In a quest to bring history to life, third graders embarked on a field trip to Faust Park. This historic site from the 1800s offers a unique glimpse into the past with wagonloads of experiential learning along the way.
When students arrived at Faust Park, they were greeted by friendly guides dressed in period attire, who took the students on a tour of the Frederick Bates mansion. Third graders learned about Missouri’s early statehood and the life of its second governor. It was like stepping into a real-life history book!
Hands-on activities are always a highlight on field trips. Our students participated in traditional chores like corn grinding, using a two-person saw, and churning butter. They experienced firsthand what it was like living in the 1800s in the Louisiana Territory and how children of that era were expected to contribute to the survival of their families.
Students also enjoyed exploring the park’s historic log cabins, especially the Governor’s home. Lower School Teacher Meg Mottl shared, “This year’s focus was more on the life and home of the second governor of Missouri, Frederick Bates, and daily life for his family. Students learned about the separate kitchen and cooking tools, the smokehouse, the blacksmithing shed, the cistern for collecting rain runoff, and the ice house.”
The Faust Park field trip never fails to provide a memorable experience for our students and was a fun and engaging way to step back in time and connect with Missouri’s history!