The North Tama Junior High School seventh grade class got quite an experience last week. Thanks to the generosity of a Traer Community Foundation Grant and the North Tama Schools, the 7th grade class had the opportunity to travel to Dubuque. While they were there, they toured the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium and Lock and Dam #11. This educational trip was part of a cross-curricular unit on biomes.
The morning started with a guided tour at the museum focusing on the different factors of a river biome and the impacts humans have had on the river. Students collected ideas and information to be used in their various biome projects. During the Biome Blast on April 18th, the students will present and display their final projects in a science fair atmosphere.
Prior to the field trip the students studied the purpose and functions of the Mississippi River's lock and dam system. The studies included building a model that demonstrated the actions of a lock. In Dubuque, students were allowed to tour Lock and Dam #11. The ranger helped reinforce what they learned in the classroom while giving them more information about the dam.
The day proved to be very enjoyable and educational. Positive comments from tour guides and other patrons proved how well the 7th graders represented North Tama. The Junior High teachers look forward to other educational trip opportunities in the future.