Second Graders Visit to the Katy Outdoor Learning

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Golbow second graders visited the Kenneth D. Welch Outdoor Learning Center (OLC) in Katy ISD this year.  Students had an opportunity to learn about trees, both native and indigenous, to Texas and how the Native Americans lived off of the land. 

They got hands-on opportunities to explore pioneer life at the barn.  These activities included shucking, shelling, and grinding corn, teacher demonstrations of tools used by a blacksmith and wood-worker, observing various animals housed at the OLC, feeding chickens, and releasing a homing pigeon.  Students got to try their hands at games played by pioneer children. 

The nature trail gave students a chance to identify various trees/plants and learn about those that can be helpful/harmful to us. 

Students ended their day with an exhibit-walk through the science building.  They got to observe fossils, animal pelts, live and stuffed animals, and  get more information about plant life in the area. 

The OLC allowed us to extend and reinforce objectives taught in both science and social studies throughout the year.  This was a unique learning experience for our students and allowed us to go beyond the realm of a standard classroom environment.