Kids Discover the Trail! (KDT!)

In this exciting program, launched in 2010, the Trumansburg Education Foundation sends all Trumansburg students from Pre-K through 6th grade to a different Discovery Trail site each year for a curriculum based learning experience. KDT! is a joint effort of the Discovery Trail partnership, Trumansburg Central School District and the Trumansburg Education Foundation. Students return home from the field trips with a take home book and a coupon for a later family visit. Special thanks to the Elementary School PTO and Middle School PTO for funding the books.

Pre-kindergarten:
Johnson Museum of Art

Animals in Art: Students study animals in painting and sculpture from African, Asian, Indian and European cultures, learning how the works were made and stories related to the pieces.
Book:  Matthew’s Dream by Leo Lionni
Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art KDT Flyer

Kindergarten:
Tompkins County Public Library

Books about Friendship & Family: The joy of reading comes alive at the library when students listen to stories, learn how to use a library, and receive a library card application to take home.
Book: The Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra
Tompkins County Public Library KDT Flyer

1st Grade:
Museum Of The Earth At PRI

Dinosaur Science: Students explore how scientists study ancient life, using hands-on dinosaur specimens as the basis for questions and discussion.
Book: Fossils Tell of Long Ago by Aliki
Museum of the Earth KDT Flyer

2nd Grade:
Sciencenter

Power the Future. Students explore climate change & energy through demonstration & hands-on activities that address the need for alternative energy sources.
Book: Energy Island by Allan Drummond
Sciencenter KDT Flyer

3rd Grade:
Cornell Botanic Gardens

Wildflower Exploration: Children learn about the botany, ecology, life cycles and woodland habitats of our native wildflowers while gaining an appreciation of plants.
Book: Wildflowers: A Peterson First Guide, by Roger Tory Peterson
Cornell Botanic Gardens KDT Flyer

4th Grade:
The History Center In Tompkins County’s Eight-square Schoolhouse

Students learn about local history and how children lived prior to the Industrial Revolution by attending school for a day in the Eight Square one room schoolhouse.
Book: The Secret School by Avi
History Center KDT Flyer