Our intrepid third-grade historians enjoyed an exciting field trip to Missouri’s state capitol on Thursday, April 2. After learning about cultural regions of long ago and the regions of the United States today, third graders study the state of Missouri in depth (natural features, natural resources, Missouri history, important people of Missouri, and Missouri government). This field trip brings learning about their state to life.
Third graders, their teachers, and chaperones left bright and early, enjoying snacks on their two-hour bus ride to Jefferson City, where they kicked off the day with tours of the Capitol buildings, including an area developed by the Missouri History Museum.
They got to see the rotunda, an inspiring space that leads to the Hall of Famous Missourians, the House lounge, and the House of Representatives itself. Their tour guide explained how a legislative session works before leading all the third graders into the chambers to observe a live session.
Students also enjoyed the magic of the Whispering Gallery, a uniquely designed space beneath the Capitol dome that allows sound waves to travel along the curved walls, enabling visitors to hear whispers from others across the 100-foot expanse.
A visit to Senator Tracy McCreery’s office was a highlight. McCreery serves District 24, which includes Creve Coeur, Des Peres, Fenton, Frontenac, Glendale, Huntleigh, Kirkwood, Maryland Heights, unincorporated St. Louis County, Sunset Hills, Valley Park, Westwood, and Ladue, where MICDS is located. Their meet-and-greet included time for questions and to take a group photo. They also enjoyed lunch at tables and chairs set up in the hallway outside Senator McCreery’s office!
Next up: a tour of the Missouri Governor’s mansion and of the Jefferson’s Landing Interactive Exhibit. The Missouri Governor’s Mansion is one of the few executive residences in the United States open to the public. It has been the official residence of Missouri’s Governors since 1872 and is one of the oldest governors’ homes in the United States. It was completed in late December 1871. The cost, including some of the furnishings, was $74,960. The Mansion was designed by noted St. Louis architect George Ingham Barnett and is an example of Second Empire architecture, a style characterized by the patterned mansard roof popular in the 1860s. The original three-story structure was built to accommodate 13 bedrooms, with no bathrooms or closets. The home includes a freestanding winding stairway with a hand-carved black walnut banister, marble fireplaces, elaborate 17-foot ceilings, and handsome Renaissance Revival furnishings.
Jefferson’s Landing is a former general store that has been turned into an interactive museum. A guide led the students through the museum, explaining exhibits along the way.
The academic portion of the field trip included a stop at the Missouri State Supreme Court. The Supreme Court Building in Jefferson City became a permanent home for the Court at its completion in 1907, using funds from the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Students toured the building, including the beautiful light-filled library, and students in 3B were surprised when their tour guide invited them to take a peek at the Senate in action!
Finally, this exciting day was capped with a visit to Central Dairy. Students enjoyed ice cream cups on their long bus ride home.
Once back on campus, students recorded what they noticed, filling an outline of the state of Missouri with words, images, questions, ideas, observations, and wonderings from the day. They expanded those notes into writing expository paragraphs about the adventure as a whole.
What a wonderful experience filled with new sights and great learning!