TandL Talks S2Ep15 The Elephant Foot Effect

How One Field Trip Builds Memories, Meaning, and Community

In this episode of TandL Talks, host Nancy shines a spotlight on one of the Puyallup School District’s most treasured learning spaces: the Karshner Museum and Center for Culture & Arts. Joined by Karen Higgins, Museum and Arts Coordinator, and Dawn Meyerhoff, the museum’s field trip teacher, Nancy explores how this one-of-a-kind museum creates unforgettable learning experiences for students across grade levels.

From hands-on artifacts and global exhibits to the legendary elephant foot that generations still remember, the conversation dives into what makes a Karshner Museum field trip so impactful. Listeners will hear how museum experiences align with Washington State learning standards, build background knowledge, support diverse learners, and help students see both themselves and others reflected in the learning.

You’ll also learn what a typical fieldtrip feels like from a student’s perspective, how families continue the learning by returning together, and how community events keep culture, history, and the arts alive beyond the school day. Whether you’re a teacher planning ahead, a family looking for a meaningful local experience, or someone who still remembers your own childhood visit, this episode is a celebration of curiosity, connection, and community.