2009-2010

Out Reach Programs

These programs will be presentors that will come to Tallwood for a hands on presentation.

*Ancient China

Have you ever wondered how we find out what happened in Ancient China?

Well the Second Grade classes at Tallwood Elementary will be taking an “in class field trip� this year to find the answer to this question and many more!! That’s right! The field trip is coming to our school!

In this exciting hands-on outreach program, Pat Young will introduce our classes to the world of Chinese archaeology. 

The students will "read" an antique Chinese robe as an artifact, demonstrate their map skills, draw Chinese characters , and even meet Qin Shi Huang Di, the First Emperor of China!

They will discuss how archaeologists explore the wonders of Ancient China including the Great Wall in a new multi-media presentation. 

Then the fun begins! Working in small groups, the students will become archaeologists and excavate Chinese inventions, art works, and more. 

It's fun for everyone, and an experience to remember!!!

*Sentara Nursing Home

On this trip we will be visiting the grandmas and grandpas that visit our school all year long. When we go they usually set up activities for the children to play and serve them cupcakes and juice at the end of their visit. The grandparents love watching the children play and laugh and fill their "home" with smiles and fun!

*The Pueblo People

How did the first Americans live in the dry deserts of the Southwest and how do they live today?

In this often-requested program, Pat Young will lead your students on an exciting exploration of the Pueblo culture.

First, a brief multi-media comparison of the Southwest, Plains and Eastern Woodlands Indian traditions. Then a close look at the Southwest desert landscape, ancient Anasazi cliff dwellings, early pueblo communities and the Pueblo people of today.

After discovering the Pueblo's never-ending need for rain, the students will relate their knowledge of the water cycle to a dramatization of "The Cloud Swallower" legend, discovery of Pueblo cloud motifs and examination of an authentic hemis katchina. 

And the Pueblo village itself? It will be constructed by the students! 

Working in small groups, they will produce individual sections complete with wooden beams. Grouped together, the red, sandy structure will be a realistic adobe community - ready to be sketched. And remembered! 

*Surviving The Great Plains

If you traveled back in time, what would you experience on the Great Plains?

Let Pat Young introduce your class to this ever changing environment - from the wooly mammoth to the buffalo to the First Americans who made the wind-swept prairie their home. 

On this journey, the students will meet "Effie", a charming wooly mammoth who will discuss with them the need to adapt to change. 

The buffalo will continue the story of survival in a multi-media presentation that clearly illustrates the extreme weather of the Great Plains - whirling tornadoes, blizzards, and towering thunderstorms - and their predators, the Sioux people.

Then in small groups, the students will unwrap buffalo "parts" and work quickly to complete a puzzle on the everyday items made with these materials.

The buffalo return briefly on screen to reveal their near demise, its effect on the Sioux people and a peek at how these resourceful people live today. 

Then the buffalo puzzle winners will show the class several unique Indian artifacts including a huge 1/2 hide of buffalo leather, an historical deerskin painting and a horned headdress.  It's like taking a trip out West with the whole class!