279Online elementary school students get hands-on with first field trip

On March 18, elementary school students from 279Online embarked on a fun learning adventure with their first ever field trip, funded through a District 279 Foundation grant. Thirty-seven students traveled to the Works Museum in Bloomington, where they explored the exciting world of science through hands-on activities. 

The trip began with a send-off from Ollie the Otter, the school mascot, who greeted scholars and waved as they boarded the bus. For many students, this was their first time riding a school bus. The joy was evident as scholars exchanged high-fives, hugs and smiles with their teachers, classmates and other staff members. 

At the Works Museum, students engaged in interactive learning focused on motion and sound. They built Newton’s Cradles and ear harps, discovering the power of perseverance and teamwork with encouragement from museum instructors. Through collaborative problem-solving, they constructed K’nex cars to race down a track and contributed to a Lego community art project. Students explored numerous museum exhibits where they demonstrated creativity and engineering skills.

Throughout the trip, students tinkered, collaborated and explored, embodying 279Online’s school-wide expectations while having fun. The trip served as a fantastic opportunity to bring learning to life and strengthen the bonds within the 279Online students and teachers.