Grade 3 Field Trip : Shimen Wind Power Station, Fort San Domingo

As part of our current Unit of Inquiry, Sharing the Planet, our Grade 3 students set off on an interesting and exciting field trip to Shimen Wind Power Station and Fort San Domingo. This unit focuses on different forms of energy and the importance of choosing renewable energy to benefit our future. At the same time, they are also learning about important events in Taiwanese history. 

The trip offered an excellent opportunity for students to investigate wind energy, explore old buildings, and generally enjoy being outside in nature. 

At Shimen Wind Power Station, students experienced the power of wind first hand as they focused all their efforts on holding on to their papers as they sketched the massive wind turbines whirling all around them! As part of their reflection, students shared feelings from the experience using the five senses. The combination of the loud turbines and the cool fresh air was something many students noticed.

Next, it was on to Fort San Domingo where everyone first enjoyed a picnic lunch outside, also offering them a chance to spend time with students from other Grade 3 classes. 

Then, we all hiked up the hill to explore the various buildings. Students were tasked with observing cultural differences in both the style of architecture and the types of things found inside (household rooms and items). We only hoped for more time to explore, as there were areas we did not have time to visit!

These engaging experiences helped students connect  to our unit’s lines of inquiry, such as Earth’s resources (renewable and non-renewable) and how resources are used around the world (particularly in Taiwan). 

Well done to Grade 3 on this excursion for being respectful, curious, and thoughtful about their history and how their actions can impact the world around them.