Missouri Heritage Days at Babler State Park- 10/21

Here's a look at our field trip!  We had a blast learning about the pioneer days!  We rotated to different stations to learn about the many different ways of life for the pioneers.

First we visited the tools and wood work station.  We found out how the pioneers cut trees to make a log cabin!  We also saw how the pioneers would have made a fire.

After the wood work station, we visited an energetic mountain man who taught us about the Louisiana Purchase and the Corps of Discovery.  He briefly discussed everything that we will learn in Chapter 3 of Social Studies!  Perfect!  

Next we went to the music rotation to hear songs that were played for people like George Washington!  In addition to the fiddle, we were able to listen to very interesting instruments like the gourd banjo.

The pioneer toys station was fun!  We played Graces, a game where you use two long sticks to launch a hoop to a partner.  We also played Stick Pull and a beanbag game (although we know that the pioneers didn't have beanbags).  Finally, we made "buzz saws" out of string and a button.

After the games, we headed to square dance!  The boys pretended that they didn't enjoy dancing, but we all had a great time learning!  :) 

After our hard work, we rewarded ourselves with lunch.  At our next rotation, we learned about the types of clothes the pioneers wore and different jobs that the men and women had.  The boys gathered the water, and the girls washed the laundry.  We even got to feel real silk, which is what the rich could afford for clothing.  

We really enjoyed hearing about the blacksmith's job!  We saw him make a nail and a hook out of plain pieces of metal right before our eyes.  He made sure we remembered that metal can bend when it reaches 1800 degrees and is a bright orange color.  

Sacagawea did a great job in telling us about her trip with Lewis and Clark!  Did you know that she was traveling with her baby?  She was such a great help to Lewis and Clark, as she knew the land and people in the area.  

In our final rotation, we visited a general store.  The general store was a happenin' place!  People socialized there and could find a little bit of everything.  We got to take a close look at some of the many things that a general store would carry.  Among other things, we browsed a coffee maker, cologne, cookware, toys, and shoes!

What a fun and educational trip!