Cars and Careers
Students at Belle Alexander and Irving Elementary School had a chance to have an up-close, hands-on experience with a variety of cars, trucks, and machinery used in different careers in our community. Volunteers from different businesses and agencies in the community set up their vehicles and machinery as students, teachers, and staff were able to look at, touch, and learn how the different vehicles and tools were used for different jobs. “I wanted to bridge the gap between community and classroom. This hands-on event allowed for students to learn about and further explore different career options outside of the classroom setting with assistance from community volunteers,” reports Elementary School Counselor, Ashley Mikenas. “Sitting in traffic this spring led me to this idea of a career day event. As I was traveling next to a huge machine on the interstate, that I later learned was used to dredge and investigate large bodies of water, I started thinking about how I had never seen such a vehicle/machine up-close. From there, I started thinking about my young students, how many different vehicles/machines have they ever been able to see, and how it would be a great idea to expand career awareness with such an event,” states Mikenas.
With the help of MANY community volunteers, Kindergarten through 3rd Grade students learned and asked questions about different vehicles and careers in their own community. Vehicle volunteers had the students up-close and inside different cars/trucks to see what different levers and buttons do. “I could’ve spent 2 more hours in the sewer truck! I loved watching the video with the camera in the sewer, it was so cool!” says Ethan, Kindergarten student at Belle. “The big red truck (from Cernovich’s) went really high in the air! I didn’t know trucks went in the air like that! I learned that it can move lots of metal and cars! It was also cool to see the ambulance have to go out and help someone.” adds Annie, Belle 1st Grade student. This event kicks off a unit on careers, which will further dive into career exploration with the young students.
Many thanks to the community volunteers and funds from the Harry Anderson Trust, for which this event would not be possible!
Community Volunteers:
Ameren IP
Cernovich’s Auto & Truck Wreck
The City of Kewanee Public Works
Crowe Auto Group- Kewanee
Dana Construction & Well Drilling
FedEx
Hodge’s Towing & Repairs
Kewanee Fire Department & Emergency Medical Services
Kewanee Police Department
Kewanee Post Office