The second graders had the opportunity to go on a field trip to Pictograph State Park. The field trip was split into four stations that they rotated to throughout the day. Our first station was the American Indian games where the students played Stick and Hoop and Run and Scream. They really enjoyed themselves whether it was seeing who could scream the loudest while running or who got the hoop on the stick the most. I especially enjoyed watching the students run and scream as far as they could with one breath.

Next we ate lunch. The students worked on their journals while they enjoyed lunch and then explored the area by climbing trees and spotting wildlife! 2 deer, a rabbit, a frog, but thankfully no snakes. From there we headed into the Visitors Center. The students learned about ancient artifacts found in the area, and then go to draw their own Spirit Bearer on the sidewalk outside.

Then the moment they had all been waiting for! It was our classes turn to see the caves. There were 3 caves that we got to see. The Pictograph Cave is the only cave in the park that has pictographs. Prior to the field trip the students made predictions of what the pictographs looked like and what they meant. I may have been more excited then the students to see them! We then headed to the Middle Cave and along the way we talked about the concretion on the rims. Concretions are spherical formed sedimentary rocks which we talked about in science. Finally we made it to the last cave, Ghost Cave. One theory how Ghost Cave got it's name is the echo you can hear when standing near the cave. We had a lot of fun yelling, making echoes and listening to them.

We packed up our backpacks, had a snack and visited the tepee and waited for the bus...and waited for the bus...and waited for the bus. Yes, the bus was a little late but we made it back on time.

I hope the students had many stories and fun facts to tell you when they got home! If you haven't been to the Pictograph State Park it is a great family trip and fun to see a bit of local history. I am sure your child would love to be your tour guide. Thank you to all the volunteers that were able to come along and enjoy the adventure with our class! You were all so much help and I hope that you can enjoy more field trips with us soon!