Sixth grade students have been exploring components and empires along the Silk Roads, including the Mauryan and Gupta Empires of India. We’ve also studied the role of the Silk Roads in rise of Islam and its rapid spread through the Arabian peninsula and surrounding regions.
Seventh and eighth grade students ventured to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield on Wednesday for a station field trip. Throughout the park, there were rangers to teach us about various aspects of the battle and Civil War history. We started out by hiking a trail and enjoying the spring scenery, then stopped at the Ray house for a presentation and demonstration of Civil War medicine and a tour of the historic home, which acted as a field hospital during and after the battle. We then headed back to the Visitor’s Center for a lesson on the common soldier, including all that they would have carried with them. We enjoyed a picnic lunch under the trees before heading back to the trail to hike at Bloody Hill. We finished off the day with a visit to the museum and gift shop, where students found an array of items to purchase. One student found a book on women in the Civil War, another purchased Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and a few chose to buy replica pocket watches! We were so appreciative of the helpful park rangers who taught us in such engaging ways. And the weather, which started off a bit dreary, turned into a really lovely day!