycamore, a sassafras (The root beer tree!) and our state tree, the white pine. In the third group, we practiced using several lumbering tools, such as the cant hook, the big wheel, a cross-cut saw, and rafts. This afternoon we added more to our timeline, went on a hike through the arboretum (Who knew Michigan had so many different native species of trees?) and had art class outside. Many were ready for a nap by the end of the day!
The children are having a ball exploring the various trails around the Chippewa Nature Center. The information below will tell you more about the trails that are open, FREE of charge, year round. Stop out and enjoy!
Tuesday's topic: The French Voyageurs & the British Traders in Michigan (Years: 1600 - 1800)
We had another busy day! The day started with a hike to look for and identify animals and their tracks, which is something the early trappers would've done to find the furs to trade. After that, we rotated through three groups. In the first group, we thought about how those first traders and explorers made a lot of observations, so we, too, made observations and took notes. We enjoyed our peaceful observation times in the River Overlook and Wildlife Viewing Area. In the second group, we pretended to be French voyageurs and everyone had special jobs to perform. In the third group, we reenacted how the Native Americans may have traded goods with the French and the British. The afternoon was spent completing the next part of our timelines, going for a hike along the River Trail and then reading or observing in the Homestead Farm Area. The day just flew by! Monday's topic: Native Americans in Michigan (Years: 1000 - 1600)
Students learned about how the Native Americans got everything they needed from nature, and they participated in various activities to teach them about the past. The day began with a sensory walk where students used their senses to explore the world around them. Later in the morning, they participated in stations where they built shelters from what they could find in the area, took a hike where they classified items as either renewable or nonrenewable resources, and attempted to make fire by friction and tie cordage (homemade rope). In the afternoon, they started making a timeline by writing an informational paragraph about the Native American uses of natural resources, practiced using a trail map to navigate a hike, learned how damaged trees are categorized for possible removal, and enjoyed some down time reading during library skills class. The activities were an enjoyable way to kick off nature week at the Chippewa Nature Center! The book fair provided us a chance to review a very important economics principal: opportunity cost. You may want to ask your child to explain the concept, and, better yet, sing the "Opportunity Cost" song!
Our thanks go out to Michelle Mathey and Shannon Whyte for assisting us at the book fair. We appreciated it! Thank you to Mr. Kozak, a sheriff deputy for Midland County, for visiting us. He taught us various safety tips, told us about his job, and shared some of his safety equipment with us. The children enjoyed asking questions, trying on equipment and looking inside of the car. We learned a lot, Mr. Kozak. Thank you for visiting us!
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