On Thursday, September 10, 2015, the first grade classes from George L. Myers Elementary School in Portage took their annual field trip to County Line Apple Orchard. The children learned about the growth of apples, pollination, and the day to day operations of an orchard. Students used their senses to explore science concepts and had hands-on “being there” experiences to enrich their units of study. Tasting freshly-made apple cider, picking vine-ripe Gala apples, observing bees behind a glass panel, and learning about a variety of animals at their “petting zoo” were all part of the day’s adventure.
In addition to this, the first graders have been focusing on an apple-themed unit of study and exploration this week. The children especially enjoyed reading both non-fiction and fiction literature. Science, math, and other language arts standards were woven into the curriculum with this apple theme. Cooking applesauce and/or making baked cinnamon apple slices was a culinary treat for these first graders.
Miss Kate Brenda, Mrs. Chelsea Sutton, and Mrs. Diane Zuick, the three first grade teachers at Myers School, have already made a reservation for next year’s trip to the apple orchard. The apple orchard is an exciting “outdoor classroom!”