Photos from the New Almaden Field Trip:
Our tour began by connecting how Ohlone people used cinnabar found in the area.
Cinnabar - the ore mined for mercury.
Discussing life in the mines. 100s of miles of tunnels down to 650' below sea level.
How to drill dynamite holes.
Electrically charged dynamite.
Visiting the house of an 1800's Victorian style life for the mining camp bosses.
Mercury mining Bingo.
Our walk in the neighborhood brought us past adobe houses (still lived in today) to mining equipment.
Cranking the kiln and condenser (where the mercury was extracted/vaporized from the ore)
Sharing about new information learned.
We ended our "educational" walk at the cemetery - our third cemetery this year.
The most notable tombstone (above) marked the burial of Bert Barrett. Barrett died many years later and was buried in a different location.
Kevin led the kids in "Ships & Sailors" before we packed up and began our journey home.
Much thanks to Kevin, Moira, Anne and James for driving today!
Upcoming Events:
Readathon, April 11: A day of reading. Students may come in pajamas and bring sleeping bags, pillow, a stuffed animal and of course, books for a day of lounging and reading. Adults are welcome to join us to read.
Schedule for Readathon:
- 8:30-8:45 - Set up cozy reading spaces
- 8:45-10:00 - Reading time with active break
- 10:00-10:20 - Special snack for Readathon
- 10:20-11:00 - 2nd Reading time
- 11:00-11:45 - PE
- 11:45-12:15 - Recess at the park
- 12:15-12:45 - Lunch
- 12:45-1:00 - Read aloud
- 1:00-1:30 - Reading with Buddies
- 1:30-2:00 - Choices
- 2:00-2:15 - Jobs and Dismissal
Save the Date: May 29, 6:00-8:30pm, Performance of Learning & 5th Grade Tribute
