🔭✨🎲 Third graders from Charles C. Bell Elementary School took learning to the stars during their first of two field trips to the Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS).
Funded through a no-cost grant partnership with GE Aviation, this visit deepened students’ understanding of their science unit through hands-on stations. They examined the eight planets through a large 3D model and discussed planetary attributes, investigated how the sun creates shadows using an interactive light-and-model exhibit, and enjoyed additional exploration time in the AMOS exhibit hall. The experience set the stage for students to design their own educational board games for the upcoming Galaxy Games.
“This field trip reinforced everything we’re learning in class in an interactive way,” said third grade teacher Tyler Wescott. “Students were asking deep questions and making connections we hadn’t even covered yet.”
Later this school year, students will design and build board games following one of three themes- “Journey Through the Solar System,” “Shadow Quest,” and “Starry Night.” They must include all of the educational elements of each topic while using principles of design to make board games that are aesthetically pleasing, educational, and entertaining.
“The experience really sparked curiosity,” Wescott said. “Students left excited for our second field trip, where they’ll showcase the board games they design based on what they learned.”
