2023-2024 Trips

After learning the history of the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, the civil rights era in Georgia, and MLK Jr.'s life and legacy in GA Studies, we ventured over to Auburn Avenue. We toured MLK's childhood home, learned about the history of  Fire Station No. 6, visited the tomb of MLK Jr. and Coretta Scott King, saw the everlasting flame monument, and explored the Civil Rights Walk of Fame. We even read poetry on display to relate back to our ELA curriculum. 

We visited Arabia Mountain to learn about the ecosystems of a granite outcropping and to apply our knowledge from science class to hands-on activities on the mountain. We examined the different stages of weathering pits on the mountain. After hiking to the top of mountain, we applied our ELA knowledge of figurative language and paragraphing to create descriptive writing pieces about the mountain. 

We went down the street to Oakland Cemetery to where we heard stories of Atlanta’s past. In GA Studies, we learned about notable individuals and groups involved in the settlement and development of Atlanta and we were able to apply this knowledge during the trip. We tied in ELA by discussing symbolism and vocabulary related to the cemetery. We used critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as thinking interdependently, to complete a scavenger hunt throughout the cemetery. 

We packed up and traveled to the North GA Mountains to experience what we have been learning about the Appalachian Mountain region in GA Studies. We spent the day at Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center to learn about Appalachian culture in Georgia. We loved all the hands-on experiences, including weaving, black smithing, using original Appalachian tools, and being able to truly explore the land and monuments. That afternoon, we went to Andy's Trout Farm where we applied some science knowledge and fished for our dinner! The next morning we hiked Tallulah Gorge State Park to integrate the history and geology that we learned in science. We ended the trip with a delicious meal at Oinker's BBQ! 

After learning about the history of drive-ins in Atlanta, we were treated to a delicious meal at The Varsity. It was the perfect way to end the first semester!

After learning about President Franklin D. Roosevelt and polio in GA Studies, we ventured down to Warm Springs, GA to visit FDR's Little White House. We also applied our knowledge of the geology of the warm springs as we visited the pools and were even able to feel how warm the water is! We used problem solving skills to complete an assignment on the Walk of Flags. 

After an extensive unit in science, we incorporated our hydrology knowledge with current events at Westside Park. As we explored the park, we saw the quarry that is now an emergency water supply for the city of Atlanta. During this field experience, we used discussion to make connections to both classwork and current events. 

Barry Stewart Mann is a talented performer who came to campus to re-enact President Jimmy Carter's political life. This was the perfect opportunity for the history we've learned in GA Studies to truly come to life!

After researching the produce grown in Georgia, we each selected a product and made a recipe highlighting that ingredient. We had a busy day tasting all of the delicious dishes we all prepared! We read the descriptive paragraphs we wrote in ELA highlighting the cuisine we made and watched the produce commericals we created in class! 

We set foot to the wooded trails of Sweetwater Creek State Park and followed the stream to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill burned during the Civil War. Beyond the mill, we hiked the trails and saw the beautiful views of the beautiful rapids below. Our iPad assignments combined our knowledge we learned in GA Studies and in Science throughout the year. 

After learning about the life and art of Georgia artist, Howard Finster, we visited The High to see his work in person. We loved seeing a few of his many (46,991!) works of art along with folk art from other well-known artists. 

After learning about the many public art exhibits on the  Westside Beltline, we set out to see them ourselves! We also integrated our prior knowledge of botany and identified different plants we've learned about in science.