Our Lady of Lourdes students connect their classroom learning with field trip experiences at the Utah State Fair

Friday, Sep. 23, 2016

SALT LAKE CITY — A field trip to the Utah State Fair enabled Our Lady of Lourdes students in grades 3–5 to see their social studies curriculum come alive as they experienced agriculture, history, technology and natural resources first hand.

“Many children know little about agriculture’s role in their daily lives,” said Tina Bergquist, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School’s principal. “The Utah State Fair provides a unique learning environment for students to connect what they learn in school to their life.” 

Third-grade students delved deeper into their study of communities, which began earlier in the week with a guest speaker in their classroom to discuss the nature of a state fair, its importance, and share personal fair experiences and stories while growing up.  

At the fair, the students explored a variety of interactive exhibits, each of which taught them about how people and families throughout Utah contribute to the state community. They talked with exhibitors – kids their own age who help raise cows for milk to sell, helping the students understand the agricultural connection from the farm to the grocery store. 

“This field trip really demonstrates how the fair strengthens our community,” said third-grade teacher Heather Brown. “The kids were so engaged.”  

Third-grader Zeke Crockett said, “I learned that cotton is grown and that wool is from sheep. You can make bracelets by spinning a hook and having someone help you.”

Students in the fourth grade deepened their knowledge and appreciation of Utah history. Through many exhibits, they learned about the similarities and difference of Utah counties, including geography, agriculture and natural resources. They also met with Utah Commissioner of Agriculture LuAnn Adams, who shared what she does to promote the healthy growth of Utah agriculture, conserve natural resources and protect the food supply. 

“I liked the cute little pigs and learned that baby cows are called calves,” said fourth-grader Kylee Bunting.

Learning opportunities in both social studies and science engaged Nathan Little’s fifth-grade class. The students learned more about community engagement and its importance on contemporary society. The live animals, agriculture and horticulture exhibits extended their knowledge on species, conservation planning and assistance for healthy ecosystems, and current ecological concerns such as pollution and endangered species.

With education at the core, the field trip to the Utah State Fair demonstrated to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School students that learning doesn’t happen only in the classroom and on your own. It can happen any time, anywhere, together with friends – and be fun!