Education

THE BIG IDEA:

Railroads have played a large role in the development of the United States from the industrial revolution in the northeast to the settlement in the west. Railroads have increased productivity, lowered costs, and have provided job opportunities in the communities in which they travel through. From personnel (dispatching and construction) to the train crew, railroad jobs were often (and still are) long hours and physically demanding. Students will learn more about jobs related to railroads by exploring photos and having facilitated discussions about railroad roles and responsibilities.

THE BIG IDEA:

Gears are rotating wheels with teeth that lock together to transmit torque and speed. When one gear is turned, the other gear turns and puts something into motion. Geared devices can change the speed, torque, and direction of a power source. Gears can be found in bicycles, cars, can openers, clocks, drills, and wind-up toys. Through discovery and conversation, young children can begin to understand how gears work and identify everyday items that function using gears.

THE BIG IDEA:

Shapes are all around us. We see shapes in stop signs, windows, tra c lights, and even buildings! Young children build foundation skills by looking for and naming shapes in authentic environments. Children can make observations at the train station or along railroad tracks to help students recognize and identify shapes and dimensions.

THE BIG IDEA:

Music and movement activities are a great way to help young children learn and develop their motor skills. Children also learn that movement is a way to communicate messages and represent actions using their body. As adults, we use singing and chanting as ways to help make routine activities and transitions smoother and more enjoyable for children. Music can help set the tone in the classroom. Quiet, calm music relaxes children, while loud, lively music initiates an active response. Students learn about train movement and other transportation movement by making observations and recreating movements using their body

THE BIG IDEA:

The earliest design of the sundial dates back thousands of years. They are one of the oldest known instruments for measuring time. The concept of measuring time using the sun and shadows can be traced to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Egyptians, and Babylonians. The first sundials were made of stone pillars that cast a shadow onto the ground. Later sundials included a shorter gnomon (the part that casts a shadow), pointed north, and were di erent shapes. Student’s understanding of the history and evolution of sundials and connection to current time telling tools can help them consider how science and technology has changed daily life.

THE BIG IDEA:

The transcontinental railroad changed the way people and goods traveled across America, saving people time and money. It was a monumental engineering feat that connected the eastern and western coasts of the United States. The two main railroad companies involved in the construction were the Central Pacific Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad. They faced many challenges as they laid tracks through rugged terrain, deserts, and mountain ranges. The railroad line also highlighted and continues to highlight the great beauty and wonderment of the United States. Students can apply research and their imagination to US depictions of landscape and artifacts along the transcontinental line.