Today, we took a field trip to Canal Fulton in Stark county to ride on a real horse-drawn canal boat. The boat is called the St. Helena III. We had about 8 families join us for the ride, some of whom are new to the group, which is wonderful. I love meeting all of the new people, and I could see some of the kids making some new friends, which is the best part.
Other than having some trouble finding where to go, we had a very nice trip. There aren't many signs there to tell you if you are in the right place. I found one small brown one across the street coming from the North that pointed to the left. They are doing quite a bit of construction, so I imagine that they will work on making it more clear when it is finished. It was quite hot and sunny, so the drivers and the young guy narrating were dripping sweat. Although the boat is open and obviously not air-conditioned, it is shady, and it wasn't too uncomfortable for us during the cruise. It was a very smooth ride, and the guide was quite informative giving a brief history of the canal and how the boats operated. There was also plenty of time for questions, which he was able to answer easily. He really seemed to know what he was talking about. On the ride back, the children were allowed to climb up on deck to watch the girl steer the boat. They even climbed up on the roof.
We were given the group rate, which only requires 12 people or more. The group rate is $5.50 adults, and $3.50 children 5 and older. Under 5 are free. It is possible to take a stroller on board (one of us did it), but you have to carry it down the few steps there are to get on the boat. The cruise takes most of an hour.
The staff were quite friendly, especially considering how hot they were. If you go, though, don't expect them to be around before the cruise, since the same crew drives the boat as sells the tickets, so you have to wait for the earlier boat to return in order to buy tickets for the next cruise. Cruises run at 1, 2 and 3 o'clock most afternoons. Also, there was no bathroom. There was a port-o-potty, which I assume was there for the construction crews, but it was used by us as well.
If you're interested in visiting, you can call 1-800-HELENA3 for info.
Friday, July 22, 2005
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
NASA Glenn Visitor Center
I'm surprised I haven't mentioned this field trip yet. We have visited the NASA Glenn Visitor Center in Cleveland numerous times, and it is always enjoyable, and always informative.
The basic field trip program includes 3 parts:
1) A 20-30 minute "lecture" or talk by a staff member about what it's like to live and work in space. The students get to see the layers of the space suit, common types of food eaten by the astronauts, and other items used in the space shuttle. There is plenty of time for questions, and the guides have always been very friendly and helpful. On our last visit, March '05, our guide even talked about his opinions of how space travel affects the astronauts spiritually.
2) A very entertaining video of the astronauts actually living and working in space. It takes the students on a quick tour of the inside of the shuttle and highlights many of the humorous aspects of being astronauts. The astronauts involved in the video were definitely enjoying themselves.
3) A visit to the exhibits in the Visitor Center with a grade-specific information scavenger hunt. The students are given clipboards, pencils and copies of a fill-in-the-blank type paper. The answers can be found in different areas of the visitor center. The field trip contact is responsible for making copies for their group ahead of time and bringing them along. The scavenger hunt is helpful in making the information actually remain in the students' heads, but it can take a good amount of time. Usually 30 minutes is allotted for this activity. It isn't necessary, however, and the students can enjoy the visitor center without it. For a first visit, I recommend doing it. You can spend more time on your own in the center after the program is over.
Because it is a government-funded facility, the program is free. Reservations are required, however, and they will not give a program to less than 20 people. You can visit the visitor center anytime for free outside of the program, and they often have promotional weekends and other programs to take part in.
When you visit, be prepared to stop and talk to a guard. They will ask you questions about carrying weapons, your citizenship, etc., and if they have time, they may search your trunk, etc. This is due to the heightened security measures at every government facility since 9/11. If this makes you uncomfortable, stay home. The guards there are not to be messed with. Personally, it's no big deal, and it's worth it for the visit.
NASA is a cool and fun field trip for anyone. There is no problem with strollers, etc. It is handicapped-accessible. If your little one is making noise, you might want to sit in the lobby during the video and lecture. I usually go to the back of the auditorium when my daughter gets restless. There are also great educator resources available. If you are interested in space and rocket science or even just physics, this is the place to go.
1) A 20-30 minute "lecture" or talk by a staff member about what it's like to live and work in space. The students get to see the layers of the space suit, common types of food eaten by the astronauts, and other items used in the space shuttle. There is plenty of time for questions, and the guides have always been very friendly and helpful. On our last visit, March '05, our guide even talked about his opinions of how space travel affects the astronauts spiritually.
When you visit, be prepared to stop and talk to a guard. They will ask you questions about carrying weapons, your citizenship, etc., and if they have time, they may search your trunk, etc. This is due to the heightened security measures at every government facility since 9/11. If this makes you uncomfortable, stay home. The guards there are not to be messed with. Personally, it's no big deal, and it's worth it for the visit.
NASA is a cool and fun field trip for anyone. There is no problem with strollers, etc. It is handicapped-accessible. If your little one is making noise, you might want to sit in the lobby during the video and lecture. I usually go to the back of the auditorium when my daughter gets restless. There are also great educator resources available. If you are interested in space and rocket science or even just physics, this is the place to go.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)