Learning is most impactful when it goes beyond the classroom, and becomes most memorable when experienced among friends.
School field trips, at almost any point of the year, quickly become some of the most memorable experiences of a student’s life. The chance to learn outside of the classroom, in the real world, has positive connotations of its own, but to do so along with friends and peers creates a lasting impact which will not soon be forgotten.
Such is the case for students of MMSA Lorraine, who visited the Michigan State Capitol. Just before Independence Day, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who participated in the Discovery Works Summer Program gathered to make the journey (of more than 100 miles) from Warren to Lansing, where the campus was left behind but the education and learning were on the horizon.
Learning about Government
Teaching about our working government can be as daunting as it is confusing. The houses of government, checks and balances, state and local representation, and the many governing bodies of the State all make for a recipe that is not easily consumed. However, when students have the opportunity to step inside the structure of Michigan’s history and government, then become a part of a live tour, then the facets of State leadership become far more clear.
These young and eager explorers visited the historic Capitol building and learned the framework of the government of the great State of Michigan. Along with the lessons learned in the classroom, a tour guide provided deeper insight into the history and importance of Lansing, and allowed students to familiarize themselves with the important work of their elected officials. The excitement, however, was not limited to the students. Some of the parent chaperones had not previously visited the State Capitol, so the trip carried forth an added benefit.
On this day, Lansing became more than just a town over 2 hours away. It transcended into the site of a meaningful, connective and immersive experience, where curiosity and learning enabled every participant to better understand their history and State government.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the amazing team at MMSA Lorrain, the parent volunteers, and to Discovery Works. It is because of you that opportunities like this are possible!
