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An Educational Tour of Washington D.C. Designed for Junior ROTC or Social Studies Students

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Washington D.C. has a great deal to offer for student tours of the city and surrounding area. In fact, there are so many different choices, that student travel trip coordinators might just become overwhelmed. Choosing a qualified and experienced student travel company can certainly help focus a trip and align it with curricular objectives.

Over the years I have developed many different types of trips that tie into a variety of curriculums such as art, history, government, performance tours, science, and more. I have designed a school trip for middle school students and JROTC students studying major U.S. conflicts of the 20th Century.  This educational tour helps students take a closer look at the Vietnam and Korean Wars as well as World War II.  Student travel groups visit sites in Washington D.C. which are directly related to these conflicts. I have organized these tours around the themes of sacrifice and conflict.

Depending upon time allowance, student groups may also plan to visit the main destinations for any educational tour of Washington D.C. The selection of sites might also include a visit to the White House, Capitol Building, Smithsonian Museum, and popular choices for dining, entertainment, and shopping.

Following are my suggestions for destinations for Social Studies and or JROTC students who are studying modern wars:

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam conflict was one of the most politicized events of the 20th Century.  Students studying it will want to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. The names of soldiers who died in this conflict are embedded in the wall for all to remember.  On any given day, student groups may see families and loved ones of fallen soldiers honoring their loss with flowers, vigils, personal memorabilia, and more.  Groups visiting the wall may want to opt for the ranger guided interpretive tour, where stories about individual soldiers and units are recounted, as well as a brief history of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Korean War Veterans Memorial

The Korean War Veterans Memorial was opened to the public in 1995 and dedicated by President Bill Clinton and President Kim Young Sam.  Nearby the wall of pictures and names, there are 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers, representing all four branches of the military and from diverse backgrounds. The statues of infantryman and medical personnel appear to be walking in the same proximity as the wall and even emerge from the nearby woods.   The mural displays 2,400 photographs from the Korean War obtained from the National Archives.  Visiting the Korean War Veterans Memorial, students gain a more in depth perspective of this War and its impact on Korean and American life.

Holocaust Museum

The Holocaust Museum is a must see for anyone studying World War II.  It details the systematic, bureaucratic killing of Jews, Russians, Poles, Communists, homosexuals, disabled people and others who were targeted by the Nazi regime in the 1930s and 1940s in Europe.  Students will learn about the Holocaust by viewing historical film footage, artifacts, photographs, and listening to stories recorded by survivors and witnesses. Much of the material in this museum is difficult to contemplate. The events of the holocaust have been well-documented in history books, biographies, fiction and non-fiction. Various texts can be studied alongside a visit to the Museum.   Yet there is really no substitute for the up-close, visual viewpoint provided by the Holocaust Museum which gives a student an even broader perspective and context in which to study this atrocity.

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is just outside of Washington D.C. in the Northern Virginia town of Arlington, and is well worth the visit. These burial grounds are the place where many prominent American explorers, judges and historical figures are buried, right alongside of the common soldier who fought for his or her country and died for freedom.  The tomb of the Unknown Soldier is at Arlington and students may observe it being guarded closely by a professional soldier. With enough advance planning, student travel group coordinators may request that their visit to Arlington National Cemetery coincide with a formal wreath laying ceremony, a solemn and colorful tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Smithsonian Museum

The Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. has many facets.  Student groups who are looking to gain a full understanding of American conflicts in the 20th Century will want to schedule some time at the National Museum of American History.  School trips visiting this Museum will find additional information, photographs, relics, films, and stories about the U.S. conflicts mentioned above. The National Museum of American History will expand upon knowledge gathered at all of the sites visited.  This Museum also offers some exceptional curricular materials that can be utilized in the classroom when prepping students to study these wars and make a visit to our nations capitol.

To request a quote simply fill out the online questionnaire or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

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School Trips to New York: Take Note of New Attractions in NYC

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Student Youth Travel Association revealed the most popular U.S. and international destinations for educational tours in May 2010. New York City was the #1 choice for domestic student travel. School trips destined for New York City will want to add the newest, state-of-the-art attractions to their itineraries. These include the U.S.S. Intrepid Museum, Bodies the Exhibition and Blue Man Group. I am certain there are also many new restaurants, shopping and sightseeing opportunities in New York City. I am keeping my list to these attractions for this particular article due to limitations with space.

School Trips to NYC: Visit Interactive Museums
These days, new and updated museums and attractions tend to have the latest technology installed at their exhibits to keep the attention of student tour groups. This includes audio and video podcasts, and interactive features that make it possible for students to reach out and touch the artistic and/or historical periods they are studying through the use of technology. Student tour groups can even receive text alerts and ‘tweets’ about new exhibits and specials at these popular destinations if they choose to follow a chosen venue on Twitter or on their cell phones.

This fall, I am recommending these destinations to student travel groups headed to New York City because they attract and keep the full attention of educational student tour participants.

Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum
The Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum re-opened in late 2008 with a wealth of new exhibits and programming. The Intrepid served in World War II, Vietnam, and during the Cold War in addition to being a primary recovery vessel for NASA. It is one of the most successful and visible aircraft carriers in history. Student travel groups will not want to miss the new interactive displays. School groups can ride in an A-6 Cockpit Simulator or experience the Virtual Flight Zone. The Concorde was the world’s fastest commercial airplanes, and is open for touring as well. Students can step into the cabin and view the cockpit, Groups will also want to take an inside look at life on a submarine by visiting the Growler Submarine, once a top secrete missile command center. Student tours will gain valuable insight into the Intrepid’s role in World War II and the Vietnam War, so a visit to the Intrepid will dovetail nicely with curricular studies in this area.

Bodies The Exhibition
One of the most innovative public exhibitions of the body is now in New York City at the South Street Seaport, Pier 17. School trips headed to New York can book a stop at Bodies The Exhibition, a nationally acclaimed success. The exhibit illustrates the most intimate details of the body using the latest polymer preservation technologies. Real bodies and authentic human organs are on display at this exhibit — a fact that continues to be at the core of the controversy of the show. Student groups are able to consider real human skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive and circulatory systems. This is a learning experience unsurpassable by any other. Students can see the impact a healthy life has on the body and also the perils of unhealthy life choices such as smoking or eating foods rich in fat. Science students studying anatomy and biology will find this exhibit parallels their course work. Health and art students will find applications for Bodies The Exhibition in their academic work, too.

Blue Man Group
This high tech stage performance that combines performance art, music, visual art and more has a wide appeal to student tour groups. High school trips headed to NYC will find the show engaging because it speaks directly to them — the children of the digital age. Three men, painted in a mask of blue and wearing black, dance and perform wild antics filled with color, sound and light. This high energy, exhilarating show is accompanied by electronic music and special visual effects that make the blue men come alive on stage. Blue Man Group can be seen at venues across the U.S. They are currently housed at the Astor Place Theater in New York City. Student travel groups headed to New York will want to book performances months in advance to make certain they can obtain tickets.

Let’s face it: students these days have access to the latest technology and they love to use it. New and updated exhibits are being designed with interactive features so audiences can feel like they are part of the exhibit – not just onlookers. The U.S.S. Intrepid Museum and Bodies the Exhibition utilize the latest technologies in unique and exciting ways. Experimental theater has made many creative attempts to bring the audience closer to the actors and actresses and the action on stage. Blue Man Group does this through props, electronic music, and surprises for the audience. All of these destinations promise and deliver exciting opportunities for the student traveler.

To learn more about educational tours to New York City and to view sample itineraries, visit http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Washington D.C.

A Junior High Class Trip to Washington D.C. and Williamsburg VA

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This past spring, a junior high school from Texas traveled to Williamsburg, Virginia and Washington D.C. on a class trip that was organized around the theme of American history. This was the first time that 8th grade teacher Bobbi Goodson led a school group on a trip. She had many interesting observations about the trip and the process of bringing nearly 50 people across the U.S. for a learning experience they will never forget.

Q. What made you decide to sponsor a class trip to Williamsburg and Washington D.C.?
A. In previous years, other teachers had taken this on. I always heard great stories when students came back. The teacher who had done this previously was unable to organize a trip this year because she had a new baby at home. I decided it was time for me to lead a trip.

Q. What course do you teach at Pleasanton Junior High School? How was the trip related to your curriculum?
A. I teach 8th grade special education. My students need assistance with reading comprehension. The object of my course work is to improve reading skills and get kids focused on the study of math, science and history. In eighth grade history courses, students learn about Colonial American history. They study Jamestown and the inception of the colonies, as well as the life of George Washington and the Revolutionary War, among other things. So, a trip to Washington D.C. with an additional day or two in Williamsburg was the perfect complement to course work.

Q. What sites did you visit in Williamsburg, VA?
A. We visited Jamestown Settlement, where living history actors were dressed in costumes. The students saw replicas of the three ships colonists landed on and they saw what a settlement encampment might look like. We also took the lantern tour in the evening in Williamsburg, and a daytime tour of Colonial Williamsburg.

Q. How did the students (and you) respond to the idea of learning from living history?
A. The living history actors and actresses are dressed in period costumes. This type of learning is very hands-on. I found it to be kid friendly and interactive. There was certainly an awe factor and students responded well. Compared to a museum setting, listening to a story about history by a dressed interpreter was far more appealing and engaging for this age group.

Q. What sites did you visit in Washington D.C.? And which were most memorable for students?
A. We visited the Washington Cathedral, the Holocaust Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, the Supreme Court, Mount Vernon, and we even had a photograph in front of the White House. The number of dead buried at Arlington National Cemetery astounded students. There were also plenty of comments about the Holocaust Museum. I don’t think students had any idea how many died there, until they saw a room filled with shoes, and numerous videos that described the events. They also found the trip to Mount Vernon and Jamestown Settlement memorable because of the exciting way history was presented at each site. Also, their history course had prepared them pretty well for Jamestown and Mount Vernon.

Q. How were your tour guides and bus drivers? Were they personable and responsive to your needs?
A. Ann Greenwald was our Washington D.C. tour guide and she was fabulous. She had a deep knowledge of the area and helped to adapt our itinerary to meet our needs. When time was running out she helped us to hit the hot spots in Washington D.C. She helped students by pointing out things they might have missed along the way. She had an excellent rapport with the children. Everyone in the group loved our bus driver. It felt like we would not have had the same experience if we did not have this tour guide and bus driver. We were on the go from morning until night and I was surprised we could all keep up – but we did!

Q. What type of response did parents have after the class trip was completed?
A. I ran into some parents afterwards while shopping around town. Many said they never could have done a family trip to Washington D.C. for their child. They were thankful their children were able to experience this. Some of the parents who were chaperones appreciated the time they had to spend with their child before they became high school students.

Goodson also mentioned that the five day, four night trip offered a great deal, but kids were missing their parents by the end of the trip. “Of course you always lose at least one cell phone to a swimming pool,” said Goodson. She was most appreciative of the security provided at the hotel at night, which made her sleep sounder, too. “If I ever lead a trip again,” commented Goodson, “I will make sure security is included.”

For junior high school students from Texas, a trip to the East Coast helped to enrich their study of American history and give them a new perspective about the founding of our country. It was also a welcome change of pace and scenery they will remember for years to come.

To obtain more information about a class trip to Washington D.C., email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com or request a quote online.

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Eco Tours of Florida: A Contemporary Class Trip Idea For Science Students

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Class trips to Washington D.C., New York City, and Orlando, Florida often focus on the study of government, history, culture and art. But what about the science student, who is engaged in studying the environment and biology? Hands on interaction with the natural world can be a joyful learning experience. Eco tours of Florida are a great way to engage this type of student in some active learning about these subjects.

These days, students want to know how and why they need to protect the natural, uncontaminated wilderness areas from further incursion by ‘progress.’ Eco tours of Florida offer science students a course that will begin to answer some of these questions.

This article gives a brief overview of a sample itinerary for an educational group tour of areas of Florida where the study and preservation of the environment is the focus. It can be customized to match a group’s specific educational objectives.

Swamp Buggy Daytime and Nighttime Eco Tour
A swamp buggy is a vehicle that’s designed to navigate the Everglades landscape with ease. The extra large tires, elevated design and cage-like passenger seating area provide safety while touring wilderness areas of the Everglades by land. Black bears, panthers, alligator, deer, antelope and hogs are some of the animals that might be seen on a swamp buggy eco tour. Student tour leaders can book swamp buggy tours in advance of their trip. It’s a great way to see animals in their natural habitat and keep students secure while doing so.

Overnight Stay in Traditional Seminole Chickee Huts
The Seminole Indians once constructed their homes from bald cypress logs and palmetto thatched roofs. Gradually, the Spanish took over their land and they were forced deeper into the Everglades. The Seminole began to build their huts on raised platforms over rivers and bays. The National Park Service provides overnight camping in Chickee Hut style sites that are accessible only by water. Tents can be used but stakes and nails are not permitted. An outhouse is attached to the Chickee huts and each platform can hold 5 or 6 campers. Adventurous student travel groups would find the experience of camping on the water extraordinary. Groups should bring plenty of bug spray and come equipped with a strong rope for getting in and out of canoes.

Everglades National Park Boat Tour
Everglades National Park is a national treasure that has several nicknames such as: Mangrove Wilderness, Ten Thousand Islands, or River of Grass. The park encompasses 1.5 million acres. One of the best ways to see the wildlife, birds, flora and fauna, is by boat tour. The dry season is from November through May, and is a perfect time for student tours to visit the Everglades. Students may see dolphins, alligators, tropical birds, mangrove trees, and more while taking the boat tour of the Everglades. Educational travel companies will schedule tours with National Park Service approved boat tour companies that are licensed and insured to work in the park.

Shark Valley Tram Tour
If the student group is too large for swamp buggy tours, the tram tour of the Everglades is a good alternative. The Shark Valley Tram Tour is led by a naturalist and provides access to the Northern part of Everglades National Park. These open air trams glide easily through the wetlands and give student groups an up-close perspective of the wetlands. The nickname River of Grass was given to the Everglades because of the proliferation of grass prairies that permeate these wetlands. Midway through the tram tour, students can climb onto an observation deck for a bird’s eye view of the northern Everglades.

Airboat Ride
Mangrove creeks, also called walking trees, populate the swamplands of the Everglades. Airboats are a popular way to cruise these creeks and see the alligators – without being too close. Airboat companies offer ½ hour, 1 hour and 1 ½ hour boat tours of the Everglades. Boat captains are familiar with the environment and the fragile habitats of the reptiles, birds, and amphibians that live there. Student groups love a thrilling airboat ride through the swamps.

Florida Keys Snorkeling and/or Glass Bottom Boat Tour
The Florida keys are home to the only living coral barrier reef in the lower 48 states of the U.S. The coral reefs are five miles offshore from the keys and are easily accessible by boat. Two of the most popular ways to explore the rich marine life that lives in and among the reefs is by glass bottom boat or snorkeling. On board a glass bottom boat or on a guided snorkeling trip, students can see over 80 different kinds of coral fish, as well as lobster, urchins, shrimp, anemones and more. Many different varieties of coral are also visible in these waters, too. Seeing the richness and diversity of marine life near the Florida Keys is a once in a lifetime opportunity for students to learn firsthand about marine science and why it is so important to preserve these habitats.

Dolphin Research Center
Everyone loves dolphins. Of all of the marine life, they seem to be the most fun, lovable, and playful creatures of the sea. At the Dolphin Research Center, student travel groups have a chance to interact with dolphins through their swim with the dolphins program, or look more closely at these unique sea animals by participating in a DolphinLab. The Dolphin Research Center is located on Grassy Key, at mile marker 59. A trip to the DRC can easily be integrated into the itinerary of an Eco Tour.

Key West Conch Train Tour
Students can rediscover the allure and legacy of those who visited and lived in the Florida Keys by taking a ride on The Conch Train tour. The Conch Train tour provides a look at the last island of the Florida Keys – Key West. Notable writer Ernest Hemingway and President Harry Truman were two of the most famous part time residents and visitors to Key West. At one time, there was an actual train that took visitors out to the Florida Keys, and the person who built it was Henry Flagler. Today, Flagler Station remains as an everlasting memorial of his vision to bring the world to Key West. Students who take The Conch Train Tour are granted free admission to Flagler Station. This train tour is a wonderful way to see Key West and learn about the history of the island and its inhabitants.

Student travel groups headed to Florida may venture to Orlando and Walt Disney World, or they can opt to do an eco tour of Southern Florida instead. No matter what the focus of a class trip to Florida, it is sure to be educational and fun. For more information about educational eco tours to Florida, email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com or Request a Quote.

Washington D.C.

JROTC Class Trip to Washington D.C. Matched Curriculum Requirements and Pleased Students

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Recently, I had the opportunity to organize a student trip to Washington D.C. for a JROTC class from Morhead High School in North Carolina. During the process of creating an itinerary, I learned a great deal about the Junior ROTC program and how a trip to our nation’s capitol could further extend the learning experience for this type of group.

JROTC educational training courses at Morhead High School complement any type of high school curriculum. In addition to history and government courses required by every high school student, JROTC participants are asked to partake in physical activities and competitions, develop their character, citizenship, ethics, oral communication and leadership skills and expand their knowledge of military history. JROTC students are also expected to give back to their communities, through service learning projects.

David J. Bray, Jr., a Senior Army Instructor, and Zack Reynolds, an Army Instructor, lead the program in place at Morhead High School. Fifty students and four chaperons took the trip to Washington D.C.

I posed a series of questions to those who attended the class trip to Washington D.C. The instructors graciously took the time to obtain answers from students and chaperons.

Here are some of their thoughts and experiences from the visit to Washington D.C.

Q.Why did you select this particular educational travel company as your student travel service? Was your selection based on price, the travel package presented, service, expertise, or something other than any of these?

A. Customer Service and expertise played a big part in our decision since it was our first time going on a field trip.

Q. Did you compare these educational travel services to other student travel providers? Why or why not?

A. No, we were satisfied with this educational travel company because they worked with us step-by-step in our planning process.

Q. Why was the Washington D.C. itinerary presented to the JROTC program at Morhead High School such a good match for the core course objectives? What specific Washington D.C. destinations reinforced your curricular objectives?

A. The itinerary covered many periods in U.S. history and military history. It also highlighted learning about qualities that make a great army cadet or officer, which include leadership and good citizenship. Under leadership, our student command team and staff were responsible for seeing to it that this trip was planned, organized and resourced. All the cadets learned of the many rights and benefits of being an American Citizen while seeing first hand the sacrifices we have made as a country to protect those rights.

Q.Out of all of the destinations visited on the trip, which seemed to have the greatest impact on students?

A. Visits to Arlington Cemetery, Smithsonian Museum and the White House had a significant impact on JROTC students.

Q.As you worked to craft an itinerary to match the JROTC program, how were the educational travel professionals instrumental in selecting destinations that matched your curriculum objectives and your budget?

A. The educational travel service was helpful in adjusting payment dates to accommodate the JROTC program’s fundraising calendar dates.


Q. Did you make any post-trip writing or speaking assignments?

A. Students were required to put together an article for the local newspaper. They also used pictures obtained on the trip for a formal slide show presentation.

Q. Overall, what were student responses to the trip to Washington D.C.? Did parents also comment on the value of the trip?

A. Students enjoyed the trip to Washington D.C. Parents were also supportive of this trip and commended the efforts made to make it a success.

Some educational travel companies only sell pre-packaged itineraries to reap a greater profit. These types of companies keep predictable destinations on the itinerary year in and year out. I believe that working closely with educators on the itinerary helps to enhance the overall quality of the trip. Customized itineraries create learning experiences which seem to match teacher objectives more closely.

JROTC programs have a more specific educational objective with students than most general high school courses, which are usually either college prep or geared towards trade school. JROTC classes and extra curricular activities are designed to motivate young people to be better citizens. Aligning the itinerary with these objectives took some extra effort and time – and it was certainly worthwhile. The outcome of the trip and candid responses from students and chaperones indicates we are certainly on the right track with JROTC student group travel.

For more information about a student trip to Washington D.C. or to view a sample JROTC itinerary, email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com or Request a Quote by taking a moment to fill out our brief online questionnaire.

Washington D.C.

Components of a Successful Student Trip to Washington D.C. from a Teacher’s Perspective

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Over the past 25 years I have worked with many K-12 teachers to organize student trips to Washington D.C. This spring I received a thank you letter from Shawn Tierney, a teacher at Santa Rita High School in Tucson, Arizona, detailing specific aspects of a trip to Washington D.C. that made it a “resounding success.”

I was happy to receive this detailed letter from Mr. Tierney. Parts of his commentary are included in this article. Tierney reflects upon the important aspects of student travel that help teachers and student tour companies to create a safe, rewarding educational experience for all involved.

Travel can be an eye opening educational experience. For many student travelers, it may even be their first time on an airplane or visiting a large urban area. In this particular instance, a class traveled from Arizona to Washington D.C. – which is a significant distance. Some students may only make this trip once in a lifetime.

In order for a student trip to be a memorable and pleasurable learning experience, coordination among a variety of individuals is necessary. A qualified student travel company will hire the most capable professionals. Student trips are influenced by: tour escorts, bus drivers, restaurant owners and managers, hotel managers, security guards, administrators and docents at various destinations, and the educational travel company. Of course teachers, students and chaperons are key to an excellent trip as well. When everyone works together in a synchronized way the trip is bound to be successful.

Starting the Trip on the Right Foot: Ground Transportation to the Phoenix Airport
Trip planning is a key foundation for success. The less a teacher has to worry about the details, the more he or she can focus on the educational objectives of the trip. Shawn Tierney mentioned he was relieved his selected ground transportation company, Mountain View Tours, has “bus drivers that were accessible and ready when we needed ground transportation in Arizona. It was as comforting to see the white bus turning into the school parking lot early Saturday morning, as it was to receive a call from the bus driver in Phoenix who was ready to pick us up at the airline terminal upon our return.”

Tour guides & Teachers Can Make or Break a Student Trip
When a tour guide and a teacher work well together, a school trip is sure to go smoothly. Kelly Everett was the licensed Washington D.C. tour guide assigned to work with Santa Rita High School students and tour leaders. Tierney says, “She was informative, proactive, and flexible. She made suggestions due to weather and traffic so that students had a thorough visit to Washington D.C.” When visiting any destination, adaptability and problem solving can make all of the difference. Tierney commented that, “the high point of the trip was when we were able to meet with our Congressional District Representative on the steps of the Capitol within 24 hours of the Health Care Reform Bill being passed. This required an overhaul of the schedule, which Kelly handled with composure and enthusiasm.” The experience of actually seeing the Congressional District representative following the passing of this historical bill was certainly a rare and rewarding experience for the school group. Tierney recalled, “the looks on the faces of our graduating seniors who saw, many for the first time, the interior of the Capitol, made it all worthwhile.”


Experienced Bus Drivers in Washington D.C. Save Time by Averting Hassles and Hang-ups
Bus drivers with a thorough knowledge of the streets of Washington D.C. as well as appropriate places to load and unload large groups when entering museums, government buildings, and other destinations, can save time on student trips. Shawn Tierney is a Washington D.C. native, so he knows full well the pitfalls and delays that might await any large school group or individual when winding through the streets of the city. According to Tierney, the bus driver, Bob Pearl, had, “knowledge of the maze of streets in D.C. This was critical in making many of our scheduled appointments. He did an excellent job of managing the one way streets and constant construction and security restrictions.” The bus driver was also “always mindful for the safety of the students.” The fact that the bus driver and the tour guide worked well together created a smooth trip.

Santa Rita High School students went on a four day, three night trip to Washington D.C. that included: Arlington National Cemetery, Ford’s Theatre, Smithsonian American and Natural History Museum, a visit to the Supreme Court as well as the U.S. Capitol, the U.S. Navy Memorial, Washington National Cathedral, the Holocaust Museum, Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, and Mount Vernon.

Even though Santa Rita High School’s itinerary was full — there are even more worthwhile educational destinations to see in Washington D.C. For the March 2011 trip, Tierney plans to add another night so more destinations may be included. He also indicated he’d start planning in August 2010. Planning a student trip to Washington D.C. six months to one year in advance is always wise, especially if teachers want student groups to gain admission to the Capitol, White House, or Pentagon when visiting.

To review an itinerary or speak to an educational travel professional about the costs or details of taking a student trip to Washington D.C. email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com or Request a Quote by taking a moment to fill out a brief, online questionnaire.

Washington D.C.

Take Student Travel Groups on a Science Trip to Washington D.C.

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Student travel group leaders and teachers often take school groups to Washington D.C. on history and government tours. Our nation’s capitol has a rich history, and the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government are centrally located there. This makes the trip to Washington D.C. perfect for the study of history and government.

Yet Washington D.C. is also an ideal location for student trips which focus on science based learning. There are numerous points of interest in the Washington D.C. area that complement the study of science including: Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian American & Natural History Museum, NASA Goddard Visitor’s Center, Maryland Science Center, Baltimore National Aquarium, Marian Koshland Science Museum, and the National Zoo. In addition to scheduling visits to these locations on the itinerary, student tour groups can also allow time to visit the U.S. Capitol/Supreme Court, take an illuminated tour of Memorials and Monuments, and see the U.S.S. Barry — all in a three or four day tour.

This article will provide a brief overview of major points of interest for a science tour of Washington D.C.

Smithsonian Air and Space Museum & Smithsonian American Natural History Museum
These two museums are a great starting point for an educational science trip.
U.S. explorations of space and innovations in flight are well-documented and preserved in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Students can participate in guided tours, or educational programs that are appropriate for specific grade levels. A visit to the Air and Space Museum will provide interactive learning about airplanes, outer space explorations and pivotal moments in U.S. history when American scientists and programs led the world in discoveries in flight and space missions.

The American Natural History Museum provides guided and self-guided tours and educational programs related to the history of the earth: fossils, stones, animals, pre-historic wildlife and remains, oceanic environments, and more. Student tour groups can visit permanent or special exhibits related to their curricular studies and teachers can focus the visit on exhibits which complement actual classroom learning experiences in the natural sciences. A visit to these two Smithsonian Museums provides an excellent opportunity for learning about science.

NASA Goddard Visitor’s Center
At the NASA Goddard Visitor’s Center, student tour groups gain a deeper level of insight into contemporary space exploration. The group can view photographs taken from the Hubble Space Telescope with pictures of planets, galaxies, black holes and views of earth taken from outer space. Students may view movies of earth and outer space in the Science on a Sphere projection room, where film is projected onto a spherical screen. Student groups will also learn about information gathered from satellites and other vehicles designed to explore deep space, through photographs of phenomenon on earth, the sun, and planets. Student education is enhanced through the lens of high tech devices, utilized by the NASA scientists to further our knowledge about the universe.

Maryland Science Center & Baltimore National Aquarium
Located in Baltimore, MD, just an hour outside of Washington D.C., are two premiere attractions for the science student: Maryland Science Center and the Baltimore National Aquarium. The Maryland Science Center has a rooftop observatory as well as nightly Sky and Stars SkiCasts to help the astronomy student interpret the activities of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies and occurrences. Students can watch live chemical and scientific experiments on the Demo stage, see science films projected onto a sphere, or ride on Segways when they tour the Maryland Science Center.

At the Baltimore National Aquarium, students will be especially pleased by the new exhibit, “A Dolphin’s World” an extraordinary Dolphin Show that teaches students about the ocean planet, and the way human behavior in and near the Chesapeake Bay watershed affects the dolphins’ environment on a daily basis. The Baltimore National Aquarium also has a 4-D Immersion Theater with daily shows as well as 16,500 animals on exhibit. It’s no wonder the Baltimore National Aquarium is internationally known and recognized as one of the finest aquariums in the United States. The opportunity to visit the Baltimore National Aquarium will complement any classroom studies on oceanography and life beneath the sea.

Marian Koshland Science Museum
The National Academy of Sciences Marian Koshland Science Museum in Washington D.C. features interactive exhibits that teach visitors about the immediate impact science has on our daily lives. Here students will learn about the importance of safe drinking water, infectious diseases, DNA, and some of the wonders of science. The exhibits are ongoing and will change from time to time. Teachers are advised to check the Museum website to coordinate curricular plans with current exhibits.

National Zoo
The National Zoo is a spectacular showcase for animals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians from a variety of eco-systems around the world. There are numerous exhibits, many with a geographical focus such as on North America, Asia, the Amazon and Africa; exhibits that concentrate on species are: Great Cats, Giant Pandas, Birds, and Asian Elephants. Teachers can access the National Zoo website well in advance of the trip to develop lesson plans that are in sync with the visit. The curriculum guides are grade specific and available for free download, with core materials included for classroom learning, making it easy for teachers to prepare students for the trip to the National Zoo.

Teachers looking to organize a science trip will find a wealth of opportunity for quality educational experiences in Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Some of the finest science museums in the world are located in the capitol city. For more information about a science based student trip and itinerary email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com for details on scheduling or pricing. Or, Request a Quote, by taking a few minutes to fill out this brief, online questionnaire.

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What’s New in Orlando at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida?

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Walt Disney World in Orlando is an exciting place for class trips. One of the world’s most beloved theme parks continually improves its offerings to keep exhibits, rides, and youth programs fresh and interesting. Student travel group leaders planning trips to Orlando, FL need to keep abreast of Walt Disney World’s new attractions and programming so they can add some of these activities to their itinerary.

I have organized tours of Walt Disney World for student travel groups for over 25 years. It is a popular destination for high school senior trips, high school bands and orchestras, theater students, science students and more. Walt Disney World has an outstanding active learning program called Youth Education Series (Y.E.S Programs). Y.E.S. programs are designed for arts and humanities, earth sciences, natural sciences, and leadership and careers. This article will give an overview of “Everyday Chemistry” a new program in Physical Sciences and “Showbiz Magic at La Nouba Cirque du Soleil” just added to Arts and Humanities programming.

Orlando has another fun theme park owned by Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure. A sixth island is about to open in Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” This article will also offer a preview for student travel groups headed to Orlando and the Islands of Adventure.

Universal Studios also has a new rollercoaster that is sure to thrill student travel groups: Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit. This high tech ride offers some unique features not found on other roller coasters. Student travel groups destined for Orlando may be interested in visiting Universal Studios, as well as Walt Disney World.

Y.E.S Program “Everyday Chemistry” 4th – 9th grade
This program is designed to show the student how chemistry impacts our day-to-day lives. Student groups will do hands on learning in Future World at Epcot. They will learn about chemical elements and their properties, and be given an overview of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. Students will visit Ellen’s Energy Adventure, where they will gain a much broader understanding of compounds that create fossil fuels and photosynthesis. During this educational program, tour groups will also be given some background on plastics and polymers, solar energy, and the process of making automobiles.

YES Program “Showbiz Magic at La Nouba Cirque du Soleil”
Theater and performance students will be drawn to this Y.E.S. Program, which helps them to gain greater insight into the talent and skills that make the world famous Cirque du Soleil possible. They tour the training room and the green room and meet some of the actual performers in La Nouba Cirque du Soleil. Students also have a chance to experiment with The Diabolos, a performance art featured in the Cirque du Soleil.

Universal Studios Islands of Adventure “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”
On June 18th 2010 the newest theme park at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure in Orlando will open: “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” This fantastic park is modeled on the movie rendition of Harry Potter’s adventures with replicas of Hogwarts (the school) and Hogsmeade (a village). Student groups can taste magical food and drinks at Three Broomsticks and the Hog’s Head and shop in various stores with magical themes. The new attraction includes Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, an ‘augmented reality’ version of the movie that places students squarely within Harry Potter’s experiences at Hogwarts. Student groups will also want to try some supernatural attractions that follow the theme of the Harry Potter movies closely. These include the Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff.

Universal Studios New Roller Coaster: “Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit”
This 65-mile per hour roller coaster is sure to excite student groups, especially those who love contemporary and retro music. Visitors choose their own soundtrack from: pop/disco, rap/hip hop, classic rock/heavy metal, country, or electronic music before boarding. With digital cameras installed on board they will get to see themselves on video as they ride the roller coaster. Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit ascends to heights of 17 stories, dives into loops, and twists and turns while riders experience an adrenaline rush of a lifetime. The unique combination of technology and roller coaster thrills will please just about any student traveler who is eager for adventure.

No wonder Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando are at the top of the list for most student travelers. A visit to Orlando combines active learning and high quality educational programming with all of the joys and stimulation people expect from a theme park. When it is time to take a break from the day’s activities, there are great choices for entertainment, tasty dining and unique shopping experiences awaiting the tour group.

With planning and coordination by tour leaders and an educational travel company, student groups can easily visit both parks. If student groups want to participate in Y.E.S Programs, I recommend booking early in order to secure a reservation.

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Booking Large Student Groups on Airlines

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Sometimes it is not always crystal clear to student travel organizers such as teachers, school board members, and parents — what function or role an excellent student travel company can fulfill when taking a group to a destination. There are many roles that student travel consultants play in planning and executing a trip. In this blog, I will focus on one important aspect of student travel planning that takes up a great deal of time and even requires a financial commitment early on. Booking large student groups on major airlines to high traffic destinations is not an easy assignment. It takes an experienced student travel consultant to pre-plan this aspect of a trip.

The Student Travel Deposit for Airlines
There are several key requirements when making airline reservations for student travel. The most important is that a deposit of $50 per passenger must be paid in advance. If as many as 50 students attend, this deposit could be $2,500. The required deposit is held by the airline company until 30 days after the trip is completed.

How Does Educational Travel Consultants Assist Student Travel Partners?
Here is the part where a qualified educational travel consultant’s services are needed. Instead of billing the student travel group for this fee and reimbursing the group one month after the tour is complete, Educational Travel Consultants covers this deposit. Why? ETC does not see it as necessary to task students, parents and teachers to raise additional funds that will be repaid at a later date.

ETC’s decision to cover student deposits does tie up valuable company resources during the height of the busy student travel season. But ETC sees this as a trade off. We see this as just one more way we can serve student travel groups better, by stepping in and taking responsibility for the deposit to provide adequate advance reservations for groups booking airline passage. We realize it is a risk for airlines to book large groups, since numbers sometimes go up and down. Yet this deposit is not applied to other types of air travel. It still remains a mystery to me as to why it is strictly required for large student groups.

Serving Students, Teachers and Chaperones Better: Less Fundraising Needed
The most important thing is that our policy to cover the airline deposit serves the school, teachers, and students by allowing them more flexibility with their fund raising efforts. If student groups had to raise an additional $2,500 to fund a trip to Washington D.C. it would put increased stress on them during the busy school year. Educational trips are designed to enhance learning, not detract from it. By giving student groups and those who organize them a break, we help students and teachers who are busy during the school year to free up time for the important things like preparation, study, performance, and intramural sports. Students and teachers who travel with us have enough to do!

Leave the Student Travel Details to the Experts
At Educational Travel Consultants, it is our job to make the student travel experience easier, and more enjoyable. That’s why we encourage student groups to leave the details to us. Our student travel consultants work diligently behind the scenes to ensure that deposits and reservations are made in a timely manner, and that the best possible price for air travel is obtained. As many know, air travel, like any kind of travel, is most likely going to continue to increase in cost. There is not much that ETC or other student travel companies can do about this. Yet, we try our best to keep costs as low as possible so student groups can continue to travel to major destinations like New York City, Washington D.C., and Orlando.

Always work with a qualified student travel expert, such as Educational Travel Consultants, when you want to avoid headaches and unexpected costs. In order for a student trip to go smoothly advance planning and follow-up is necessary. Make sure you have a student travel expert on your side. Request more information by emailing info@educationaltravelconsultants.com or request a quote for your upcoming student travel trip by filling out a brief online inquiry form.

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Broadway Musicals in New York City that Appeal to Student Travel Groups

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Student groups traveling to New York City this fall or upcoming spring will want to be booked for a fun and entertaining evening on Broadway. I have scheduled many different types of tours (art tour, educational travel, history, music festival) to New York City. I will make some recommendations for Broadway Shows that are appropriate for high school age groups. These shows are popular choices among student travel groups, and are sure to please and captivate all.

Wicked
Instead of Dorothy and her dog, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good witch are featured in this Broadway rendition of a rewrite of The Wizard of Oz. Gregory Maguire wrote the novel Wicked, which tells the tale of Oz from a different perspective – that of the witches — not Dorothy and Toto. Even the Wizard of Oz is a bit offbeat and differs from the way he is depicted in the movie. Students love this drama, which includes some special effects that are sure to dazzle.

Lion King
Centered around the story of Simba, a young lion prince, this Disney classic will enthrall student audiences. The story is one of youth, loss, reckoning with the past and destiny. Simba flees his homeland after the murder of his father by Scar, his uncle. On the road he meets funny, loving companions who start him on a new path in life. Then he is called back to African Pride Lands to assume his role as king, and challenge the evil uncle who took his father’s life. The Lion King score has a powerful African style drumbeat as well a popular tune composed by Elton John and Tim Rice, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” Students will want to book early for this popular show, which is usually sold out well in advance.

Phantom of the Opera
The Phantom of the Opera is a story and a soundtrack known across the world. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s highly acclaimed inspirational music weaves the love story together. The Phantom is based on the actual story of a man who lived beneath the Paris Opera House when it was first built. The fictional storyline centers on an obsessed and secretive composer who is in love with Christina, a new opera star. The musical is filled with acts of love and betrayal. The stage set-up for The Phantom of the Opera allows for surprise entrances and solos for the Phantom, who also ‘haunts’ the opera house in surprising ways. This Broadway classic is sure to delight student audiences.

Mama Mia
Featuring the music of Abba, this Broadway show is an upbeat performance that will put students in that 70s mood. Dancing in the aisles is not unusual for this event, which encourages singing along too. Mama Mia is energetic and an excellent choice for high school student travel groups. It’s not recommended for younger groups since the plot hinges on the discovery of the real father of Sophie, and involves a closer look at her mother’s past and Sophie’s true paternity. Mama Mia is a wonderful choice for high school students traveling to New York City.

Shrek the Musical
Shrek is a fairytale adventure of a fantasy creature and his friends, Donkey and Princess Fiona, and his nemesis, Lord Farquaad. Shrek was a feared monster that lived in an isolated swamp. Then one day a fairytale group of people emerged into the woods after being evicted from their homes, and spoke of their anger towards Lord Farquaad. Shrek agreed to help them get their homes back and he agreed to the rescue of Princess Fiona eventually, too. The beast falls for the beauty in this Broadway musical. Shrek is always a surefire winning choice for students, who love the costuming and setting as well as the story.

This short list of Broadway musicals is not intended to be comprehensive. But, it will serve a high school group travel coordinator well as a choice of Broadway musicals students tend to prefer.

Any student travel group headed to New York City next spring needs to book now in order to obtain seating at a Broadway musical on desired travel dates. Email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com or Request a Quote.