Photo Gallery: Third graders visit Gilfillan Farm
All 332 Upper St. Clair third graders recently had the opportunity to experience a day of learning at the historic Gilfillan Farm, the last operational farm in the Upper St. Clair community. The event was led by Pam Petrarca, Eisenhower teacher and elementary social studies curriculum leader, and Rachel Carlson, Historical Society of Upper St. Clair president.
“Margaret Gilfillan left the farm to the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair to operate a working farm to educate the public as to life on a traditional farm in Pennsylvania and to be utilized as a historical, cultural or educational center and landmark, reflecting in whole or in part the past usage of the property by the Gilfillan family,” Ms. Carlson said. “This third-grade field trip partnership with the Upper St. Clair School District was an exciting way to fulfill that mission given to us by Margaret.”
Dr. Tim Wagner, Upper St. Clair High School principal and director of education for the Historical Society, helped to facilitate the partnership between the schools and Gilfillan Farm.
“Tim Wagner had mentioned the idea to me a few years ago and this summer a group of third-grade teachers signed up for a summer project I offered to design the trip,” Ms. Petrarca said. “We visited Gilfillan in June and started to develop the trip from there.”
Over a three-day period, each of the district’s three elementary schools traveled to nearby Gilfillan Farm. Students participated in five experiential learning activities before having a picnic lunch in the field.
“The trip corresponds to our History of Pittsburgh social studies unit, which is taught by all third-grade teachers,” Ms. Petrarca said. “What an incredible resource we have right in our backyard!”
The third-grade students rotated through five learning stations: a house tour, a simulated school, farming, a tour of the outbuildings (springhouse, smokehouse, outhouse, and the summer kitchen), and recess, where students learned and played games children would have played in the 1800s.
“The goal of the trip was to show students what life was like for adults and children living in Pittsburgh in the late 1800s - early 1900s, and we definitely accomplished our goal,” Ms. Petrarca said. “By all accounts, the trip was a huge success. The students learned so much and were really interested in each station.”
The learning stations were facilitated by Upper St. Clair High School students from Interact, National Honor Society, and/or Student Council.
“I love that this field trip could be formatted much like the one room schoolhouses of the 1800s, where older students were able to become leaders by helping the younger students to learn,” Ms. Carlson said.
In addition to Dr. Wagner, members of the high school faculty and staff assisted in recruiting and supervising the team of high school volunteers. Laura Carlino, science teacher and Interact sponsor; Lexi Surunis, English teacher and National Honor Society sponsor; and Brooke Tarcson, Student Council sponsor and head of student activities accompanied high school students each of the three days.
“The ‘big kids’ really appeared to enjoy their time serving our elementary students in a meaningful way,” Dr. Wagner said. “It was a real treat to be part of a team that brought this third grade/high school experience alive. It's gratifying for students to know that this well-preserved 1800s working farm is just across the street from Target!”
As a mom to two Upper St. Clair students, Ms. Carlson believes that Gilfillan Farm provides students with perspective.
“There was a time when ice didn't just drop out of the freezer door but was delivered every day; there was no indoor plumbing and you had to go outside to get to the bathroom; everyone didn't have a water bottle and it was a privilege to be the student to bring water from a well for the classroom,” Ms. Carlson said. “Without a gaming system, you could have fun with a piece of wood tied to a string.”
Throughout the years, several individual teachers and classes have visited the farm for different projects. However, this is the first time in several years that an entire graduating year has visited at one time.
“We are excited that Gilfillan Farm can provide a local and unique atmosphere to learn about history with the personal touch of hearing about how the Gilfillans experienced life,” Ms. Carlson said. “I hope it makes it memorable for students and that as they pass by Gilfillan Farm, they will remember some of the things they learned to share with their family.”