Plains, Pioneers, & Panning for Gold
The Fourth Grade SPREE field trip takes place in Grant Frontier Park. The field trip explores life in Colorado from the days when the Arapaho and Cheyenne roamed the plains to the gold rush days of mining and panning. Students learn about the importance of the cottonwood tree to Colorado’s earliest residents, reenact the journey to Colorado of the pioneers, explore the site of the first chartered city in Colorado, and learn how to pan for (real) gold!
Activities
Arapahoe and Cheyenne Cottonwood Tree Story, Pikes Peak Gold Rush Game, Gold Mining Game, Gold Panning Adventure
Colorado Academic Standards
Social Studies 1.1 c & d, 1.2 a, 2.2 a-d, & 4.2
Location: Grant Frontier Park
Grant Frontier Park is located just south of Evans on South Platte River Drive East (east side of the River) at 2190 S Platte River Dr, Denver, CO, 80223
Please print a map for your bus driver.
Time Schedule
The 4th grade excursion starts at 9:30 am and runs until 1:00 pm. We usually eat lunch between 11:00 am and 11:30 am.
What to Bring
Students and adults should be prepared to be outside in any type of weather.
Everyone Should Pack:
- a water bottle (there is no running water at the park)
- sack lunch
- sunscreen
- hat
- extra pair of shoes that can get wet (Ex. Crocs, rain boots, or sandals)
- extra socks
- a small towel
- layers of clothing to be prepared for changes in the weather
Teachers Should Bring:
- First aid kit
- Extra food and water
- Hand sanitizer
- A cell phone
- One adult chaperone for every ten students
What to Expect
During this SPREE excursion, students will be getting into the water to pan for gold. They will only go in ankle deep, but teachers should prepare their students to get wet and plan appropriately (even in the winter!). SPREE instructors will provide all of the instruction and all materials needed for the excursion. Students will also be broken into small groups to rotate through activities.
What SPREE Expects From You
Teachers and chaperones are expected to model appropriate behavior for students at all times including: listening politely to SPREE instructors while they are presenting information, staying to the right side of the trail when appropriate, and being excited about and engaged in all SPREE activities. Adults are also expected to help monitor student behavior throughout the day.
For more information contact excursions@greenwayfoundation.org .
Due to our student population at the school, students often do not gain experiences like this one and we are very grateful for the opportunity. Thank you so much!