Your mission is to explore! By Thomas Jefferson

2009 -2010 Activities and Field Trips

 

High School Senior Supper

 Seniors and their Parents

Tuesday, September 1

5:00 P.M.

Mutchler Center

Please join Mrs. Watson for lasagna. While we eat, we will discuss plans for graduation. In addition, we will discuss finalizing transcripts. For the seniors who are working toward a diploma, bring your portfolio, and we will discuss finishing them. Please RSVP to Mrs. Watson by August 28th.

 

Fossil Hunting

RUSSELL WILDLIFE AREA

Thursday, September 10

1:30 P.M.

We get to begin this year’s exploration with a fossil hunt.  What can we find out there to tell us what our world may have been like, or what it has gone through? You will be certain to bring back a handful of nice specimens to add to or start your own fossil collection.  There are crinoids, various clams, corals, bryozoans and even trilobites which are Iowa’s state fossil.  You will most likely get dirty; you’ll have to go through some weeds and maybe a muddy spot.  Bring bug spray if you like and a water bottle.  Don’t forget to bring a small bag to put your “treasures” in.  They do allow us to keep some of the fossils we find.  Russell Wildlife area is the site of an old quarry.  We will pick fossils up from the piles of rocks near the ponds that remain where the gravel had been quarried.  There is also a nice trail through a restored prairie.  This will be our first opportunity as a group to begin our nature journaling.

Directions: Russell Wildlife Area is just 3-4 miles north of Oskaloosa on highway 63.

When you see the sign on the highway, you’ll travel one mile east on the gravel road to the Conservation Center.  We will meet for a short orientation in the center before going to the quarry.

 

Pondering in Wetlands

Pin Oak Marsh, Chariton

Thursday, September 17

1:30 P.M.

Venture to Pin Oak Marsh to learn about wetlands. The marsh is home to great blue herons, frogs, Iowa's threatened river otter, Canada geese and is a rest stop for migrating waterfowl. The Pin Oak Lodge has a display room with aquariums of live native fish, turtles, and salamanders. There are also many taxidermy mounts of fish, songbirds, waterfowl, big game, and even some African mounts. Leading away from the building and down to the marsh is a 1300-foot concrete trail that ends at a 50-foot pier overlooking the wetland. Skylar Hobbs, the Director for the Lucas County Conservation Board, will give us an overview of what a wetland is, what role they play in the ecosystem and their importance to us.  Then we will pair up into groups with nets, and head to the wetland where we will scoop out muck, plants and animals. Anything that crawls or moves, we will put into a tray. Last, we will look at the animals on the big screen T.V., identifying and discussing what we found. Mr. Hobbs hopes to instill a new sense of appreciation for what might be looked at as just a mud hole. Everyone should dress in old clothes and shoes they can get wet and muddy.  Boots are good.  Directions: 1.4 miles south of Chariton on Highway 14. If you would like to caravan, we will leave from the back parking lot of Applebee’s at 12:15 P.M.

 

Fishing

Thursday, September 24

1:30 P.M.

McGowen Recreation and Wildlife Area

Try your hand at fishing. The ponds at McGowen Recreation and Wildlife Area are stocked with bluegill, large-mouth bass, catfish and red-ear sunfish. As we fish, we will evaluate the health of the pond. While at McGowen, you can see century old bur oak and white oak scattered around the area, which resemble the Oak Savannah terrain that was a dominate feature in Iowa’s history. Be sure to dress for the weather. Bring insect repellent and fishing gear if you have it. Worms will be furnished and some fishing poles will be available. We will meet at the barn.

 

Insects

Ottumwa GPAEA ICN classroom

Tuesday, September 29

10:00 A.M. – 10:50 A.M.

Recommended Grades K-6

They're creepy and they're crawly, but they're awesome! Students learn what it takes to be part of the largest group of animals in the world. Students are invited to get up close and personal with a giant cockroach and other 'creepy crawly critters' by exploring the fascinating world of insects. This interactive program also allows time for students to ask questions, so come prepared.

 

ANATOMY LABS

Tuesday, September 29, October 20, November 17,

January 5 & 26, February 16, March 16, April 27

For those students grades 9-12 exploring Human Anatomy this year, labs will be offered.  There will be no grades or credit given for the labs but you may use it as the lab portion of an anatomy course you are taking at home.  We will primarily dissect but will have several other lab activities as well. There will be two lab exams (over bones and muscles) given only for the experience of taking a lab exam.  The Modules/chapters that the labs will correspond with will be announced in advanced.

 

Exploring and Canoeing

Jefferson County Park

Thursday, October 1

1:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Younger elementary students will hone their observation and detective skills, as they search for some often overlooked wonders of nature. Older students, grades 5 and older, will learn how to canoe. First, they will learn the parts of the canoe and paddle. Then they will learn various paddling strokes and how to launch a canoe. Finally, they will have an opportunity to practice their new skills on the park’s largest pond. This class is a required prerequisite to the May canoe trip. At the end, everyone will have an opportunity to view the nature center, which has a variety of displays, including an Indian artifact collection.

Directions: From Bloomfield, take J40 to Keosauqua. Turn north (left) at the hospital on Highway 1 to Fairfield. At the south edge of Fairfield, turn west (left) on Libertyville Road. Then turn right at Jefferson County Park Drive. Then turn left at the first road. Go up the hill. We will meet at the large shelter by the pond. From Ottumwa, take highway 34 east to Fairfield. Take Exit 212, and turn north (left) toward Fairfield. At the south edge of Fairfield, turn west (left) on Libertyville Road. Then turn right at Jefferson County Park Drive. Then turn left at the first road. Go up the hill. We will meet at the large shelter by the pond.

 

Reading with a Fire Fighter

Monday, October 5

Ottumwa GPAEA ICN classroom

12:30 P.M. – 1:20 P.M.

Recommended Grades PK-3

Join an Urbandale firefighter as he shares his career with students using a book, video, and showing some of the tools used on the job. He is able to address fire prevention, safety issues and tips with students during the session. There will be time for questions, so teachers and students are asked to come to the session prepared.

Geodes and Insects

Thursday, October 8

1:00 P.M.

Keosauqua City Park & Bear Creek

Come learn about an actual science research project and search for Iowa’s state rock. Meet at the Keosauqua City Park by the river to hear Shawn Smithart, the “Bug Man,” share about the research he is doing for the Missouri Forestry Department, involving capturing, identifying and cataloguing night insects, and how his work will help scientists learn about bats. Then Therese Commisky, the naturalist from Jefferson County Park, will take us to one of her hot spots to find geodes. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing for wading in a creek. Everyone will want a pail to carry their rocks.

 

Maibach Dairy Farm

Thursday, October 15

1:30 P.M.

Tim Maibach Farm

Where does milk come from? Come find out! On this field trip, we will learn about dairying and learn terms, like pasteurization and homogenization. Also we will see other farm animals. An extra treat will be making butter and eating homemade ice cream. Dress for the farm and for the weather.

Directions: From Bloomfield ~ go west on Route 2/63.  Turn south (left) on 63 at the Dutch Country Store.  Go approximately 8 mile to 305th Street (a gravel road) and turn right.  Turn left on Fawn, turn right on 310th, turn left on Ebony and right on 315th.  Maibach Dairy Farm is the first place on the right.

 

PSAT Test

Wednesday, October 14

Time TBA

Davis County High School Library

Would you like your student to practice taking a college entrance exam similar to the SAT? Here is your chance! The PSAT is a standardized test that measures verbal reasoning skills, critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing skills. The most common reason for taking the PSAT is to receive feedback on student’s strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college. Students normally take the PSAT in their junior year. If you are planning on taking the PSAT, you will need to register with Mrs. Watson by August 28th and pay $13.00 by October 1st. You will receive a test preparation booklet.

 

PLAN Test

Time TBA

Mutchler Center

If your student is a tenth grader, here is his chance to practice taking a college entrance exam similar to the ACT. In this case, practice won’t make perfect, but it will help reduce testing anxieties. The PLAN test is a standardized test similar to the ACT test. This test will assess the status of your student’s academic preparation for post-secondary education. Another helpful benefit of the PLAN is that it includes an interest survey. Thus in addition to academic results, the PLAN results will contain information that relates your student's personal characteristics to educational and career options. Contact Mrs. Watson by August 28 to register for this test. There is no testing fee.

 

Iowa Test of Educational Development

Tuesday, October 27 and Wednesday, October 28

HERALD Library

The 9th –12th grade ITED testing will be given Tuesday and Wednesday, October 27 and 28 at 9:00 A.M. in the HERALD library. Please have your student at the classroom by 8:50 A.M., so the actual test can begin promptly at 9:00 A.M. This test is similar to the Iowa Basic Skills Test. Please contact Mrs. Watson by August 28th if you are interested in this test. She will need to know the correct grade level for testing your student. 

 

Davis County Community School Pictures

Thursday, October 22

Please sign in at the Davis County Elementary School Office. The Secretary will direct you to the photographers.

 

Fire Safety Day

Thursday, October 22

1:30 P.M.

Bloomfield Fire Station

501 S. West Street

Prepare for a fire now! Visit the Bloomfield Fire Station and see the fire trucks. The firemen will teach important fire safety information. In addition, the Blum family will share about their family’s experience with a house fire last year and encourage you to protect your family through planning now.

 

Kathy’s Pumpkin Patch

1977 Highway #2

Donnellson, Iowa 52625

Cost: $5.00 per child  $2.00 per adult

Thursday, October 29

1:30 P.M.

Kathy’s Pumpkin Patch is where you need to bring your family!  This field trip is loaded with lots of fun and hands-on educational experiences.  For $5.00 per child and $2.00 per adult chaperone, you can choose from a variety of different educational activities you would like your family to participate in, in order to meet your curriculum and individual needs.  The field trip includes: a short 10-15 minute hands-on lesson on how pumpkins and gourds grow, a wagon ride, a stop at the pick- your-own patch where each student can pick his/her own pumpkin to take home, a walk through one of our mazes, play time in the giant corn pool, play houses, obstacle course, rubber ducky races, and bean bag toss. 

 

VOICES FROM THE RESISTANCE by the ONE'S COMPANY

Recommended for GRADES 7-12

Des Moines CIVIC CENTER STONER THEATER

Friday, October 30

12:30 P.M.

$1.00 per person

Ordinary people: shopkeepers, factory workers, housewives, bakers, farmers, teachers, auto mechanics worked in France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Scandinavia fighting an underground war against Hitler and the Nazis. They led Jews to freedom, rescued Allied soldiers, printed newspapers, blew up bridges, and risked their lives every day to do what they could to cripple the Third Reich. And they have stories to tell.

 

Animal Winter Preparation

Thursday, November 12

Recommended Grades K-6

Ottumwa GPAEA ICN classroom

12:30 P.M. – 1:20 P.M.

Where do animals go in the winter? How do they survive cold winter nights? Students learn different strategies animals use to prepare themselves for the long winter ahead. Find out which animals are true hibernators and discover that birds aren't the only animals that migrate. The program allows time for student questions, so come prepared.

 

Get That Job! Course

Resume – November 12 GPAEA Technology Room 12:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Cover Letters – December 10 Mutchler Center 1:30 P.M.– 3:00 P.M.

Interviewing – March 18 Mutchler Center 1:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Mock Interviews – March 25 Mutchler Center 1:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

This four session course will teach students about how to get a job. In the first session, we will learn how to complete an application, and how to create a resume. During the second session, homeschooling dad, Mike Pollmann, a former instructor at IHCC, will share from his knowledge tips on writing effective resumes and cover letters. In addition, he has graciously offered to critique student resumes. For the third session, an instructor from IHCC, Ms. Shirley Reid, will give us expert insight and advice on interviewing. The finale will be a mock interview, where each student will apply for a job, utilizing all the information and skills acquired in this course. Local business people will be the interviewers and will give the students feedback on their interviews.

 

Salute to our Veterans

Thursday, November 12

 Practice at GPAEA  

1:25 P.M. – 1:40 P.M.

Thursday, November 19

Mutchler Center

1:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

In recognition of Veterans Day, we would like to honor our military veterans by singing a few patriotic songs for the elderly. We will practice at the AEA the week before. Then the following week, we will meet at the Mutchler Center for our final practice before going to the Bloomfield Care Center at 2:00 PM. If any student would like to share a special reading or music piece, please tell Mrs. Watson. After our presentation, the students will have an opportunity to talk to the residents about their WWII experiences.

Trapping & Pelts

Thursday, December 3  

1:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

McGowen Nature Center

Rick Krenz, director of Davis County Conservation Area, will us give a presentation on eight common Iowa furbearers. Then Jesse Knox, a former homeschooled student, will discuss responsible use of natural renewable resources and present a trapping demonstration.

 

Unhuggable Animals

Recommended Grades K-4

Ottumwa GPAEA ICN classroom

Friday, December 4

1:30 P.M. – 2:20 P.M.

Students discuss some of their least favorite animals and why they don't like them. Get up close and personal with animals such as spiders, skunks, snakes, and bats, and find out why these animals are often misunderstood. Students are presented with the facts that dispel the myths about these "unhuggable" animals. The program also allows time for student questions, so come prepared.

 

Fun Day

Thursday, January 14

1:30P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Ottumwa YMCA

Cost: $2.00 per student

Beat the winter blahs. Take a break and come play with us at the YMCA. In the Character Development Room, we can play basketball, foosball and other games. Challenge your friend to the three levels of rock climbing: the wall and the tower. Bring your swimsuit and swim in the pool. They even have a climb wall that you can try in the pool area. No matter what you do, you are bound to have fun.

 

Iowa Tests of Basic Skills

Grades 1st – 8th

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

January 19, 20, 21

8:55 A.M. – Noon

Mutchler Center

The main purpose of using a standardized achievement battery is to provide information that can be used to improve instruction. It is valuable to the extent that it contributes to better instructional decisions than educators could make without having that information available. Though standardized achievement scores cannot and should not replace teacher observations and classroom assessment information, they can provide unique supplementary information that bears on decisions about selecting learning objectives and procedures, designing or choosing instructional materials, and creating an effective learning environment.

For more information about the tests see ITBS website http://www.uiowa.edu/~itp/itbs.htm

 

Exploring the Use of Fibers

Thursday, January 28

Mutchler Center

1:30 P.M.

Betty Bear and Gwendolyn Lohmann, members of the North Missouri Fiber Artists, are going to demonstrate how protein (animal) and cellulose (plant) fibers from the natural world around us are used in spinning and weaving.  Students will get to see samples of various fibers and will get a chance to use the most ancient method of spinning, a simple drop spindle.

 

Exploring Art with Mrs. Abigt

Thursday, February 4 & 25  March 11

Mutchler Center

1:00 P.M.

Join us as we explore art with Chris. We will be investigating the color wheel the first week. The second week we will be exploring watercolor painting. On the last week we will be doing acrylic painting on canvas.

Indoor Soccer

Thursday, February 4 & 25  March 11

Mutchler Center

1:00 P.M.

On our “Art days” this year we will also be offering indoor soccer.  We will learn the rules of the game and focus on ball handling with lots of fun drills and relays.  We will progress to game-like drills and end with scrimmage.  Join us for some great fun and exercise.

 

BUFFALO SOLDIER

Des Moines CIVIC CENTER

Wednesday, February 10

10:00 A.M.

Recommended for GRADES 3-8

Cost $1.00

Buffalo Soldiers were established as the first official all-black regiments in the U.S. Army in 1866. Based on the powerful true-story of our nation’s longest-lived Buffalo Soldier and veteran of the Spanish-American War, this piece retells the heroic stories of the brave soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalries.  In 1996, BUFFALO SOLDIER was one of twelve plays selected as the Best American Plays for Young Audiences, and has been performed at the Pentagon following September 11, 2001.

 

Science Center of Iowa

Des Moines

Wednesday, February 10

12:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Cost: $5.50 per person

Science Center of Iowa Orientation

Self-Guided Exploration of SCI's six Experience Platforms

Inventors Inventing Inventive Inventions Live Program

Discover the keys to success when it comes to creating ingenious solutions to everyday problems. Before you know it, you will be a world-renowned inventor inventing some inventive inventions of your own!

Time to Explore the A-ha! Store

Valentine’s Day Party

Thursday, February 11

1:00 P.M.

Mutchler Center

Roses are red. Violets are blue. Our group will not be complete without you. Valentine’s Day is a day for sharing and friendship. Elementary students are invited to our annual Valentine’s Party. Games, crafts, refreshments, and exchange of Valentine’s Day cards will be the highlights of the afternoon. Please bring refreshments, a Valentine box or sack and Valentine cards.

 

A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD WORKLIGHT PRODUCTIONS

Des Moines CIVIC CENTER

Friday, February 19

10:00 A.M.

Recommended for GRADES PreK-2

Cost: $1.00

Arnold Lobel's beloved characters hop off the page and onto the stage in this new musical that follows two great friends - the cheerful and popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad. Through a year’s journey they follow the four seasons and learn life lessons including an important one about friendship and rejoicing in the attributes that make each of us different and special.

Developed by Mr. Lobel's daughter, Adrianne Lobel, the stage musical remains true to the spirit of the four original stories from which it is adapted.

 

 

Blank Park Zoo

Friday, February 19

12:00 P.M.

Cost: Students $4.00 Adults $8.00

First hand experiences like getting nose-to-nose with a tiger, crawling through tunnels like a prairie dog, and listening to the lions roar will spark a world of wonderment. The Blank Park Zoo manages 49 acres of land. Of that, 22 acres have been developed into animal exhibits or facilities. Currently there are 104 different animal species and 1,484 animal specimens cared for at the Blank Park Zoo. A zookeeper will be doing a special animal educational program for us. Come and enjoy an afternoon with the animalsJ

 

Amazing Reptiles

ICN Location - TBA

Recommended Grades K-6

Tuesday, March 23

1:30 P.M. – 2:20 P.M.

Students enter the bizarre and fascinating world of reptiles. Conservationists discuss the fears and myths surrounding these scaly creatures that people love to hate. Students learn how snakes smell, see and swallow objects twice the size of their heads! Live reptiles make this program really cool. This interactive program also allows time for students to ask questions, so come prepared.

 

 Exploring as a Life Scientist

Thursday, April 8, 15, 22

Recommended grade 3 – 5

Recommended grades 6 – 12

Mutchler Center

Each of the groups (grades 3-5 and grades 6-12) will have an opportunity to observe and investigate the science of life through projects for beginning biologists. All students will learn how to explore with a microscope, inspecting cells and other amazing details of living organisms. Working in pairs, the older group will have opportunity to learn and practice basic dissection techniques. These experiences will make the students more aware of the diversity of life that surrounds us.

 

 “Who Borrowed Mr. Bear?” Mystery Camp

Thursday, April 8, 15, 22

Mutchler Center

Recommended Grades K-2

1:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Come be a detective and help solve a make believe mystery. We must discover who borrowed Mr. Bear! We will examine clues and do tests on evidence, while learning important science skills and concepts. Become a crime scene scientist by examining evidence at the crime scene, conducting scientific tests on thread, stains and smell to solve the case.

 

River, Sea & Land

Friday and Saturday, April 30 – May 1

Omaha, Nebraska

On this two day trip to Omaha, we will learn about trails leading west, see Navy ships and be awed by animals at the zoo.

Western Historic Trail Center  - Friday, 12:00 P.M.

The center provides information on the westward expansion of the Nation and showcases some the West’s most significant National Historic Trails, including the Lewis & Clark, Mormon, Oregon and California. (www.iowahistory.org – click historic sites, western historic trails)

Freedom Park Navy Museum  - Friday, 2:00 P.M.

Climb board at USS Hazard (WWII minesweeper) and view it from the belly of the ship to the top level. Then enter the USS Marlin (training submarine) and taste life as a submarine sailor.

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Visitor’s Center - Friday, 3:45 P.M.

View a film about the Lewis & Clark expedition.

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge - Friday, 4:30 P.M.

Walk across this first pedestrian bridge to link two states, and view the Missouri River. Read the informative signs and learn about the river’s history and ecology.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo - Saturday – 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Tickets must be purchased by October 15.

Price: 7th grade thru Adult - $6.75, 3 years old to 6th grade– $5.25, Birth to 2 years old – free

Visit the world's largest indoor rainforest. Walk on the jungle floor. Then move through the midlevel of the jungle and finally experience life in the canopy level of the jungle trees. See both the world’s largest desert and nocturnal exhibits, plus other world-class exhibits including the Scott Aquarium, Hubbard Orangutan Forest and Gorilla Valley, Lozier IMAX Theater, Cat Complex, Bear Canyon and more. Experience the Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion which opened in spring 2008.

Accommodations: Settle Inn & Suites, 500 – 30th Avenue, Council Bluffs, Iowa. AMENITIES include free deluxe continental breakfast, indoor pool and hot tub, guest laundry, free 24 hour coffee, fax/copy/message services, large lobby with fireplace, vending machines, TV, high-speed internet access and fitness center. Group rate: $74.95 for room, two queen, non- smoking. Tax is 12%. Call 888-980-5555 and ask for HERALD Homeschool group rate before 4/16/2010. Check in is 3:00 PM and Check out is 11:00 AM. Cancellation for groups is 72 hours prior to arrival; anytime after that, there will be a ½ day charge.

Other highlights that you may want to visit while in the Omaha area:

First National's Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park - The Park of bronze sculptures begins with a wagon train heading west, causing a heard of bison to stampede. The bison emerge onto Dodge Street where they flush a flock of Canada geese. The geese take flight and conclude with their flying into the First National Tower.

Kenefick Park - Two of the greatest locomotives ever to power the Union Pacific Railroad - Centennial No. 6900 and Big Boy No. 4023 - are on grand display with interpretive signage and surrounded by native plants and grasses.

Strategic Air & Space Museum - The Strategic Air & Space Museum provides visitors with exciting permanent and traveling exhibits.  Honor the past by surrounding yourself with history as you celebrate the future of aviation and space travel.  B-1, SR-71, B-52, B-36, MiG-21, FB-111, B-17, Apollo 009 as well as the proud history of the Strageic Air Command are part of the famous collection at the Museum. Visiting the museum:  34 Aircraft; Variety of Rockets & Missiles; Aerospace Display; World-Class Traveling Exhibits; Guided Public Tours; and Flight Simulators.

Lauritzen GardensOmaha’s Botantical Center - Beauty and tranquility are found in 100 acres of outdoor gardens including a rose garden, Victorian garden, children’s garden and an arboretum. It also includes an indoor floral display hall.

 

Canoeing on the Des Moines River

Thursday, May 13

Grades 5th and older Cost: $5.00/person

Required prerequisite - October 1

Experience a day as an explorer like Lewis and Clark. We will launch our canoes at Douds, for an eight mile float trip to Austin Park. As your canoe silently slips through the water, you will enjoy the natural beauty all round you and fun with friends. We will eat a picnic lunch on a sandbar.