At SIA, we strive to make learning transdisciplinary, hands-on, and connected to the real world. Learning extends beyond the classroom, and subjects are brought to life through meaningful, real-world experiences. The benefits of in-school guest speakers and out-of-school field trips are endless. When students experience what they are learning, they are more engaged, gain a deeper understanding, and build meaningful connections to their learning. Field trips provide learning opportunities that emphasize participation, hands-on exploration, and curiosity.
In the first half of the academic year, SIA students participated in many fun and engaging field trip adventures.
As part of the second-grade Who We Are Unit of Inquiry, students visited Operation Smile’s Interactive Learning Center. During the visit, students learned about cleft conditions and how Operation Smile helps children around the world receive life-changing surgeries. This meaningful experience evolved into a Tzedakah project to raise enough funds to cover the cost of at least one surgery. Inspired by their learning, the students chose to continue their efforts and ultimately raised enough money to fund three surgeries.
Fourth and fifth-grade students visited the Jamestown Settlement in October, bringing history to life. The visit deepened students’ understanding of early American history by providing an authentic, hands-on experience with the past. The field trip was directly connected to the fifth-grade “Where We Are in Place and Time” unit and the fourth-grade “How We Organize Ourselves” unit, with a focus on the concepts of perspective and responsibility.
Kindergarten through fifth-grade students visited the Hermitage Museum and Gardens, where they performed the Tashlich ceremony at the water, went on trail walks, and explored the art museum, including the giant sculptures by artist Walter Babington. Students made meaningful connections across Judaic Studies, art, and science. Older students also connected the artist’s work to themes of sea level rise and global warming, deepening their understanding of how art can reflect environmental issues.
Aqua Avengers visited our school and put on an engaging performance that taught Early Years 4–Grade 5 students about the importance of water conservation. This experience provided a meaningful way to explore the IB Key Concepts of Responsibility and Connection, while also making links to related concepts such as conservation and Tikkun Olam.
Our second graders took flight at iFLY as part of their IB Unit, How the World Works. Students explored the science behind flight and experienced firsthand how forces and motion interact. They investigated how air, gravity, and motion contribute to balance and movement in our world. During the visit, students participated in a STEM challenge, engaged in a lab activity that involved data collection and analysis, and enjoyed a flight in the wind tunnel!
Visiting author Daryl Cobb came to our school in November. Early Years 4–Grade 5 students enjoyed his engaging stories, during which they learned how ideas become books and made connections between personal experiences and storytelling. Students were especially excited to read a book that featured SIA teachers’ names. This experience supported literacy development, encouraged creativity, and reinforced the importance of perseverance, voice, and self-expression.
Fifth-grade students were curious about the local giant menorahs, so they visited the Mt. Trashmore Menorah and the giant menorah near Waterside and Town Point Park in downtown Norfolk. This experience was driven by student curiosity, reinforcing the IB approach of student-led inquiry and authentic learning. As part of the outing, students also visited Aviva Pembroke, where they sang for senior residents, strengthening intergenerational connections and demonstrating learning through meaningful community engagement.
We can’t wait for the adventures in the second half of our academic year. Field trips create memories that last a lifetime!
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