Students visit Columbia River Maritime Museum

Fourth and fifth-grade students from J.A. Wendt Elementary recently embarked on an exciting educational adventure at the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Over two days, students engaged in an interactive scavenger hunt and hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities while learning about the Columbia River's historical significance.

A highlight of the trip was the museum's newest exhibit, This is Our Place, created in collaboration with the Chinook Nation. While exploring the artifacts on display, students gained valuable insight into the region's Indigenous history and cultural heritage.

In addition to exploring the museum, students had the unique opportunity to explore the Lightship Columbia, a floating lighthouse that once guided vessels safely along the treacherous Columbia River Bar. The historic ship is now on display as part of the museum's exhibits, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of the crew who once manned it.

While half of the students toured the museum, the other half participated in a dynamic learning lab, where they tackled the challenge of building remote-operated vehicles (ROVs). This STEM-focused activity encouraged teamwork as students worked in groups of four to construct underwater robots using PVC pipes, tape, and various grabbing tools. With only 15 minutes to assemble their designs, students then tested their creations in a pool, learning firsthand about the mechanics of underwater exploration.

Keen-eyed students may have even spotted familiar designs in the museum's exhibits, as a similar ROV is featured, showcasing the real-world applications of their work.

This enriching field trip was made possible by funding through the Wahkiakum Extension at Washington State University, supported by a grant focused on career exploration and STEM education. For the past five years, WSU has successfully facilitated the program, with special recognition given to Jessica Vik, the outreach coordinator, for her dedication to providing students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences.

Thanks to this immersive trip, J.A. Wendt students gained a deeper appreciation for the Columbia River's historical and scientific significance, inspiring future generations to explore careers in history, engineering, and maritime sciences.