Third Graders Visit Makino Park

In mid-October, Doherty and Lotspeich third graders traveled to Makino Park for the launch of their upcoming science unit on force and motion. 

While at the park, students investigated how equipment moved, considered how gravity influences motion, and explored how playgrounds can be designed to be safe and accessible to everyone, including individuals with physical disabilities and those who are blind or visually impaired. They also examined how a central theme — like Makino Park’s overarching butterfly theme — can be incorporated throughout a playground’s design.

“I liked pushing the swings and figuring out how the third graders thought. I wasn’t grouped with other Doherty students, and it was cool to see,” Emma Garcia, Unit II student, said. 

Garcia’s Unit II classmate, Michael Niederhelman, agreed, saying he enjoyed playing with the Lotspeich third graders after they finished their work.

“I was also surprised at how many things helped people with disabilities enjoy the park. It was great,” Niederhelman said.

The field trip serves as the research and inspiration phase of a larger, hands-on engineering project; students will design and create their own three-dimensional playground models, according to Lotspeich science teacher Lauren Fisher. 

“[The field trip] was very fun because I was with a lot of my friends and there was a lot of research to be done for our project. It was very fun to meet [Doherty third graders], and our group was researching very hard. Once we were done, it was amazing,” Avery Abernethy, Lotspeich third grade student, said.

Fellow Lotspeich third grader Matías Caceres Marletta said it was cool to see a zipline on a playground.

“We went to the park because in science we’re making a model, and I still haven’t decided what [theme] I’m going to do for mine,” Caceres Marletta said.

During the unit, students will analyze how pushes and pulls can vary in strength and direction and how these forces affect an object’s motion. They’ll also explore the difference between balanced and unbalanced forces, observe patterns in movement to predict future movement, and investigate the effects of gravity and magnetism. 

“Visiting Makino Park allowed students to experience these concepts firsthand as they tested and observed different types of playground equipment, including a zip line! Our goal was to bring together science, engineering, creativity, inclusive design, and community building in a meaningful learning experience in our community,” Fisher said.