Our Grade 5 students recently embarked on two enriching field trips that brought their curriculum to life in ways only hands-on learning can.
At JA BizTown, a 10,000-square-foot mini-city featuring 21 life-sized San Diego businesses, students stepped into roles such as bankers, business owners, radio hosts, veterinarians, and more. In the four months leading up to their visit, students prepared extensively—learning about taxes and the flow of a city’s economy, writing resumés, and taking on positions like CEO, CFO, and Judge. Notable businesses included Channel 93.3 Radio Station, Nemeth Vet Clinic and Adoption Center, and the San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper.
BizTown challenged students to apply critical thinking and collaboratve skills as they opened bank accounts, paid taxes, and worked toward making a profit—all while connecting classroom lessons to real-world scenarios. Parents also contributed by sharing their career journeys, helping students see how math and business skills are applied beyond the classroom.
Later in the week, students boarded the Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship, for a living history experience. Prelude to the American Revolution immersed them in the life of a colonist in Colonial America, where they heard from a Loyalist (British Captain), a Patriot (First Mate), and a Privateer (Second Mate). Students set sail on the eve of the American Revolution, reliving the turbulent year of 1774 and deepening their understanding of the frustrations that inspired the colonists to revolt.
Through hands-on activities and team challenges, they explored maritime history, navigation, and the hardships faced by early explorers—enriching their social studies curriculum and encouraging empathy through a time-traveling perspective.
These field trips allowed our fifth graders to embrace new roles and responsibilities, growing in confidence, curiosity, and connection. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated Grade 5 teachers, our incredible parent volunteers, and our partners at JA BizTown and the Maritime Museum of San Diego for making this impactful week of learning possible.