Our field trip begins in the city hall commission chamber with Mayor Nancy Denson. As almost ninety third graders settle into creaky wooden chairs, Mayor Denson describes her role within the local government, then answers a handful of questions.
The next stop is the water business office, nestled inside an old bank.
The demonstration illustrates how little freshwater is available on the planet, while encouraging environmental stewardship and the importance of water conservation.
We have a few minutes to spare before the next transition, so we head outside for a game of "Water On, Water Off."
Oren and Lake lead the last two rounds.
The transportation department is next. The class learns about the inner workings of crosswalks and how to stay safe on Athens' streets.
By far, the most engaging part of the day is the mock commission meeting. The class splits into three groups.
One group assumes the role of the Athens-Clarke County commissioners, seated
(and perpetually swerving back and forth) behind microphones.
The next
group is comprised of vocal citizens who come forward to express their
opinions on whether or not Prince Avenue should get proper bike lanes
and which would be better, a skate park or public pool.
The third group gets to spy on the proceedings while controlling the cameras that record commission meetings.
At the board of elections, the class gets to cast ballots with voting machines.
The last stop is the courthouse.
All four classes learn about the various courts and their respective judges, and a police officer discusses law enforcement.
A light rain begins to fall as we load the buses after a fun morning downtown.
