Teachers - If you enjoy our EdVentures and would like to setup your own virtual field trips and guest speaker events for your classroom, be sure to check out the full list of Kansas museums and organizations who are ready to connect with you. There are several opportunities and most of them are FREE of cost. YAY!
We are excited that Kansas Day is right around the corner! To celebrate, we are offering a series of amazing virtual field trips and guest speakers for grades PK-8, covering a range of fascinating topics such as History, ELA, STEM, Fine Arts and Careers. Everyone classroom is welcome to join us on Monday, January 30th to have a great time and learn something new. We hope to see you there!
TEACHERS - All live event sessions will be recorded and available for on demand replay within one hour. Recordings will be accessible for the remainder of the school year.
ON DEMAND SESSIONS - Available all day
Home on the Range with Friends University Education Majors
Kansas Author and Illustrator Grant Snider
Kansas Author and Illustrator Sheila Wagner and Scott Dawson
Kansas Day Symbols with the Kansas State Historical Society
Wichita Symphony Kansas Day Edventure
Home on the Range Sing-a-Long
Oh Where, Oh Where is Kansas? Sing-a-Long
Amelia Earhart - BrainPOP Jr
State Fossils of Kansas with Exploration Place
Keeper of the Plains
Discover the Beauty, History, and Science at the Khica Family Carousel at Botanica
LIVE SESSIONS - Simply click on the links and join the live calls (scroll down below the On Demand videos to find the live events)
9:30-10:00
Kansas State Symbols with the Kansas Historical Society
10:30-11:00
I is for Ike with the Eisenhower Foundation
Let's Discover More About the State Animals with the Great Plains Nature Center
11:30-12:15 LUNCH AND LEARN
Let's Go on a North American Prairie Safari with the Sedgwick County Zoo
1:00-1:30
Kansas Author Visit: Cathy Feemster Best for 2nd Grade
2:00-2:30
A Kid's Life in Early Kansas with Old Cowtown Museum Best for 2nd Grade
ON DEMAND SESSIONS - Available all day
Home on the Range with Friends University Education Majors
Wichita Symphony Kansas Day Edventure
Home on the Range Sing-a-Long
Amelia Earhart - BrainPOP Jr
State Fossils of Kansas with Exploration Place
Keeper of the Plains
Discover the Beauty, History, and Science at the Khica Family Carousel at Botanica
Native People of the Plains
Famous Kansans - A Kansas Day Tribute
Learn to Draw a Bison with Wichita CityArts
William Allen White and the Red Rocks State Historic Site
LIVE SESSIONS - Simply click on the links and join the live calls (scroll down below the On Demand videos to find the live events)
9:30-10:00
Kansas State Symbols with the Kansas Historical Society
The Kansas Comet's Roommate with the Pro Football Hall of Fame NOTE - this session runs until 10:15
A Vote for Susanna with the Dwight D Eisenhower Foundation
Preserving Kansas Places with the Kansas State Historical Society - Best for Grades 4-5
10:30-11:00
Kansas Virtual Author Visit: Dustin Wilgers Presented by Watermark Books and Café
Son of the Sunflower State: Senator Bob Dole
Learn About Kansas Agriculture with Farmer Sharon: Presented by the Kansas Corn Commission
Then & Now in Kansas with the Kansas State Historical Society
11:30-12:15 LUNCH AND LEARN
Let's Go on a North American Prairie Safari with the Sedgwick County Zoo
1:00-1:30
Dr. Goddard's Lab with the Kansas Cosmosphere
Let's Discover More about Kansas State Animals with the Great Plains Nature Center
Famous Kansans with the Kansas State Historical Society Best for Grades 4 & 5
Kansas Author Visit: Cathy Feemster
2:00-2:30
A Kid's Life in Early Kansas with Old Cowtown Museum
Growing Up in Kansas, 1870-1910 with the Kansas State Historical Society
Let's Go on a Tour of Textron Aviation
ON DEMAND SESSIONS - Available all day
Wichita Symphony Kansas Day Edventure
Home on the Range Sing-a-Long
State Fossils of Kansas with Exploration Place
Keeper of the Plains
Discover the Beauty, History, and Science at the Khica Family Carousel at Botanica
Native People of the Plains
Famous Kansans - A Kansas Day Tribute
Learn to Draw a Bison with Wichita CityArts
William Allen White and the Red Rocks State Historic Site
Charles Curtis, the 1st Native American Vice President from CBS Sunday Morning
Tragic Prelude Mural at the Kansas Capitol Building
Kansas Oil Museum Tour
LIVE SESSIONS - Simply click on the links and join the live calls (scroll down below the On Demand videos to find the live events)
9:30-10:00
Preserving Kansas Places with the Kansas State Historical Society
The Kansas Comet's Roommate with the Pro Football Hall of Fame NOTE - this session runs until 10:15
10:30-11:00
Learn About Kansas Agriculture with Farmer Sharon: Presented by the Kansas Corn Commission
Then & Now in Kansas with the Kansas State Historical Society
11:30-12:15 LUNCH AND LEARN
Let's Go on a North American Prairie Safari with the Sedgwick County Zoo
1:00-1:30
Dr. Goddard's Lab with the Kansas Cosmosphere
Famous Kansans with the Kansas State Historical Society
A Native Kansan Service His Country - Senator Bob Dole
2:00-2:30
Growing Up in Kansas, 1870-1910 with the Kansas State Historical Society
Let's Go on a Tour of Textron Aviation
3-5 Grade Teachers - We have a thinking scaffold for your students to fill out during the day.
Google Doc Users - Get a Copy of the 2023 Kansas Day 3-5 Listening Guide
Microsoft Word Users - Download the 2023 Listening Guide Here - Choose File - Download - Microsoft Word
Special thanks to our friends in Junction City, Kansas for sharing this idea with us.
These are accessible for the entire day. Simply click the link to view at your convenience.
Teachers be sure to also visit the Kansas State Historical Society to find additional resources such as
Make and Take Items
Kansas Day Bingo Cards
Virtual Tours of the Kansas State Capitol
NearPod Lessons (both teacher led or self-paced)
Santa Fe Trail Videos
Kansas Historical Society provides a variety of education resources and opportunities for all ages. Visit KSHS.org or contact Education.KSHS.Education@KS.gov for more information.
GRADES 2-5
The people who started Kansas believed that not just anyone could live here. What defines a person who lives in Kansas and how did those expectations come to be? State symbols and folk characters reveal historic “Kansas Character.”
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
GRADES 2-8
Come check out some of the coolest science experiments that celebrate Kansas geology, wheat, and wind.
TEACHERS - if you use this video for either showing in class or doing the experiments live with students complete this short survey letting Exploration Place know your thoughts. They would love to hear from you!
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
Grades PK-5
Music
Happy Kansas Day! Join Friends University's Music Education majors as they take you on a journey exploring the origins of Kansas's beloved song "Home on the Range".
Make sure to watch the end for a special treat (hint: it includes an original arrangement)!
Instagram: FriendsU_Finearts
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
Grades PK-2
ELA, Art
Join Wichita author-illustrator Grant Snider as he shares how he was inspired to write his first picture book What Color Is Night? and look for some familiar Wichita landmarks! He will also share his latest picture book There is a Rainbow that is the hopeful book we all could use right now.
Purchase copies of Grant Snider's Books from Watermark Books and Cafe
TEACHERS - Download the There is a Rainbow Activity Kit for more resources.
Twitter
@watermarkbooks
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
Grades PK-2
ELA, Art
Vist Cowskin Creek Clydesdale Farm and meet the inspiration for the book Clay's Mustache written by Sheila Wagner. Find out if Clydesdales really have mustaches? What does a baby Clydesdale look like? Find out about illustrator Scott Dawson and his fabulous artwork!
Purchase copies of Sheila Wagner's and Scott Dawson's Books from Watermark Books and Cafe
Twitter
@watermarkbooks
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
Grades PK-K
Social Studies
This kindergarten lesson introduces eight Kansas symbols through short expository texts that are read to the students. The lesson is a virtual adaptation of our Read Kansas! lesson P-3: Kansas Symbols Bingo. This video can be used in conjunction with the complete Read Kansas! lesson or separately. You can use this video to encourage class discussions of the texts.
TEACHERS - Download free PDFs of this Read Kansas! lesson
Twitter @KansasHistory
Instagram @Kansas_History
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
Grades PK-8
Music, Careers
Join us for an extraordinary tour with the Wichita Symphony as they share with us a Kansas Day Musical Edventure. We will meet Dr. Timothy Jones, Associate Concertmaster of the Wichita Symphony and Associate Professor of the Violin at Wichita State University and Film Composer Dr. George S. Clinton who was inspired to write a musical piece after visiting Wichita's Old Cowtown Museum. His "Old Cowtown Suite" is fantastic!
Twitter @WichitaSymphony
YouTube @Wichita Symphony Orchestra
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
Grades PK-8
Music, Social Studies
Join us in a sing-a-long of our state song, Home on the Range.
Teachers - Be sure to check out this lesson plan from the Kansas Historical Society about the history of this classic song.
And to know more about the original site where the poem was written, visit the Home on the Range Cabin online.
Twitter @KansasHistory
Instagram @Kansas_History
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
Grades PK-2
Music, Social Studies
This sing-along video is a great introductory lesson in Kansas geography that will teach kindergarten students how to find Kansas on a map. This video directly correlates to our Read Kansas! lesson P-02: Where is Kansas?
TEACHERS - Download the complete lesson plan along with worksheets.
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
Grades PK-3
Social Studies
Discover the amazing story of Famous Kansan, Amelia Earhart,who was an incredible trailblazer and the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
Grades PK-8
STEM
What creatures roamed the plains of Kansas millions of years ago? Well they mostly swam and soared as the Sunflower State was part of the Western Interior Seaway. Join Brooke as she dishes the dirt on what fossils are commonly found in Kansas. Plus follow along with a sweet dino digging activity.
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
Grades 2-8
Art, Social Studies
The Keeper of the Plains is the icon of Wichita. Commissioned to be built as a beautification project in the 1960's, construction was completed in 1974. The Keeper of the Plains faces the rising sun, which is of importance to the Native American culture. There are several subtle features around the Keeper of the Plains; the bridges that connect visitors to the the sculpture were made to look like a bow and arrow; its location is at the confluence of the Little Arkansas River and Arkansas River where legend has it, this was a popular hunting area.
Visit Wichita shares more information on The Keeper of the Plains.
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
Grades PK-8
STEM, Social Studies
Join us at Botanica Wichita for a historical ride on the Khicha Family Carousel, a 40-foot, 36-horse, 2-chariot Allan Herschel carousel that is the only one of its kind left in existence. This STEM focused lesson will feature simple machines, number sense, and a good dose of fun. Come join us!
Twitter @BotanicaWichita
Instagram @BotanicaWichita
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
Grades 3-8
Social Studies
Grammy® Nominated, Native American singer-songwriter Joanne Shenandoah narrates this video on Native Peoples of the Great Plains. The daily lives and cultures of America’s Native Peoples come to life for students through reenactments recorded at Native American living history museums and villages.
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
Grades 3-8
Art, Music, ELA, Social Studies, Science
Happy Kansas Day, everyone! "Famous Kansans" is a video produced for the 150th birthday of Kansas in 2011. It was part of the "Home on the Range" Sesquicentennial celebration staged by the Kansas Chapter of the Western Music Association. Thousands of people enjoyed the performances in Hutchinson and Wichita.
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
Grades 3-8
Art
Join Alisha Gridley from Wichita CityArts for a bison drawing lesson. Students will need paper, a pencil, and some crayons, markers, or colored pencils for this session. We cannot wait to see what you create!
Teachers - we invite you to share some of the drawings on social media. Be sure to tag CityArts in your posts and include our #edventure hashtag.
Twitter: @CityArts
Instagram: @WichitaCityArts
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
Grades 4-8
ELA, Social Studies
Learn about William Allen White, an influential American newspaper editor, political commentator, and author while we take a tour of his home in Emporia, Kansas.
Twitter @KansasHistory
Instagram @Kansas_History
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
Grades 6-8
Social Studies
Elected in 1928, Charles Curtis became the first, and only, Native American Vice President of the United States. After being raised among the Kaw Tribe in Kansas, he stayed in Topeka to live with his White father's family. His professional and political rise (from lawyer, to Congressman and Senator, to Herbert Hoover's running mate) was swift and compelling. Correspondent Mo Rocca looks back at the incredible life of Curtis, and the not-always-positive impact he had on Native American peoples.
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
Grades 6-8
Art, Social Studies
Tragic Prelude, featured on the second floor of the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka, is considered one of John Steuart Curry’s best murals. However, the painting’s rich symbolism was so heavily criticized throughout the 1930s and 1940s that Curry left without completing the murals planned for the rotunda. He even refused to sign the two murals he completed.
Take your class on a tour with Capitol Visitor Center Coordinator Joe Brentano, as he explores the history behind the mural and the symbolism depicted in it.
TEACHERS - Be sure to check out additional information about the mural from the Kansas Historical Society.
Twitter @KansasHistory
Instagram @Kansas_History
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
Grades 6-8
STEM, Careers, Social Studies
The Kansas Oil Museum is the one of the largest museums in the state with a focus on the history of America's early 20th-century oil industry. We also preserve and interpret the history of Butler County, Kansas, from the earliest days of the Native American tribes and the pioneers, to small-town and ranch life of the 1900s.
Follow along with curator Suzanne Walenta and Kenneth Spurgeon as we see exhibits from the people of early Kansas to the discovery and history of oil in Kansas.
TEACHERS - Be sure to check out more information on the Kansas Oil Museum website.
Twitter @BCHistory_KSOil
Teachers - If the video doesn't play properly, try accessing it through this Google Slideshow
NOTE: Sessions are subject to change based on guest speaker availability, technology issues, and weather conditions
A symbol is something that stands for something else. Just like your school or favorite sports team, states have symbols too. Students will learn a sense of place and identity as they explore all 23 official state symbols, like the sunflower, American Bison, and many more.
Presenter - Trae Johnson, Asst. Director of Education and Outreach
Twitter @KansasHistory
Instagram @Kansas_History
This YouTube Video is the recording from this session.
If it doesn't play properly, you can access it on this Google Slideshow
In 1887, the state of Kansas gave women the right to vote in municipal elections. But some men in the city of Argonia, Kansas, didn't think women should have a say in choosing their next mayor, so they put a woman on the ballot―as a joke. The men would soon find the joke was on them! This is the true story of a woman who stood up for her right to vote and accomplished so much more.
Presented by the Eisenhower Foundation
Twitter @EisenhowerFound
Instagram @EisenhowerFoundation
This YouTube Video is the recording from this session.
If it doesn't play properly, you can access it on this Google Slideshow
This program examines the relationship between Gold Jacket Gale Sayers and his teammate Brian Piccolo. Not only will students examine the historical implications of being one of the first black/white roommates in the NFL, but also the character traits each of these players displayed in order to overcome adversity both on and off the field.
Presented by the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Twitter @ProFootballHOF
Instagram @ProFootballHOF
This YouTube Video is the recording from this session.
If it doesn't play properly, you can access it on this Google Slideshow
Explore a few unique places across the Sunflower State including tipi sites, a movie theater, and Big Brutus; and then discuss why they’re so important and why we preserve them. In the U.S. we use the National Register of Historic Places to preserve and protect historically significant places. Travel around Kansas with Jamee Fiore, the National Register Coordinator in Kansas, and learn what type of places Kansas has considered worthy of preserving.
Presenter - Jamee Fiore, National Register Coordinator
Twitter @KansasHistory
Instagram @Kansas_History
This YouTube Video is the recording from this session.
If it doesn't play properly, you can access it on this Google Slideshow
NOTE: Sessions are subject to change based on guest speaker availability, technology issues, and weather conditions
IKEducation presents an interactive story time that introduces our youngest historians to the life of Dwight D. Eisenhower through primary sources and the alphabet.
Presented by the Eisenhower Foundation
Twitter @EisenhowerFound
Instagram @EisenhowerFoundation
This YouTube Video is the recording from this session.
If it doesn't play properly, you can access it on this Google Slideshow
Let's explore some awesome animal facts with Kansas' state symbols.
Twitter @GPNatureCenter
Instagram @GreatPlainsNatureCenter
This YouTube Video is the recording from this session.
If it doesn't play properly, you can access it on this Google Slideshow
It is a pleasure to welcome Kansas author Dustin Wilgers to our event.
About the Book:
Savanna Spider loves science! After a rocky start to her first day of school, Savanna is going to have to think like a scientist to get through the day. Follow Savanna as she learns all about her friends at Arthur O. Pod Elementary School.Kids will love reading this story so much they won’t even realize they are learning science at the same time. “Science Behind the Story” pop ups throughout the book explain the real science behind this fun and engaging story about a little spider scientist. Kids will learn it is never too early to be curious and look at the world through the eyes of science.
About the Author:
Dustin Wilgers' mission is to improve science literacy through education. His books follow the adventures of a young scientist, Savannah, that happens to be his favorite animal, a spider. During each adventure, kids will learn about science and even a little about spider biology. Kids will love reading his stories so much they won’t even realize they are learning at the same time. Kids will learn it is never too early to be curious and look at the world through the eyes of science.
Dustin Wilgers' Facebook Page - 8-Leg Education
This session is provided by our partners at Watermark Books and Cafe.
Teachers - Visit Watermark Books and Café to find more of Dustin Wilger's Books
This YouTube Video is the recording from this session.
If it doesn't play properly, you can access it on this Google Slideshow
Celebrate Kansas Day by learning about a famous Kansan, Senator Bob Dole from Russell, who represented the Sunflower state for over 35 years in the U.S. Congress. Discover what an archive is and observe Kansas themed primary sources within the collections of the Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas.
Presented by The Dole Institute of Politics at Kansas University
Twitter @DoleInstitute
This YouTube Video is the recording from this session.
If it doesn't play properly, you can access it on this Google Slideshow
Students are invited to explore the largest industry in the state, agriculture! Join Farmer Sharon as she defines agriculture and why it is important to Kansas. Take a journey learning about the types of crops grown in Kansas and how you use them daily.
Twitter @KSCorn
Instagram @KSCorn
This YouTube Video is the recording from this session.
If it doesn't play properly, you can access it on this Google Slideshow
Artifacts can tell us a lot about the people who made and used them. Comparing similar Kansas artifacts from different time periods can help us see patterns of change and continuity over time. Join Lois Herr from the Kansas Museum of History to explore change over time.
Presenter - Lois Herr, Education Coordinator
Twitter @KansasHistory
Instagram @Kansas_History
This YouTube Video is the recording from this session.
If it doesn't play properly, you can access it on this Google Slideshow
NOTE: Sessions are subject to change based on guest speaker availability, technology issues, and weather conditions
Join Sedgwick County Zoo as they travel through the North American Prairie. We will learn about animals that call Kansas home while exploring adaptations that make it possible for them to live here.
Twitter @SedgwickCoZoo
This YouTube Video is the recording from this session.
If it doesn't play properly, you can access it on this Google Slideshow
NOTE: Sessions are subject to change based on guest speaker availability, technology issues, and weather conditions
About the Author: Cathy is the author of My Friend Rachel, By Shep the Dog, a story that follows Rachel and Jake as they discover that friendship is the most important part of their lives.
About the Book: The year is 1901, and Shep, the dog, is welcomed into a family that lives on a farm on the Kansas prairie. Follow his adventures with Rachel and Jake as they discover that friendship is the most important part of their lives. Author Cathy Feemster brings to life the true story of her grandmother's beloved dog, Shep. This isn't just another fun book about a dog. It is meant for children, parents, caregivers, and friends to share the enjoyment of reading aloud or to themselves about true friendship.
Teachers - If you would like get copies of this book, it's available at Watermark Books and Cafe, Amazon, Target, and Barnes and Noble.
This YouTube Video is the recording from this session.
If it doesn't play properly, you can access it on this Google Slideshow
Let's explore some awesome animal facts with Kansas' favorite animal state symbols.
Twitter @GPNatureCenter
Instagram @GreatPlainsNatureCenter
This YouTube Video is the recording from this session.
If it doesn't play properly, you can access it on this Google Slideshow
Students take a trip back in time to the 1930s lab of Dr. Robert Goddard, the father of modern rocketry. This interactive show uses live demonstrations on a journey through the history of rockets.
TEACHERS - Download your Foam Rockets lesson plan
Twitter @The_Cosmosphere
Instagram @The_Cosmosphere
This YouTube Video is the recording from this session.
If it doesn't play properly, you can access it on this Google Slideshow
When most people think about famous Kansans, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Gordon Parks, and Amelia Earhart might come to mind. However, many other individuals have made significant contributions to our state. Learn the stories of some lesser-known Kansans whose actions resulted in national and international significance.
Presenter - Trae Johnson, Asst. Director of Education and Outreach
Twitter @KansasHistory
Instagram @Kansas_History
This YouTube Video is the recording from this session.
If it doesn't play properly, you can access it on this Google Slideshow
Explore the compelling life, career, and legacy of native Kansan Bob Dole, a World War II Purple Heart recipient, Senator, and Republican Leader with the Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas. Using artifacts directly from one of the largest Congressional archives in the United States, students will learn about how a small-town boy grew up into a respected and impactful national leader.
Presented by The Dole Institute of Politics at Kansas University
Twitter @DoleInstitute
This YouTube Video is the recording from this session.
If it doesn't play properly, you can access it on this Google Slideshow
NOTE: Sessions are subject to change based on guest speaker availability, technology issues, and weather conditions
Kids grew up in a time that is different than we do today, but many of the jobs and activities are the same . . . only different. We will explore several locations at Old Cowtown Museum to give a feel for a child’s life.
Twitter @WichitaCowtown
Instagram @WichitaCowtown
This YouTube Video is the recording from this session.
If it doesn't play properly, you can access it on this Google Slideshow
What was life like for children in Kansas during the late 1800s/early 1900s? How did children attend school and what did they learn? What did they do for fun? What did they wear and where did they live? Join Lauren Gray as she examines primary and secondary sources to find answers to these questions and better understand childhood experiences in early Kansas.
Presenter - Lauren Gray, Head of Reference, State Archives, KSHS
Twitter @KansasHistory
Instagram @Kansas_History
This YouTube Video is the recording from this session.
If it doesn't play properly, you can access it on this Google Slideshow
Textron Aviation has a long history of innovation and industry leadership in Kansas, having produced some of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history, such as the Beechcraft Bonanza and Cessna Citation. In this session, we'll go on location to take a tour of Textron's factory in Wichita.
Thanks for joining us for Kansas Day!
If you enjoyed these virtual field trip experiences, be sure to checkout our upcoming events and our archived recordings at https://www.usd259.org/virtuallearning. All of our Virtual EdVentures are completely free to teachers both near and far, so come join us!
~The Wichita Public Schools EdTech Team