3rd Grade with Ms. Evans
McKinley Thatcher partners with SPREE, South Platt River Environmental Education to offer students with nature based experiences throughout their elementary years. When students engage in high quality environmental education across multiple grades and in various venues, they are more successful in being critical thinkers, effective problem solvers, and have the knowledge and skills to be environmentally responsible decision makers.
The 3rd grade SPREE excursion takes place at Confluence Park in Downtown Denver. This excursion is an exploration of the birthplace of Denver at the confluence of the South Platte River and the Cherry Creek. During the morning, students rotate through 4 stations where they relive different parts of Denver's history leading up to the flood in 1864. During the afternoon, students learn about more modern Denver history as it relates to the South Platte River. Here is information and a video about our field trip.
FULL DAY “OUR COLORADO” EXCURSION:
Full day excursions consist of a half-day at Genesee Park and a half-day at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The purpose of the excursion is to experience plants and animals in their natural habitat, to learn about the living habits of plants and animals and to gain a greater awareness of the total environment. Students will actually be scientists, using science kits to make their own discoveries in the natural environment. This program allows the class approximately one and one-half hours of time on the trail at Genesee Park (West on I-70 @ the Chief Hosa Exit – near the buffalo overlook). The visit to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science offers the students opportunities to broaden the understanding of ecosystems, and touch buffalo’s hide and many other artifacts.
3rd grade will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to Bunk with the Beasts at the Denver Zoo! We will apply what we are learning in our studies in life science. Our 3rd grade team will spend the night exploring the Denver Zoo after hours and wake up to the sounds of animals for a behind the scenes tour of the zoo! This capstone experience is completely free for every student thanks to our wonderfully supportive PTA!