| Learning history by exploring it first hand. |
For this year’s Michigan history study, the students researched a subject from Michigan history and presented a project to the class. They planned a trip to the Mackinac forts, earning money for the trip by selling cookies and coupon books. Here is an account of the experience:
For the Michigan projects, each student had to research his or her topic using a variety of non-fiction books, encyclopedias, the Internet, and primary sources. They could choose to build a structure or give an oral presentation using visual aids.The written research had to be submitted with a bibliography. The students were able to visit Colonial Michilimackinac, Fort Mackinac, and Historic Mill Creek after completing their projects. They stayed in a cabin with no electricity and only a wood stove for heat.
After visiting Colonial Michilimackinac the first day, we drove across the Mackinac Bridge and had dinner in St. Ignace. The next day, we boarded an early ferry for Mackinac Island, stopping for hot chocolate, since it was so cold!
At Fort Mackinac we watched rifle and cannon demonstrations, and visited replicas of soldiers' barracks, a school house, and Officers' Quarters. The students were intrigued by the "black hole", where soldiers were disciplined.
We rented bicycles and rode around the eight-mile perimeter of the island. After dinner in a homestyle restaurant and some souvenir shopping, we returned to the Wilderness State Park for a campfire.
On Saturday, the destination was Historic Mill Creek, where we saw a replica of a working sawmill.
The trip was an exciting way to learn--to plan a project and see it carried through to fruition, while learning important historical facts along the way. In addition, it gave the students an appreciation for Michigan's rich history and geographical importance.
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