Armed with quarters and a hefty itinerary, eighth-graders from Fargo's Ben Franklin Middle School took their mission seriously Tuesday.
Their goal: See how many places of interest they could visit within two hours, without the luxury of a car. Or as student Dan Kozlowski put it: "We're going to see if we're able to get around Fargo on a bus and our feet."
First the students in each homeroom class identified businesses that provide the essentials of life: food, medical care, orthodontist, clothing, entertainment and more.
Then they mapped out a bus route that cost no more than $1 per student but gave them access to the widest variety of places.
To prove they made it, teams took digital photos at each stop and snagged an artifact, such as a shopping bag or flier.
ADVERTISEMENT
The citywide scavenger hunt was designed to introduce young teens to the merits of public transportation, said English teacher Matt Hallquist.
"Students are getting to the age where they want to be more independent, but can't drive," he said. "With the recent rise in gas prices, some parents are more hesitant to give them a lift somewhere.
"We wanted to give them other ways to meet the needs in their lives."
Eighth-graders also interviewed bus passengers to find out why and how often they ride the bus. They'll graph that information today.
Tuesday's lesson corresponded with Fargo-Moorhead Metro Area Transit's "Transit Week," which ensured 25-cent fares on all buses and free popcorn at the downtown terminal.
The 12 students on Hallquist's team voted to head to West Acres shopping center area, where they stopped at Dakota Clinic, Scheels All Sports, Best Buy, the movie theater, Target and Buffalo Wild Wings with one bus ticket each way.
After a last-minute suggestion by classmate Jocelynn Martinez, the team added the Roger Maris Museum, Barnes & Noble Bookstore, Petco and Hornbacher's to the list.
"We've got time if we catch the bus at a different stop," she said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Between 8:45 and 11:11 a.m., the students rode buses, walked and made it to 11 different businesses. It was an efficient use of the time, teacher Hallquist said.
And the exercise appeared to make an impression.
"Riding the bus is a good way to get to places," declared student Molly Gunkelman, who hadn't used public transportation before. "Your parents wouldn't have to take you everywhere."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Erin Hemme Froslie at (701) 241-5534
