April 29, 2014
In our efforts to understand the changes over time in the Islands, we are starting to collect oral histories from local Islanders. As part of our study, we have a borrowed collection of pictures from calendars published by the Rotary Club several years ago. Below is a link discovered while poking through the Vermont Historical Society website. Some of the photos are very interesting, some more landscape-like, but, all from the 20th century. Click and enjoy!
In our efforts to understand the changes over time in the Islands, we are starting to collect oral histories from local Islanders. As part of our study, we have a borrowed collection of pictures from calendars published by the Rotary Club several years ago. Below is a link discovered while poking through the Vermont Historical Society website. Some of the photos are very interesting, some more landscape-like, but, all from the 20th century. Click and enjoy!
Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad
At the start of our unit of study about this amazing woman, we spoke of the great decisions and actions of many of the people in the past. These people have changed the world for the better, and we are all better for their personal sacrifices and bravery.
We've learned so much about this great woman and the period of time in which she lived, and ask you to consider what it is that one person, perhaps even you, could do to make a difference in the world today. As individuals we can all make a difference, alone, or with others who share our vision. We look forward to seeing what it is that you will do...
We've learned so much about this great woman and the period of time in which she lived, and ask you to consider what it is that one person, perhaps even you, could do to make a difference in the world today. As individuals we can all make a difference, alone, or with others who share our vision. We look forward to seeing what it is that you will do...
Here are a few links that you might enjoy exploring.
What's on our Social Studies agenda this year?
Updated - October 29, 2013
Our Social Studies unit has been keeping us pretty busy! We've visited again, the Block School, and had Miss Crabe for an engaging session of learning 1800's style! We were also treated to a tour one of the oldest log cabins in the country, our own Hyde Log Cabin, with our tour guide, Fay Chamberlin! The fire in the fireplace gave us a sense of the ambiance that one might have felt long ago.
We ventured North to the bridge that takes is to New York and to the Canadian border to reinforce the concept that we are a country, a state, a county, an island, and a town! Very big ideas to embrace, we found! We went on to investigate a little bit of the ancient history of the Champlain Islands with a trip to Goodsell Ridge on Isle LaMotte. Our guide, Linda Fitch, was a wealth of knowledge about life here 480,000,000 years ago! The information was mind boggling, and fascinating! We explored the site of Samuel de Champlain's first look at what is now Vermont, at the St. Anne's Shrine. We were treated to a haven from the cold in the newly renovated dining area at the Shrine. Our hostesses were excited to share their new facility with us, and gave each student a pencil, a postcard, and an information sheet about the Shrine.
The last leg of our trip landed us at the Grand Isle County Courthouse for a tour of the facility that helps to govern the Champlain Islands. We were met by Mrs. Potvin who showed us around the courtroom, the judges chambers and the jury's chamber. We then met Sheriff Ray Allen and his "canine unit" Tom. Pretty impressive!
Our study continues with a link to our science unit on interdependence. We will be working to create a field guide page that incorporates the interdependence of two organisms that inhabit the islands. We'll keep you posted on this as we get a little further along.
Our Social Studies unit has been keeping us pretty busy! We've visited again, the Block School, and had Miss Crabe for an engaging session of learning 1800's style! We were also treated to a tour one of the oldest log cabins in the country, our own Hyde Log Cabin, with our tour guide, Fay Chamberlin! The fire in the fireplace gave us a sense of the ambiance that one might have felt long ago.
We ventured North to the bridge that takes is to New York and to the Canadian border to reinforce the concept that we are a country, a state, a county, an island, and a town! Very big ideas to embrace, we found! We went on to investigate a little bit of the ancient history of the Champlain Islands with a trip to Goodsell Ridge on Isle LaMotte. Our guide, Linda Fitch, was a wealth of knowledge about life here 480,000,000 years ago! The information was mind boggling, and fascinating! We explored the site of Samuel de Champlain's first look at what is now Vermont, at the St. Anne's Shrine. We were treated to a haven from the cold in the newly renovated dining area at the Shrine. Our hostesses were excited to share their new facility with us, and gave each student a pencil, a postcard, and an information sheet about the Shrine.
The last leg of our trip landed us at the Grand Isle County Courthouse for a tour of the facility that helps to govern the Champlain Islands. We were met by Mrs. Potvin who showed us around the courtroom, the judges chambers and the jury's chamber. We then met Sheriff Ray Allen and his "canine unit" Tom. Pretty impressive!
Our study continues with a link to our science unit on interdependence. We will be working to create a field guide page that incorporates the interdependence of two organisms that inhabit the islands. We'll keep you posted on this as we get a little further along.
While 2nd graders traveled extensively last year, to the continent of Africa and back in time to Ancient Egypt, this year has our Social Studies units taking place closer to home. This is, of course, not to say that we won't be doing any traveling, our travel plans remain to be seen! The pictures below hold some hints about our Social Studies curriculum this year. It's nice to have connections from one year to the next!