No One Lost So Far!... Well, We Haven't Started Yet!
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No One Lost So Far!... Well, We Haven't Started Yet!
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October 03, 2009
Fourth Grade Field Trip Amazing
The fourth graders travelled to the Corn Maze east of Shallowater, Tx Wednesday, Sept. 30. Upon arriving, they were encouraged to visit the restrooms before they began the day. The old-fashioned, wooden outhouses that didn’t quite shut right did little to impress them! However, the students quickly regained their excitement as they entered the outdoor classroom carved into the tall, dense corn field. Mr. Simpson talked to them about how the maze was planned, how the corn was planted, and how the pattern was made into the field. He showed them a picture of the maze from the air. The pattern this year is a giant Raider Red with his guns up.
Then it was time for the kids to test their skills at conquering the maze. Navigating the first half was easy. We simply followed a popcorn trail that was left on the ground to use as a guide. The real challenge came in the last half as there was no longer a marked trail and no map. There were hints provided at certain spots if you could correctly answer questions from the classroom lesson. It got very confusing toward the end as the trails seemed to circle around themselves. Many cries of frustration, as well as lots of giggles and laughter, could be heard through the corn as groups of kids (that were sure of their course this time) would inevitably turn the corner to find themselves face to face with the same groups they just passed! It was great fun! As we neared the end, we were guided by the loud whooping and hollering of the groups that found the exit. Eventually, all of the students, and teachers, found their way.
The next adventure was the Corn Cannon. The students were unsure of what to expect from the long piece of pipe mounted on a swiveling post with an air hose attached to the end. They watched anxiously as the attendant shoved a piece of corn about four inches into the open end of the pipe, broke it off, then rammed it to the bottom with a long wooden stick. He said to aim it at one of the hay bales and push the red button. A loud whoosh followed as a corn cob went sailing into the air almost further than you could see. The startled kids all jumped back from the fence and laughed and were soon all eagerly awaiting their turn at the trigger. Some kids came back later to buy some more shots, but most chose to spend their extra money at the concession, or as one student said, the confession stand.
After a picnic lunch provided by the school cafeteria staff, the day ended with a hayride out to the pumpkin patch. The smell of tractor exhaust, dry hay bales, and the dusty road combined to remind me of the great times I had long ago on my granddad’s farm. We stopped and the students ran into the field to find the perfect pumpkin. Many found one immediately by the road, but as expected, a few had to go all the way to the other end of the field to find theirs. Eventually, all found their prize and we rode back to the maze. All in all, it was a fun, educational, tiring, a-maze-ing trip and I can’t wait to go again next year.
Mr. Hise, Principal
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