The fourth grade students made a visit to the 19th century with a field trip to the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm in Olathe. They learned why so many Americans went west to settle in the new land and got to experience firsthand how the early settlers traveled. The students headed west on the Oregon Trail where they learned what to pack in a covered wagon for the long trip, how to grind coffee beans and even helped cook eggs over an open fire.
On the Sante Fe Trail they learned about trading between settlers and Native Americans, and how goods were shipped as raw materials and then sold as finished products. They also got to practice cracking a whip as a Bull Whacker would have done.
While on the California Trail the students had the opportunity to learn the history of the Gold Rush and to pan for gold. The last highlight of the trip was a ride in a stagecoach.
It was an exciting day filled with old time fun and adventure!
On the Sante Fe Trail they learned about trading between settlers and Native Americans, and how goods were shipped as raw materials and then sold as finished products. They also got to practice cracking a whip as a Bull Whacker would have done.
While on the California Trail the students had the opportunity to learn the history of the Gold Rush and to pan for gold. The last highlight of the trip was a ride in a stagecoach.
It was an exciting day filled with old time fun and adventure!