Students at Lake Murray Elementary took a time machine for a spin during 2 social studies lessons about those who shaped American history.

Studying the Colonial time period, 4th-grade students followed up discussions about the settlers’ way of life with interactive stations. They enjoyed learning to make dream catchers, types of knots, candles, butter and even ice cream.

Teachers transformed an available classroom at LMES into an American Colonial museum, featuring items from Teacher Kim Nunnery’s great-grandmother.

Students got an up-close look at a spinning wheel and traditional school desk from Nunnery’s family, as well as hand-blown glass pieces on loan from One Eared Cow Glass.

For more real-life connectivity, fifth-grade teachers planned Immigration Day activities simulating the experience of immigrants coming to America when they arrived at Ellis Island. Teachers and parent volunteers set up classrooms to depict the process of entering the United States.

After Immigration Day, fifth-graders studied the homeland cultures of the immigrants and how those cultures shaped and influenced America’s culture.