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With 106 SSNHA partner sites, there are plenty of field trips to choose from for your classroom. Each site has a unique mission to teach others about Iowa's agricultural, environment and pioneer history. Be sure to check them out and remember, from August to December schools within the National Heritage Area can apply for BUS GRANTS up to $350 for field study trips to designated SSNHA sites. These grants are first come, first served, so get your field trip organized today! Angi Reid |
| Fall Fun: Fontana Park |
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Throughout the early fall, the focus of many field trips at Fontana Park is the monarch butterfly. One of the only insects to migrate, the monarch butterfly spends the summer in Iowa and then migrates south to Mexico for winter.
 The monarch butterfly, which historically fluttered throughout Iowa's Tallgrass Prairies, is now captured in restored prairies and gardens throughout the park. Once captured, students identify the sex of the butterfly and apply a tracking sticker to a wing. The sticker is then collected from the butterfly in Mexico. If one of the butterflies caught makes the journey south, the Nature Center will receive a certificate documenting the butterfly's migration. This hands-on experience allows students the opportunity to get down and dirty with an insect and realize just how important prairies are to Iowa's past and future endeavors. Along with prairies and insects, students have the opportunity to learn about Iowa mammals and reptiles, animal tracking, canoeing, woodlands and many other exciting topics. Be sure to check this SSNHA partner site out! For more information about Fontana Interpretive Center and Park visit:
http://www.east-buc.k12.ia.us/BCCB/fontana.htm |
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Media Corner |
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The Farm Service Agency (FSA) website for kids is a great hands-on learning tool for the classroom. The site features several fun interactive games to play, great alphabetical and agricultural coloring pages for teachers, coloring contests and just plain fun farm facts. For more information follow the link to: http://content.fsa.usda.gov/fsakids/
 Fun Fact!!
Which vegetable do Americans eat the most? Potatoes. The average person in the United States eats 140 pounds of potatoes every year. Bet you didn't know that the potato was the first vegetable to be grown in space. |
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Artistic Adventures:
Cedar Rapids Museum of art |
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At the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art students are able to walk through galleries filled with original works of art from Grant Wood, Monet, and Picasso. Along with their permanent collections the museum has traveling exhibits throughout the year.
One upcoming exhibit showcases the artistic endeavors of Mary GrandPre, who is known for her work in the Harry Potter book series. This exhibit, which starts on November 1st will begin with a free family event featuring hands-on art activities, gallery walks and a story hour. School groups interested in visiting the exhibit can ask for gallery tours, scavenger hunts and hands-on art exploration. Field trips usually last from 1 to 3 hours and can be adjusted to fit group needs. Cost is $3.00 per student with financial accommodations made when needed.
Other opportunities at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art include tours of Grant Wood's home and studio. Located just four blocks from the museum, this studio is where Grant Wood painted many of his masterpieces including American Gothic. Students are able to step back in time and see the hayloft where Grant Wood lived and worked from 1924 to 1934. A video and walking tour help bring this part of Iowa's History to life. Studio tours are $3.00 per student with financial adjustments made when needed.
For more information on the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art visit:
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| ICN Courses Available |
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Be sure to sign up for these ICN sessions presented in part by SSNHA partners in collaboration with IPTV's k-12 Connections this fall and winter. Visit: www.k12connections.iptv.org to register.
Talk with an Archaeologist
University of Iowa Archaeology
October 14th
Grades 3-6
Harvested in Iowa
Iowa State University Extension - 4-H Youth Development
October 28th
Grades k-1st
Life on the Prairie
Polk County Conservation Board
November 4th
Grades 3-6
My Favorite Foods Started in Iowa
Iowa State University Extension - 4-H Youth Development
January 27th
Grades- 4-6
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"Why don't we pay more attention to who are farmers are? We would never be as careless choosing an auto mechanic or babysitter as we are about who grows our food."
- Michael Pollan,
The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World
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 Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area is one of 40 federally designated heritage areas in the nation and is an Affiliated Area of the National Park Service. Through the network of sites, programs and events, the Heritage Area's mission is to interpret farm life, agribusiness and rural communities - past and present. | |
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