The Girdler Elementary third grade class visited the Lexington Children’s Museum located in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky. The Lexington Children’s Museum offers opportunities for students to play, explore, and learn through a variety of interactive exhibits. During their visit, GES students participated in a fun hands-on learning experiences in the “Around Kentucky Gallery” exhibit of the museum.
The “Around Kentucky Gallery” exhibit allowed students to take an imaginary trip down the Kentucky River. Students studied the history of hydroelectric power, learning water wheels have created power in the state of Kentucky since the 1700s and early Kentuckians used water wheels to grind corn and wheat, among other resources. Also, students discovered the serious problems water pollution causes for individuals living in the Kentucky River Watershed. After gathering new information, students experimented with the large water table designed to mimic the environment and actions of a river. Students created dams using wooden tabs to block and change direction of water flow. Additionally, they formed clean-up crews to clear the pollution along the imaginary river bank. Every student gained new knowledge on their home state, while experimenting with water.
The Lexington Children’s Museum had a unique and fascinating exhibit dedicated to our old Kentucky home. Not only did the exhibit offer information and hands-on experiences with the Kentucky River, the exhibit also featured life size horses with jockey attire for visitors to adorn, a make believe cave filled with minerals and nocturnal animals native to the state, and beautiful photos of foliage and scenery from around the area. The Girdler Elementary third grade students gained knowledge on their wonderful home, while having fun experimenting with their classmates. The museum provided an awesome learning experience for students and teachers in search of more information on the great state of Kentucky!
Tessa Terrell
Girdler Elementary School
Knox County
Third Grade
