Valley Quarries Field Trip AKA: Tonka Trucks!

Nothing beats the OHHHHHH's and AHHHH's from the students while rounding the first corner on the Valley Quarries field trip.  After 12 years of experiencing it for myself, it never gets old.  Most 2nd graders exclaim, "It's the Grand Canyon!"  It is probably the closest thing they've experienced.  It is man made, but beautiful and breathtaking at the same time.  

(And oh, so dusty and dirty.  Sorry for the dusty clothes moms.  It was worth it!)

 Just for perspective: can you find the dump truck above in the picture below???  It is a speck!  Wait 'til you see how big they are close up!  CRAZY!

 Again, can you spot this wheel loader and dump truck above (our next stop) in the picture below.  The zoom on my bitty camera isn't so bad after all!

 And here they are UP CLOSE!  These tires cost $40,000 for just ONE!  Don't pop one of those tires boys and girls.  Yikes!

 The dump truck was blocking a rock slide behind it. . . it just kept trickling.  See the pile of rocks to the right?

 Just for perspective. . . this is BUS vs WHEEL LOADER!  I believe this scoop holds 20 tons.  Two scoops fills the dump truck.  

 "Hi Mom and Dad!  I want one for Christmas, PLEASE!"

 Our traditional "CLASS in the SCOOP" photo!

Below is the weight of our bus with all 50+ students and adults. :)  That's over 10 tons!

The TWEP Museum

We love T.W.E.P.!

Today we spent the morning seeing animals from around the world.

We also learned what features "predator" animals have: eyes in front, sharp teeth, claws, camouflage, carnivores.

We learned the features of "prey" animals: eyes on the side, large ears, camouflage, herbivores.

 Then we went on a nature walk and discovered "art homes" made by other students.

We also found a cray fish, fish pond with carp, woodchuck homes, a "crime scene" - an animal had found a rabbit for lunch, a fun rock to climb, and a hawk.

 The "crime scene". . . can you see the rabbit fur?

Mrs. Snider does an amazing job!  She has a passion for nature and teaching.  We learned so much in one morning!

More on the TWEP center visit: TWEP Museum