Archive: Around Town

The students and teachers of Ithaca’s eight elementary schools were out of their classrooms and exploring the Discovery Trail throughout the spring. Seven years ago the Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI) wanted to make the cultural resources of the community part of every child's school experience. At the same time, the Discovery Trail wanted to reach all children in the Ithaca City School District (ICSD).  Kids Discover the Trail! (KDT!) is the result of the unique collaboration between these three: IPEI, the Discovery Trail and ICSD.

Every elementary class, from Pre-K to Fifth Grade, has the opportunity to visit one of the eight Discovery Trail sites each year, with Fifth Grade classes visiting two.  Sites are matched with grade levels based on the best fit for meeting grade level New York State Standards and for matching content areas. These visits not only provide curriculum-based learning experiences but also promote understanding and respect among elementary students from different neighborhoods.  The pairing of children from two classrooms at different elementary schools introduces students to each other.  Most classrooms continue to build relationships across schools with "Buddy Up" activities in addition to their KDT! trips. IPEI through KDT! also funds “Buddy Up”.

"The Lab of Ornithology is an Ithaca, national, and world treasure.  The nature walk can bring wildlife to life, depending upon what's "hanging around" at the time.  The movies and the sound lab are highlights because they allow students to interact with the technology of seeing and hearing animals and birds that are far beyond the Ithaca environs,” expressed Marilyn Mayer whose Fifth Grade classroom at Northeast Elementary School pairs with a class from Caroline Elementary for their trip to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The students' exploration of the Lab of Ornithology ties into several New York State Science Standards including that "Science process skills should be based on a series of discoveries. Students learn most effectively when they have a central role in the discovery process."

Mayer also stated: “The trip to the Cayuga Nature Center is one of the best field trips of the Ithaca elementary school experience.  It's the perfect venue for students from different schools and varying backgrounds to get together.  The activities give students a goal to focus on, so there's no need to worry about making getting-to-know-someone small-talk.  Students come away from the day feeling energized and excited to go back to CNC.  The memories are powerful enough to last into middle school when the students can meet each other again.”  Northeast and Caroline students interact when they visit the Cayuga Nature Center to experience the low and high ropes course. The benefits of classrooms partnering through KDT! throughout elementary grades are especially evident as the students prepare for the transition to middle school.

“The Cayuga Nature Center's Team Challenge Program provides opportunities for students to work together to solve unique problems.  Leadership skills are honed, and friendships are born through the interactions of the day,” South Hill Elementary School teacher Jane Koestler said.

"The programs at both Cayuga Nature Center and the Laboratory of Ornithology at Cornell are terrific," says Susan Phillips whose Fifth Grade classroom at Enfield Elementary paired with a class from Fall Creek. "They get the kids outside, thinking, moving and working through team and individual challenges. It's more than just hands-on, it’s an actual, real-life, enriching experience".

Because classes are paired on most trips, some students have been together for KDT! since they entered school. They will continue to meet with students from this school for the next five years. Together they learn how to use the Tompkins County Public Library and how to find the resources they need by participating in a fun scavenger hunt.  This visit helps the students meet New York State Standards in English Language Arts related to collecting data, facts and ideas. With this KDT! trip each child received the KDT! Book "Library Lion”.   There’s also a large stuffed Library Lion perched atop a bookshelf.

Belle Sherman Elementary School parent Heather Zimar expressed that "Receiving 'Library Lion' was such a gift. It's a sweet book that teaches about welcoming new friends and understanding rules.  My daughter and I have read and enjoyed it together many, many times."

“I endorse the addition of providing books to kids - books that relate to each field trip.  The Climb is such an interesting and engaging book that most kids end up reading all three books in this trilogy.  The Peterson’s bird guide gives students a valuable opportunity to practice using a reference book and to read for specific information,” stated Connie Patterson, Cayuga Heights Elementary School Fifth Grade teacher.

Northeast parent Patricia Sipple’s daughter frequently reads “Digging Up Dinosaurs” by Aliki related to content of the Museum of the Earth trip in First Grade. She said, “The kids especially enjoyed the hands-on activity of brushing local rocks to look for fossils. They were really being paleontologists, and were so excited about their discoveries!"

KDT! is funded by gifts from local foundations, businesses and community members made to the IPEI; by gifts to the eight Discovery Trail organizations; and is supported by ICSD. The overall Program Sponsor for 2009 and 2010 was BorgWarner Morse TEC.

"Kids Discover the Trail! represents the best of what Ithaca and Tompkins County have to offer our children - equity, diversity, and a chance to experience eight world-class cultural organizations right here at home, all during their formative elementary years." says Sciencenter Executive Director and Kids Discover the Trail! Co-chair Charles Trautmann.

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