Our Journey to Springfield

    Last week in fourth grade, we took our first field trip in three years to our state capitol, Springfield, IL. Throughout this school year, fourth graders have learned about Illinois' geography, as well as government and history. For example, students learned about the Ice Age of Illinois and its impact on our state's geography in our second social studies unit. In addition, students learned about President Lincoln's impact on our country and his personal connection to Springfield. 

    Our first stop was at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The museum features exhibits surrounding Lincoln's life and his impact on our country, as well as many important artifacts from his time. Lincoln's Presidential Museum is the most popular presidential center in the nation, visited by past presidents such as George W. Bush and Barack Obama. 

Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary, with their son Willie.

Writing the "Emancipation Proclamation"

The Lincoln Family

    After visiting the museum, we visited the Illinois State Capitol. Our state capitol contains the legislative and executive branches of our state government and the primary chambers for our House of Representatives, Senate, and Governor. While visiting, we were given a tour of the building from top to bottom. Fourth graders learned about the building's architecture, how meetings work in the House of Representative Chamber, and the meaning behind all the colorful artwork. 

    For our third visit, we went to Lincoln's Tomb. Abraham Lincoln, as well as almost all his immediate family members, are buried in the tomb. The tomb has been a National Historic Landmark since 1960 and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1966. 

    Outside, at the foot of the tomb, is a large bronze statue of Lincoln's head. During World War II, soldiers traveled to Lincoln's Tomb to rub the statue's nose for good luck and a safe return home. Since then, visitors have rubbed his nose to bring themselves luck. Because of previous research, students already knew about the "golden nose", making it even more exciting when they were each given the opportunity to rub Lincoln's nose!

    Our final stop was at the Illinois State Museum. The museum provides students with an educational experience that is based on objects, stories, and activities of those who have settled in our state over the last 300 years. The activities throughout the museum provided students with opportunities to understand why people in our state make the choices they do, as well as how those choices affect lives of people in their community and themselves. Fourth graders were excited to make connections and see artifacts on content they learned in science and social studies.

     Our field trip to Springfield was a blast, and students learned more than they anticipated! The following school day, fourth graders completed a field trip reflection using the digital app, SeeSaw.