Enrichment Trip
On Thursday, January 28th, fifty-eight eager fourth and fifth grade students from the Beatrice Public Schools enrichment program ventured to Omaha to participate in enjoyable learning activities. First the students took part in the Omaha Symphony’s Concerts for Youth - Music & Math: The Orchestral Game Show. Students were invited to actively participate in this experience through guided listening, direct questions, and interactive demonstrations. Two of our “music critics” have given their review of the event:
“I liked the Omaha Symphony because it was inspiring. They split us into groups.
It was a big challenge. The orchestra was unbelievable! We learned about measures
and time signatures. I remember them playing the Star Wars theme song at the end.
It was one of the best experiences of my life that I can’t even put into words.” (Riley)
“I enjoyed the Omaha Symphony. It was fun to have a friendly competition. I would
recommend it to my family.” (Nataley)
After eating lunch, we stopped briefly at the Union Pacific Train display on Interstate 80.
The students were able to view the inside of two different Union Pacific train engines.
“My favorite part was when we saw the Union Pacific trains. I like trains a lot.
My dad works as a conductor on a train.” (Jude)
“I also liked the trains. We got to go up close and look at them.” (Maddie)
The last activity for the day was a tour of the Mormon Trail Museum. We saw displays of the Winter Quarters where 4,000 people stayed waiting for the weather to improve so the Mormons could continue their journey to Utah. Several students were given the opportunity to pull a handcart, a replica of a cart used by approximately 3% of the travelers on the Mormon Trail. Students were reminded to keep a journal so people who read it in the future will have an understanding of what life was like in the early 21st century. We also visited the Mormon
Cemetery.
“I liked visiting the Mormon Cemetery. It was interesting to see the dates on the
headstones. I was surprised by the ages of some of the people who died. There
were a lot of children.” (Noah)
“My favorite thing we did is the Mormon Museum. I really think it’s interesting
how they kept traveling during hard times. I also thought it was interesting that
they didn’t take the Oregon Trail.” (Katie)
“My favorite part about the trip was the Mormon Trail Museum and the Winter
Quarters. I love history, pioneers, and anything that has to do with Nebraska and
the U.S.A back in the old days! It allowed me to know that you really had to work
for what you wanted and that it was really hard. It made my belief in God even
stronger than before, and taught me that our problems are nothing compared to
theirs. We don’t have to work hard for everything that we want. It’s like “Are
we even living?” I had a great time!” (Macy)
Obviously, this trip was a fun way to learn about music, trains and life on the Mormon Trail.