Learning Is An Adventure

Yesterday in my class was one of my all-time favorite days of the year: our journey to the center of the Earth. In my room we have been analyzing and examining the layers of the Earth for the past week, and yesterday I was ready to give my kiddos their formative assessment over Earth's interior by taking them on a fantastic, treacherous journey to the center of the Earth!

I really questioned whether or not I would actually "do" this lesson this year. For one thing, my kids are a little more rambunctious than in years' past, and I was worried that their behavior may be an issue. I was also hesitant that some of them would be reluctant to use their imaginations and embrace the whimsical nature of the day. Eventually, I decided to take the plunge and went for it, making sure to set clear expectations for my students to limit the possible issues that might arise.

I informed my kids ahead of time that they would be travelling to the center of the Earth on Friday. I warned them that it might be a good idea to bring a hard hat, canteen, lantern and/or flashlight, etc. for the journey. Naturally, my curious kids always ask questions such as, "Where are we REALLY going Miss Evans?" and "Are we digging a hole outside or something?" I always respond with a straightforward, "We are going to the center of the Earth, like I said before." This stoic disposition always gets the kids excited and peaks their interest about what will happen during their adventure. The day before, I hand them their ticket for the journey and instruct them that the must hold onto it, for without it they will not be admitted on the trip (Of course, I keep extras in case a kiddo accidentally forgets or is absent on the day that I hand the tickets out).

When the kids arrive on the big day, they are shocked to see signs hanging throughout the entire building saying, "Journey to the Center of the Earth: Departs Today in Room 114!" They also see a "tunnel" outside my door with blaring music coming from inside (I usually pick the theme songs to 'Back to the Future' and 'Indiana Jones.') The excitement continues to build!

When they enter my room, they see this:

My room is transformed into what I call "The Transporter"-a magical vehicle that will transport them to the center of the Earth! When they come in they  show me their ticket, sign the registrar indicating that they understand the risks involved with the journey, grab a clipboard and observation journal, and take a seat inside the transporter.

Then, the adventure begins. I start by briefing my kids on my rules and expectations of them while on our trip (like how imaginations and positive attitudes must be used at all times), as well as warning them of the dangers of traveling to the center of the Earth. (Keep in mind I do this while in complete center of the Earth "get-up"). I also use this time to ask them questions and check their understanding of what they have learned so far. Then, I inform them to buckle up their imaginary seat belts, and I go around and "check" their safety harnesses. They get a real kick out of this! Next, I sit at my big chair in front of them and "drive" the transporter to the crust as the kids look at a giant, moving spiral on the whiteboard (a.k.a. the front window of the transporter). When the spiral stops, we've arrived at our first destination: the crust (a.k.a. our outdoor classroom).

At each stop, the kids make observations and inferences in their journals about what they see/hear. We discuss the differences between each layer and I give them small treats that are used as "reminders" about each layer (at the crust, I give several students hard candy bars, at the mantle, they receive airheads, etc.).

The next stop is the mantle (a.k.a. secluded 8th grade hallway). We travel through the halls, stopping to "feel" the rock getting hotter, and ignoring the "earth dwellers" that we see in the tunnels/halls.

I spend time the day before preparing all of these stations, and this year I was fortunate enough to have several former students help me decorate them. It takes a LOT of time and effort, but is so worth it when I see the look on my kids' faces.

Our last stop is the core (a.k.a. the 6th grade conference room). I actually don't have any good pictures of this station because it is completely in the dark. I use paper to surround the room and crank the heat WAY up. It is neat to hear the kids say, "It really IS the hottest in the core!" They also have to use their flashlights to see since there is obviously no light in the core. Hehe!

Overall, it is truly an awesome, unforgettable day. I love creating memorable adventures for my kids, and there is nothing that makes me happier as an educator than seeing my kids excited about learning. I love hearing them leave saying, "What a great journey Miss Evans!" or "I wish I could stay here all day!" I love seeing my former kids come back to tell my students how much fun they are going to have and help get them pumped for the trip. Teaching is about experiences, and this is one that my kids never forget.

Third Time's A Charm

On Monday, my kids and I FINALLY went on our journey to the center of the Earth! (It had been postponed two times due to my puppy being sick and me catching the flu early last week).

Basically, I decorate our classroom to look like a "school bus" that takes my kids and I on an adventure through the Earth's crust, mantle, and core! When they enter, they sign the registrar, grab their science journal, and take a seat to prepare for a journey of a lifetime!

I decorate three different spots to resemble the crust, mantle, and core. For the crust, my kids go outside. For the mantle, I decorate an "end" of the 8th grade hallway. Finally, for the core, we head down to the super-hot laundry room. As we travel, I point out various facts to my kiddos and they make notes on what they observe.

When we come back from our "journey," my kids write a letter detailing the events of the journey. It is such an amazing day for my kids and I, and it makes for a great learning experience that I hope they remember for a lifetime!