Field trips not only expand children’s learning and experiences by providing them with hands-on experiences, they also increase their knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live. Tuttle Orchards offers Preschool Far m tours for ages up to f ive, Pumpkin Biolog y Tour a nd Apple s : Then and Now Tour both for kindergarten through second g rade a nd The Economics of Apples Tour for second through fifth grades. Tours begin September 15, 2010 and are generally a half hour. Kelsay Farms isn’t new to the field trip scene, they’ve been giving school tours for over 30 years in the spring, summer and fall. The best time to visit Kelsay Farms is in October. “We offer many attractions for children including farm tours, baby calves, corn maze, hayrides, Moo Choo rides, Bale Mountain and a huge straw bale play area,” said Amy Kelsay, education director. “We are adding the Baby Barnyard and Rope Maze this year while featuring live music, face painting, kids’ games and crafts on our Dairy Days Festival weekend October 15 through 17. Our group tours include a guide farm tour which includes a brief lesson on dairy foods and a dairy snack. These tours are based on Indiana academic standards and are handson. Children will see a modern milking parlor, over 500 cows and baby calves. They will also learn the importance of getting 3 servings a day of dairy and that milk leads to strong bones
20 INDY’S CHILD * September 2010
and healthy teeth. All students receive a goodie bag, cheese snack and a Kelsay Farms coloring book.” Crown Hill Cemetery provides educator handbooks, tree maps and cemetery maps. Some famous people laid to rest at Crown Hill include Benjamin Harrison, John Dillinger, Catharine Merrill and James Whitcomb Riley. See big cats, tigers, panthers and more at the Black Pine Animal Park in Albion, Indiana just north of Fort Wayne operated by Professional Animal Retirement Center, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-prof it organization. This is a permanent refuge for exotic animals in need, including retired performing animals and former pets. Over 85 in all, guests can see 14 big cats, bears, primates, birds, reptiles and more. Children of all ages will be in awe of the creatures normally found across the Atlantic living here in Indiana. The Indiana State Museum is home to thousands of items ranging from prehistoric fossils to current popular culture items and everything in between with new exhibits opening regularly. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition opens September 25 – Januar y 16, 2011. This exhibit takes you on a journey back in time to experience the legend of Titanic like never before. The galleries in this fascinating Exhibition feature over 240 real artifacts recovered from the ocean f loor along with room re-
creations and personal stories; each highlighting a different chapter in the compelling story of Titanic’s maiden voyage.
Get out while you can!
Walking tours downtown are the perfect way to welcome a cool fall season and teach middle school and high school students about Indiana history starting with the Indiana War Memorial. Students will learn what role Hoosiers have played in fighting and defending our freedom. Historic downtown Indianapolis walking tour blends discussions of architecture and history in an ideal guided tour for fourth and fifth grade students. Visit www.historiclandmarks.org for more tours and group tour information
Field trips are first to go
Field trips not only expand children’s learning and experiences by providing them with hands-on experiences, they also increase their knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live.
The recent fuel crisis and educational cutbacks have forced most school districts to reevaluate the instructional importance of field trips. Mobile field trips have increased in popularity as these concerns often force educators to think outside the box to meet the experiential needs of students. Nikki Keever is a freelance writer living in Noblesville, Indiana with her husband and three children.