Windows on the World provides a hands-on approach for Decorah-area third grade students

Some of the children in Vesterheim's Windows on the World program, with Gundersen Health System's Bruce Friell, Vesterheim President/CEO Chris Johnson and Vesterheim WOW Program co-ordinator Jennifer Kovarik in the back row

Vesterheim Museum says about 240 Decorah-area third-grade students and their teachers, parents, grandparents, and other adults participate in the "Windows on the World" program.

The WOW Program, which developed in partnership between Vesterheim and the Decorah Community Schools, helps students understand change over time through agricultural tools and technology. The program is geared toward third-graders and includes guided exploration, hands-on activities, and access to historic photographs as a basis for social studies curriculum.

Gundersen Health System has sponsored the program for eight years and is committed to sponsoring it for another two years.