Field trip to the Naval Park

Our students were extremely interested in the stories from the veterans.  We decided to plan a field trip for all the 8th graders to the Buffalo and Erie Naval and Military Park.  Since this trip happened so close to Halloween, many students were aware of the apparent "Haunting" on the ships.  They learned about the life onboard the USS Little Rock, USS Sullivan, and the USS Croaker.  Our students had many questions for our docent.

Student: Was this a real ship?
Docent: Yes.  It is decommissioned now but was a ship that fought during WWII.
Student:  Did it shoot anything?
Docent: The USS Croaker attacked the Japanese ship that sunk the ship that the Sullivan brothers were killed on.  (I had know idea!!  Even I learned something.)

Student: Was the Submarine named after the sandwich?
Docent:  The sandwich was named after the Submarine!

Sometimes I forget that our eighth grade students are still kids.  They were so excited to see the ice cream machine, the candy in the store, and the card games that were on the ship!  One student didn't realize that the names that were on the memorials were the names of people who were killed in action.

Listening to the docent

Making notes on their observations

Testing the racks (beds)

Gun seat

"There are so many controls!"

Sharing their observations

Model Carrier with planes

"I think I'm to tall for the Navy."

Mr. Simpson found a ship's plaque

USS Croaker fought in WWII

Looking at the monuments and memorials

"All gave some and some gave all."

8th Grade 2014-2015