Megan Hysler’s remote first grade class explored space with the Amelia Park Children’s Museum. (PHOTO SUBMITTED)
WESTFIELD – The Amelia Park Children’s Museum took Abner Gibbs and Highland elementary school first graders learning remotely on a virtual tour this week in a two-day block for an Adopt a Classroom project.
Bridget Leahy, education manager, introduced Megan Hysler’s remote first grade class to the museum, with a special focus on its space exhibit. The culminating activity was a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) project where students createed and launched their own straw rockets out of materials provided by the museum. The museum also provided tickets to each of the students to visit in person.
“It was an amazing experience working with very bright children and educators from Westfield Public Schools. Their willingness to learn and adapt to virtual learning continues to amaze me,” Leahy said.
“This virtual field trip program was a unique, hands-on experience my students will never forget,” Hysler said, adding, “During this time of distance learning, I have found so much value in the ability to connect students with their community even while they are stuck at home. Thank you, Bridget, from Amelia Park, for giving my students this opportunity and engaging them in the world of space exploration.”
Remote first grader displays his straw rocket. (PHOTO SUBMITTED)
Adopt a Classroom is an initiative of the Westfield Education to Business Alliance. So far this year, businesses such as Peerless Precision and Western Mass Wright Flight have taken students in all grade levels on virtual tours into areas they might not have been able to visit in person.
Any business or organization that would be interested in doing an Adopt a Classroom project this year may contact Mary Keane at [email protected].
