Ironwood second graders play, learn at Wolverine

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP - Two classes of Ironwood second graders were able to get outside and enjoy the nice weather Wednesday when they took a field trip to Wolverine Ski Trail for some snowshoeing and a special science lesson.

The two classes, taught by Michelle Giackino and Tony Bunt, were mixed together and then divided into two groups. The first began by snowshoeing the Wolverine trails and then returned to complete a science experiment while the second completed the activities in the reverse order.

The experiment - which measured the insulation capabilities of fur, feathers and fat - was taught by Marcy Erickson, the field trip coordinator for the Western Upper Peninsula Center for Science, Math and Environmental Outreach. The organization, based at Michigan Technology University, serves the western U.P. counties by offering a variety of lesson plans for each grade and teachers can select which one they would like taught.

"We offer a whole range of field trips for each age group. So we sent out a brochure to teachers and they can just pick out a theme for their age group and then they just tell us 'OK, we want a field trip at this day and this time,'" said Erickson.

The lessons meet the state requirements, Bunt explained, while getting the students out of the classroom.

"What we did today, outside, would have been something we learned in the classroom, reading in our textbooks. But instead we actually got to get out and enjoy a little activity and learn the same thing," said Bunt.

It also gave the students an opportunity to get out and enjoy the warm weather.

"Oh yeah, (the students) enjoyed themselves," Blunt said laughing "... they enjoyed it, they got to see some pretty cool ice formations out there on the cliffs."