Both third grade classes headed to Mrs. Burke’s apple orchard for a fun filled morning of apple activities in honor of Johnny Appleseed’s birthday. Toting baskets they brought from home, the kids went from tree to tree picking apples. Then they rotated through seven different stations. They made caramel apples to take home. Many of the kiddos had tasted caramel apples but had never made their own. They had a blast dipping their apples into the ooey-gooey goodness! They also got to make applesauce using cooked apples, cinnamon-sugar and food processors. They each took some home in cute, little mason jars with labels they had made. Students learned more about Johnny Appleseed, did some science experiments, estimated and counted seeds and were challenged to a “minute-to-win-it” game: Johnny Applestack. Only 5 of the 35 third graders were able to successfully complete the mission of stacking 5 apples! The biggest hit of the trip was making cider. Carefully, students were able to cut three apples each and then place them into the cider press. They turned the wheel and then watched as their apple slices were chopped and dropped into the barrel. At the end of the field trip, we got to see the apples get pressed and turn into cider. Mr. Barker used a lot of muscle power to turn the handle, which pushed a weight down onto the apples. After a few moments, cider began to pour out through a small hole and into a container. Mrs. Hazen had baked delicious apple pies. We passed out slices at the end, and with our small cider cups in hand we did a toast…”To apples!”