OMSI Adventure on a Submarine

Howard Elementary School

Students are given a variety of enriching activities in the classroom by their teachers. However, Howard Elementary School students often receive little enriching activities beyond this. With nearly two thirds of our school on free or reduced lunches, it is often very difficult for families to provide meaningful enriching activities. While it is easier for some schools and communities to fundraise for such activities, it is beyond the means of a majority of our school's population.

We would like to take Howard's 5th grade students on an overnight camping trip to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) for the "High Seas Adventure" camp-in. The campers will explore the topics of cartography, oceanography, history, geography, math, meteorology and orienteering. They will also see an omnimax movie, tour the USS Blueback Submarine and sleep among the exhibits.

Why is this project important?

This project is important because many Howard students are not being exposed to the many excellent enriching activities available around our state. While many families do provide what they can for their students, it is difficult to finance such a field trip given our population's low SES ranking.

Who, and how many, will be served?

We would be serving the 58 Howard 5th grade students.

How will you evaluate the success of this project?

Examine student scores on the Oregon Science Assessment for fifth graders. Look at the level of achievement and interest students exhibit in science before and after the "High Seas Adventure" Camp-In.

Does this proposal build upon existing programs at your school?

The OMSI "High Seas Adventure" Camp-In covers many science subject areas as well as helps build social skills. In our building we use the "Science: Hands on Education" kits which at each grade level all contain elements presented in the "High Seas Adventure" Camp-In. Teaching social skills with the Second Steps program is also a school wide focus at Howard.

How will the funds be spent?

Student admission fees.