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We took our SRBs on a fun and exciting field trip to Discovery World alongside other students and staff, where curiosity and hands-on learning came to life. Located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, Discovery World offered our group an unforgettable experience filled with interactive science exhibits, creative labs, and Wisconsin’s largest aquarium. Our students explored underwater worlds, walked through a Caribbean shark tunnel, created their own fish to put into the aquarium, watched storms across the different lakes, and discovered the wonders of science in new and exciting ways. It was a day full of exploration, learning, and laughter as everyone connected, played, and experienced the joy of discovery together.
HOT OR COLD
Students had the chance to explore the difference between hot and cold using an infrared camera. They interacted with a display that allowed them to touch objects and see the temperature differences in real-time. The students were amazed to see how their own bodies appeared on the camera, with colors changing to reflect temperature differences, and how these changes contrasted with objects in the background. It was a hands-on, visually engaging experience that brought the science of heat and energy to life!
POWERING UP
Teamwork made the dream work during this interactive activity! Students collaborated to generate speed, powering displays that reacted based on how fast they moved. The faster they went, the more responsive the displays became—but as soon as they stopped, everything came to a halt. From triggering police sirens to activating a blender sound, the activity was a fun and exciting way to show how working together leads to success and everyone HEARD their accomplishments.
PUSHING BUTTONS AND BLOWING MINDS
We had a blast diving into the world of power and control! Students got hands-on with machines powered by gas (pneumatic) for strength and electricity (electromotive) for precision. From servo motors to pneumatic pistons, rotary actuators, and even artificial muscles, they explored how each one works at the push of a button. Watching the different displays in action, everyone was amazed at how uniquely each machine moved and performed—bringing real-world technology to life right before their eyes!
BALL TRACK CHALLENGE
This display turned into a mini adventure as students were given balls to send through a obstacle course of twisting tubes and ramps! Each tube led in a different direction, and with the push of a button, they could change the paths to guide the ball just right. It took teamwork, strategy, and a bit of trial and error to figure out how to get the ball through the entire course. With lots of laughs and excitement, students worked together to create the perfect path—and celebrated every successful run.
WONDERS OF WARREN
Students had a blast learning about the Warren Johnson home system, discovering how smart technology makes everyday life easier and more fun. They got to see how this innovative system controls lighting, temperature, and security all at the touch of a button. Watching the house come alive with automated features sparked their curiosity and showed them how technology can create a comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient home. It was a cool hands-on experience that made the future of smart living feel real and exciting.
ALL ABOARD THE IMAGINATION EXPRESS!
Students hopped on the Imagination Express and took a fun-filled ride into the world of trains! From conductor vests and hats to “selling” pretend tickets, they were full steam ahead into their roles. With whistles blowing and creativity chugging along, they learned about how trains work while creating their very own rail adventure. It was a track-tastic experience where learning met imagination at every stop!
DIVE INTO UNDERWATER DISCOVERY
We journeyed through the aquarium exhibit, where students got a glimpse into the fascinating world of fish! From tiny swimmers to giant gliders, they were amazed by the wide variety of aquatic life and how each tank was specially designed to match the size and needs of its fishy residents. It was a splash of fun and curiosity as they explored the underwater world up close and experienced life from a fish’s-eye view!
POWER OF THE GREAT LAKES
Students dove into an exciting and immersive Great Lakes experience, where they learned about the weather and natural forces that shape the region. They watched in awe as rain fell from the ceiling, lightning flashed with bursts of light, fog rolled in as smoke, and thunder echoed through the room. Each lake had real water the students could touch, bringing the lesson to life in a hands-on way. This made them feel like they were right in the middle of a lakeside thunderstorm.
HANDS-ON with OCEAN LIFE
Adding to the excitement of hands-on learning, students had the incredible opportunity to touch and feel live sea creatures from ocean waters around the world—including stingrays, sea cucumbers, lobsters, and more! While some were a bit nervous at first, supportive staff and classmates stood by their side, offering encouragement and sharing the moment together. For many, it was their first time seeing these creatures up close, making it a memorable and safe experience full of discovery, bravery, and fun!
TURTLE TIME
One of the most exciting moments for our students was meeting and making a new shelled friend—a turtle! The curious little reptile quickly grabbed everyone's attention as they observed how it lives both in water and on land inside its aquarium habitat. With the help of an instructor, the turtle even came out to visit, giving the whole class a chance to gently pet it. The students were thrilled to interact up close, making it a memorable and heartwarming moment filled with smiles, excitement, and a newfound appreciation for this slow and steady creature.
CREATIVITY UNDER THE SEA
Students dove into a sea of imagination by designing and coloring their very own fish, then watching in amazement as their creations were scanned and brought to life on a giant animated aquarium screen! This hands-on activity quickly became a fan favorite, as each student’s unique drawing swam across the digital ocean alongside their friends’ colorful sea creatures. The bubbly sounds, bright visuals, and joy of seeing their artwork come alive created a magical experience they’ll always cherish. It was a perfect blend of art, technology, and underwater wonder!
OUR CREATIONS
BRAIN FUEL
Midway through their adventure, students enjoyed a well-deserved snack break to recharge and refuel their brains for the rest of their journey through Discovery World. It was the perfect chance to relax, share laughs, and chat about their favorite moments so far. This break not only gave them energy for more exploring but also created a great opportunity to bond with classmates and reflect on all the exciting things they had experienced together.
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