Field Trip to Slate Run Historical Farm
Our Growth and Discovery Studios kicked off the school year with their very first field trip—to Slate Run Metro Park and Living Historical Farm. It was a day packed with curiosity, learning, and hands-on experiences that connected beautifully to Discovery Studio’s Homesteading Quest.
Touring the Farmhouse
The visit began with a tour of the farmhouse—the heart of the Slate Run Historical Farm. Eagles stepped into a home that looked and felt as if the family who lived there in the 1880s had just stepped out for a moment. At the house, they went on a tour with guides at the farm. Dressed in period clothing, they shared stories about chores children did, how families survived harsh winters, and how much cooperation it took just to run a household. The guides spoke to them about how families cooked, preserved food, and stayed warm in the winter.
The Eagles ventured through the living room, kitchen, and family room, noticing details like the wood-burning stove, the oil lamps, and the simplicity of the furnishings.
Meeting the Animals
After the house tour, the Eagles moved on to some of the most exciting parts of the farm: the animals! They spent time with pigs, horses, ducks, and chickens, learning how each played a role in the daily life of a working farm.
The Eagles went around the barn and interacted with the different animals. They also learned how to sift oats and spent time exploring different areas of the barn.
Learning Old Skills
Beyond animals and house tours, Eagles had the chance to roll up their sleeves and try their hands at traditional skills. One of the highlights was spending time at the woodworking station, where they learned about cutting wood. The guide explained how essential woodworking was in the 1800s—not just for building homes and barns, but also for making tools, furniture, and everyday objects. Many of the learners even got to try their hand at sawing wood themselves, discovering just how much effort and patience was required.
Another highlight was rope making. Using simple tools and techniques, learners twisted fibers together to create sturdy ropes.
For the Discovery Studio, it tied directly to their Homesteading Quest, where they’ve been exploring what it would take to build and sustain a community from scratch. They have been exploring questions like: What skills would we need to survive if we were homesteaders? What kinds of work did children and families have to do to keep their communities alive?
Seeing and trying these skills firsthand helped bridge the gap between theory and practice.
A Day of Connection and Curiosity
By the end of the day, our Eagles had done far more than take a field trip. They had stepped into the shoes of people who lived over a century ago. They had touched, seen, and tried the skills that sustained families in the 1880s. They had laughed with each other, asked thoughtful questions, and shared moments of discovery.
For Growth Studio, the day was an introduction to the idea that history is not just something written in textbooks, but something they can experience, touch, and feel. For Discovery Studio, the field trip was a natural extension of their Homesteading Quest—a chance to ground their big ideas in real-world experiences.
Parents who joined us as chaperones also walked away having learned something new. Many remarked on how eye-opening it was to see the differences between life then and now, and how much ingenuity and cooperation families needed just to get through a single day.
Why Field Trips Matter at Acton
At Acton Academy Columbus, field trips like this are not just “fun days out.” They are opportunities for deep learning, connection, and inspiration. They are chances to engage with our community and bring classroom lessons into the real world.
This trip reminded our Eagles that learning can happen anywhere—whether in a studio, a farmhouse, or a barnyard. It reminded them that history isn’t far away, but something we carry with us, built on the hard work and resilience of those who came before.
As we continue our Homesteading Quest, we know that the lessons from Slate Run Historical Farm will stay with our Eagles. They now carry with them not just knowledge, but experiences—ones that will shape how they see history, community, and their own place in the world.