Pence 5th Grade Travels to Des Moines

Classes visited the Living History Farms and the state capitol

by Nathan Wear

The 5th graders would tell you they picked the coldest day to go on a field trip! On Friday, April 25, both 5th grade classes traveled to Des Moines for their annual field trip.

First stop on the trip was the Living History Farms. This creative village is set up to guide children on a tour through nearly 300 years of Iowa history. Students enjoy a tractor wagon ride to the Native American village where their tour begins. From there, they travel to the 1800's and then arrive in the 1900's. Along they way they examine how technology, farming, and life in Iowa changed throughout the year. The animals and exhibits along the way are a great hit with the students.

The tour ends at the village where students are treated to a variety of educational speakers that highlight what life was like in a rural Iowa town in the early 1900's. Students visited a blacksmith, the general store, the hat maker, the drugist (pharmacy) and also the town square, where we enjoyed a rather chilly picnic lunch.

From there, students traveled to the state capitol building where the tour guides led us through the halls, the old supreme court chambers, Gov. Culver's office, both house and senate chambers, and finally to the top of the gold dome. The kids were treated to the legislature still in session and were able to see our elected officials at work.

State Capitol Building, Des Moines, IA

Thanks to all that helped with the trip! A special thanks to Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Donels, Mrs. Weber, and Ms. Freeman for their help organizing this special event for the students!