Hannah Moore, a fourth-grader at Buzz Aldrin Elementary School, is one of many in her grade who culminated a year-long study of Virginia history in a visual scavenger hunt last week.
The field trip took place at McCormick and Schmick’s, a restaurant in Reston Town Center, which is decorated entirely with a Virginia theme. Paintings, including one of Pocahontas, and a stained glass Commonwealth of Virginia seal — all located on the walls of the restaurant — were a few of the items on the scavenger hunt.
When asked what she enjoyed most about the activity, Hannah answered “We got to learn all about the [restaurant’s] kitchen, and we got to look at all the pictures.”
Virginia history makes up the entire fourth-grade social studies curriculum at Aldrin. Students learn all the basics — including the three branches of Virginia government, the capital city of Richmond, and who the governor is.
“We start with the colonization of Jamestown and go all the way through modern day,” said teacher Bobbi Yingling when asked about the fourth grade curriculum. Yingling was one of several fourth-grade teachers who toured the restaurant beforehand and designed the scavenger hunt.
School Board Member, Stu Gibson (Hunter Mill), participated in the scavenger hunt alongside students. “It shows kids that there’s a practical use for what they’re learning in school,” he said about the activity.
“They got to see Virginia come alive through pictures and decorations throughout the restaurant,” said Marty Marinoff, principal of Aldrin, who also participated in the hunt.
Before departing on the school bus back to school, students were treated to a fresh meal of fish and chips.