Program Overview
The 4th grade ski history program is an educational initiative created by the New England Ski Museum in honor of the late Martha Coughlin Corrock who was a national and international ski racer from NH. The program is designed to engage local fourth-grade students in the history of skiing in the White Mountains through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. It aligns closely with the New Hampshire fourth-grade curriculum, covering local history, STEM, and social studies, providing students with a dynamic, real-world connection to their academic studies.
Program Components
The centerpiece of the program is a field trip that includes the following elements:
1. Conway Scenic Railroad & Historical Re-enactment
Students ride the Conway Scenic Railroad and travel to North Conway, participating in a re-enactment of the 1939 arrival of Hannes Schneider. Local figures including Christoph Schneider, George Cleveland, and Tom Eastman, provide students with a vivid lesson on regional history and culture while riding the train.
2. Rotating Learning Stations
- Ski Museum Scavenger Hunt & Discussion: Aligned with history curriculum standards
- STEM Activities: Students engage in a hands-on STEM lesson that connects science, technology, engineering, and math with real-world applications in skiing, supporting the state’s learning objectives in these subject areas.
- Meet the Legends: Students meet local ski celebrities such as Olympians Tyler Palmer, Leanne Smith, and Sue Long Wymess, who share personal stories and memorabilia.
3. Student Exhibits
Following the field trip, students create their own exhibits based on personal interests, tying their learning experience to project-based learning.
Target Audience
The program will engage approximately 150 students and teachers from SAU 9 and 13, with participating schools from Jackson, Bartlett, Conway, NE Charter, Madison, and Freedom.
Curriculum Alignment
The 4th Grade Ski History Program aligns with several key components of the New Hampshire fourth-grade curriculum:
- Social Studies: Local and regional history, understanding cultural and historical perspectives, and connecting past events to present-day communities.
- STEM: Real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and math through engaging activities that complement classroom learning.
- Project-Based Learning: The creation of student exhibits reinforces critical thinking, research, and presentation skills, while promoting self-directed learning.
Program Funding and Support
The New England Ski Museum underwrites the entire program, with the cost totaling approximately $3,500. This funding covers transportation, materials for activities, and the logistical coordination needed to host 150 students and teachers. The museum’s support ensures that the program is accessible to all participating schools and students.
Community Impact
The 4th grade ski history program provides students with a unique opportunity to connect their classroom learning to local history and the broader community.
Volunteer and Community Involvement
The program is supported by ~30 volunteers who assist with planning and implementation, as well as local community figures who participate in the re-enactments and learning stations