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A School Trip from Bermuda Takes a Science Tour of Orlando

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Often teachers will approach me with a general idea for a school trip to a certain destination. I work closely with educators to customize tours that reflect their curriculum and provide fun and interesting sites on the itinerary.

Heather Stevens is school Coordinator for Overseas Educational Tours.  She is a Para Educator for pre-kindergarten through fifth graders at Purvis Primary school in Bermuda.  She needed guidance and ideas for an educational trip to Orlando. Stevens wanted her students to visit Walt Disney World, and engage in the study of science.

Walt Disney World in Florida has some excellent science-focused educational programs in their Youth Education Series (Y.E.S.). There are some specific programs geared towards the science student:  Synergy in Science (Epcot Center), Wild by Nature (Animal Kingdom), Seaworld Education Program and Physics – Energy & Waves (Magic Kingdom).  Disney World exhibits are used as examples of the direct application of technology and science.  This hands on learning experience is fun and educational for students.

The Principal, Deputy Principal and teachers scheduled the student group for all of the programs mentioned above.  Student favorites included Animation Magic, Physics – Energy & Waves and Animals of Florida.  “The students have been learning about animals and their habitats,” commented Stevens, “and we have an annual science fair each February.”  She continued, “The YES Programs about Everyday Chemistry and Physics were a great tie in for our students as well.”

Students also participated in the Synergy in Science Program at Epcot Center, where children are taught about the creativity and technology behind Disney’s entertainment programs.   “The students were thrilled. Many spoke about their experiences in Epcot in their journal,” said Stevens.

Stevens feels the trip to Walt Disney World was a useful learning tool because:

  1. Children are able to relate to hands on activities.
  2. Students retain a lot of information given.
  3. Many of the students enjoy the movement.
  4. This type of experience taps into a variety of learning styles.

During the trip to Walt Disney World, students were asked to keep a reflective journal.  When they returned to Purvis Primary school in September 2010, the writing was shared by students at “an assembly of the entire school, where they gave details about the trip and shared pictures,” according to Stevens.

Students are more likely to retain the information acquired during active learning experiences if they are told to record their thoughts in writing, or speak about them afterward.

When students presented their experiences to others, they said their favorite programs were Animation Magic – where they learned about how a haunted house works by going backstage. Many of the students also had positive thoughts on the Seaworld Education Program.

This February, the children have been busy with the Science Fair. And, although they may not take a school trip this June, Stevens said she would like to do so again in the future. “Working with an educational travel company helped us create the core learning experiences for the trip. We would not have been able to travel as a school without this component,” noted Stevens.

There are many different Disney Y.E.S. programs to choose from these days, as the educational series has expanded over the years.  Some of the newer programs include:  The American Story (history), Showbiz Magic at La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil an inside look at the Cirque de Soleil performers, Milennium Cultures (World Showcase), and Disney’s Leadership Excellence: The Inside Track.  This is just a sampling of the many Y.E.S programs available to student travel groups in a variety of subjects.

The great part about scheduling a student group trip to Orlando to participate in Y.E.S. Programs, according to Heather Stevens, is “it’s educational fun for the adults as well.”

For more information on visiting Orlando with a student group, Request a Quote or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

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An Eco Tour of Puerto Rico Designed for Student Travel Groups

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The island of Puerto Rico is an excellent choice for student groups who want to travel to a destination with well-preserved ecological features. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, students, teachers and chaperones can travel there without a passport.

Puerto Rico is rich in Colonial and native history.  It is also a spectacular destination for an eco tour.  El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. and well worth the visit.  The island is peppered with small fishing villages, offering unique hands on learning experiences for students studying marine science as well.

While student groups are touring Puerto Rico, they can also visit the historic cities of Ponce and Old San Juan, eat authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, take Salsa lessons, and learn about the local culture.
Following is an overview of some of the main sites student groups can visit while taking an eco tour of Puerto Rico.

La Parguera – A Fishing Village with Unique Learning Opportunities
Students will visit La Parguera, a small fishing village in Western Puerto Rico.  There the group will be able to feed Iguanas, identify birds, and even catch starfish.  A local fisherman will speak to the group about everyday life in his profession, and students will interact with marine life up close.  After enjoying a meal prepared by the locals, the group will embark on a bioluminescent night bay tour.   The bay tour is a supervised swim where students will see dinoflagelates (plankton) that glow in the dark and fish that light up underwater.

The Tropical Rainforest El Yunque
Protected by the Federal Forest Reserve for over one hundred years, El Yunque is truly a treasure, since it is a well- preserved rainforest. Like many rainforests, El Yunque has a complex eco system with a wide variety of flora and fauna, animals, insects, reptiles and birds.  Exotic scenery includes large cascading waterfalls, views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea and a canopy of age-old trees.  Student tour groups will take a guided hike of El Yunque that includes swimming under the waterfalls.  Afterwards, students will have a lunch of Pinchos and spend time on Luquillo beach.

Ponce: Once Spain’s Capital City
Ponce is the second largest city in Puerto Rico and was named after Juan Ponce de Leon’s great-grandson, Loiza Ponce de Leon, who founded it in 1692.    Student travel groups may opt to take a walking or trolley tour of this historic city, where they will explore old and new farmers markets, and see neoclassical buildings and facades, colonial homes, cathedrals and fountains from the 17th Century. Groups will also visit El Parque de Bombas, a Spanish and Moorish inspired architectural treasure that served first as a main exhibit pavilion for the 1882 Exhibition Trade Fair and later as a fire station.

Old San Juan:  A Spanish Colonial City
Founded in 1521 and also known as ‘the walled city,” San Juan is the present day capital city of Puerto Rico.  It sits on one of the largest and most accessible harbors in the Caribbean.  Student groups will visit the old Spanish fort, explore the cobblestone streets of San Juan and view 16th and 17th Century Spanish colonial buildings.

Puerto Rico has a rich Spanish colonial heritage that has been well preserved.  El Yunque rainforest is one of the 28 finalists in the World’s Seven Wonders competition and is a spectacular opportunity for learning about the ecological importance of preserving rainforests – right in this hemisphere.

On tour, there are also numerous opportunities for students to immerse themselves in Puerto Rican culture, cuisine, and lifestyles. The experience of visiting Puerto Rico is rich and varied. Guides are bilingual, so there is no need to be fluent in Spanish. However, for Spanish classes the guides will speak totally in Spanish (if desired) for total Spanish immersion.

Request a quote for a student trip to Puerto Rico by filling out the brief online form, or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Articles

Class Trips to Southeastern Virginia to Study Science

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Many student trips to Virginia focus on early American history and the study of the Civil War. With sites like Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Island, Yorktown Battlefields, Arlington National Cemetery, Monticello, and the historic homes of numerous presidents, it is no surprise many school trips to the Commonwealth focus on history. Yet a school trip to Virginia is also a great choice for the study of science.

In previous articles I have written about science destinations in Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. and an Eco Tour of Virginia.  This article will focus specifically on destinations in Southeastern Virginia in Norfolk, Hampton, and Virginia Beach.  Destinations on the science tour of Virginia can be combined with a student trip to Washington D.C. or Williamsburg or taken as a stand-alone educational tour of Virginia.

Nauticus, The National Maritime Center
Nauticus is located on the harbor in Norfolk, Virginia. The Museum is a 45-minute bus ride from Williamsburg and is well worth the trip.  Nauticus is home to battleship Wisconsin, the last battleship built by the U.S. Navy.  Students learn about the way science impacts Naval history and economics and methods and instruments used in navigating the sea.  School groups tour the battleship Wisconsin and the nearby museum. Afterwards, groups can have lunch at Waterside, and explore downtown Norfolk.

Mariners’ Museum
The Mariner’s Museum is located in Newport News, Virginia, and encompasses 60,000 square feet of exhibition space. Students can learn about maritime history and view artifacts from the Monitor battleship and exhibitions on topics such as the Chesapeake Bay watermen. Groups touring the museum will see handmade ship models, paintings, and photographs related to the history of work on the sea from world class collections. If the weather is nice, school groups can take a walk around Mariners’ Museum Park and Noland Trail, a naturally wooded setting surrounding Lake Maury.

Virginia Air and Space Center
The Virginia Air and Space Center is not far from NASA Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia, where America’s space exploration program first began in earnest.  The museum exhibits document over 100 years in aviation and provide visitors with an overview of space exploration that includes artifacts from space flights.  The Virginia Air and Space center houses over 30 planes. With its high tech interactive exhibits and an Imax theater on site, it is sure to be a popular destination for student groups.

Hampton Roads Harbor Cruise
One way for students to see and learn about life in the Chesapeake Bay region is to climb aboard a boat that gives students a view of the harbor.  Harbor cruises leave from either the port of Norfolk or Hampton, Virginia.  Each cruise includes slightly different views and points of interest.  Students will see the awe inspiring Norfolk Naval base, where aircraft carriers, submarines and other support vessels are docked. Groups will learn about other points of interest in the harbor that date to the time of the first English settlers and the Civil War.  The harbor cruise takes approximately two hours and offers a perspective that is stimulating and different from a walking tour.

Lifesaving Museum of Virginia
Student groups can take a trip to Virginia Beach, Virginia to explore the Lifesaving Museum of Virginia.  Here they will see the remains of shipwrecks, and learn about lifesaving and techniques and equipment used to rescue people from the sea.  Groups may elect to take a guided School of the Surfman tour that includes an overview of skills honed by rescuers and their stories.

The Southeastern corner of Virginia, also known as Tidewater Virginia, is the perfect place for students to engage in active learning about scientific topics.  It is rich in maritime history and the innovations of space exploration. The Tidewater area of Virginia is also home to the largest Naval base on the East Coast and several U.S. Coast Guard stations.  Depending upon curricular objectives, student tour leaders may also elect to add other destinations to the science tour such as a visit to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the Virginia Marine Science Museum, the Virginia Living Museum, or the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center.

Request a Quote for a student trip or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Articles, Blog

An International School from the Bahamas Tours New York City

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I recently worked with a teacher at an International School based in the Bahamas. Catherine Hindley organized a 6th and 7th grade trip to New York City. She teaches Humanities at Lucaya International School and course work includes the study of geography and history. Hindley decided to sponsor this class trip to widen students’ horizons about urban life in the United States.

Some Items on the Itinerary for a School Trip to NYC

Because of the Bahamas close proximity to Florida, Hindley’s students have been to the U.S., but “Many of our students have never experienced a big city before,” she remarked. New York City is certainly the city to explore.  “The Discovery of the Americas section of their history course was enhanced by their tour of the United Nations and also the Ellis Island tour, where we reenacted the processing of immigrants into the U.S.”  The school group learned about Broadway after a night out to see The Lion King.  The group also had a chance to visit Chinatown that same day — another fresh, new experience for many.

Learning Objectives for Student travel to New York

When asked about her educational objectives for the trip, Hindley said that “Exposing students to what they have seen on television, but have never experienced,” was one of the main objectives behind some destination choices. Sites visited included NBC Studios Tour, Radio City Music Hall, a Statue of Liberty cruise and shopping at Macy’s. Lucaya students gained insight into life in the States by sampling these American experiences and sites firsthand.

For some students, the best part of the tour was a visit to the United Nations.  Hindley was particularly interested in exposing her students to the Millennium Development Goals exhibition, “This ties in very well with work we cover in class,” said Hindley. The United Nations was one of the highlights of the tour for her and her students enjoyed the displays, too.

Class Spends a day at Six Flags NJ on Their Trip

For some students, the best part of the class trip was the day spent at Six Flags in New Jersey, a Great Adventure theme park.  “You have to realize that some of these students had never been to a theme park, because we have nothing like that here in the Bahamas,” said Hindley.

Hindley was impressed with the tour guide, Karen Goodman.  “She was very knowledgeable and was also flexible when we made a few changes.”

Security on School Trip a BIG Plus

Hindley was relieved to have security at the hotel. The security guard helped to separate her group of children from another rowdier group in close proximity.  “Our security was enough to get them to calm down,” she remarked.

There are many benefits to traveling with an educational travel company. ‘We are not that familiar with the city,” said Hindley, “and all the details were taken care of.  It was all very efficient and made for a totally stress free trip as far as we (the chaperones) were concerned.”

Learn more about an educational travel trip to New York City.  Tours can be focused on art, performance, history, social studies, eras in American history, and more.  Visit http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com to request a quote.

Articles, Blog

College Tour of Ivy League Schools Designed for High School Juniors and Seniors

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For some of the most brilliant high school students and their families, the achievement of an Ivy League education is a dream worth reaching for and one that is within grasp. The Ivy League’s highly competitive admissions standards and large tuition costs are daunting for many high school students in the process of applying to colleges.

Yet attending an Ivy League school is desirable for many students. Those students who are academically prepared for the Ivy League may want to take a campus tour of some of the top Ivy League schools before deciding upon where to make application.

Trip leaders will want to schedule Ivy League college tours in students’ junior or senior years. Students will receive a walking tour of the college campus and an overview of the history (and in some cases the admissions process). Visiting student groups may dine at the university or participate in other activities with the campus community, as time and scheduling allows.

This sample college tour is designed for the school group interested in touring the campus of half of the eight Ivy League Schools. Included on this particular tour are: Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Harvard University

Harvard Square is the heartbeat of Boston, and it is the home of Harvard University. The university provides two different college tours: a tour on the history of Harvard and an undergraduate admissions tour. Groups can decide which is appropriate or may elect to take both. The university was established in 1636 and has a rich history that dates to English Settlement. With over 20,000 students and 2,000 faculty, Harvard serves a wide constituency. Some famous Harvard faculty include Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Stephen Greenblatt. Costs for undergraduate tuition are nearly $40,000 in 2010-11 academic year. Financial aid is available to students. Like other Ivy League Schools, Harvard provides a higher education for students of all means.

Princeton University

Established in 1746, Princeton University is located on 500 acres of land in central New Jersey. Princeton’s curriculum focuses on the study of humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and engineering. With 7,500 students and approximately 1,100 faculty members, Princeton offers a 6:1 student to faculty ratio and a distinguished private education. Princeton’s famous faculty includes writer and Nobel Prize winner Tony Morrison. Alumni Eugene O’Neill was also a Princeton graduate and Nobel Prize winner. Former president of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, was a student, professor, and one time president of Princeton University. Some highlights of the campus tour are Nassau Hall. Built in 1756 of local sandstone, Nassau Hall houses a faculty room that resembles the British House of Commons. Firestone Library, University Chapel, and Alexander Hall, were musical performances are held, are all architectural masterpieces students will visit on campus tour.

Yale University

Located in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale’s campus is in the heart of an urban area. Yale has been established since the early 1700s. On a campus tour, students will see some excellent architecture from the Victorian Gothic to New England Colonial to contemporary designs. Known for its school of law, medicine, arts and sciences and elite graduate and professional programs, Yale University is an excellent choice for outstanding students. The school serves 11,000 students and employs 3,200 faculty members. Campus tours are scheduled ahead of time for groups of 10 or more, and include an orientation video, and an overview of Yale’s history and architecture.

University of Pennsylvania

The sprawling University of Pennsylvania campus has been located in West Philadelphia since the 18th Century, when Ben Franklin helped to found it. In 1791, The College of Philadelphia became the University of Pennsylvania. Today, Penn has over 25,000 students and 4,000 faculty. The University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League School known for its emphasis on the liberal arts and its curriculum for the business student. Many Penn graduates seek careers in public service or the arts. The Annenberg School for Communication and the Wharton School of Business are known around the world. Penn’s culture is one that celebrates the international student. It is a campus known for its diverse atmosphere of learning. Located on Walnut Street, the campus district is also known as University City. A tour will showcase the historical architecture on campus, give students a feeling for campus life, facilities, classrooms and administration, and provide an overview of West Philadelphia.

High school students destined for college can benefit a great deal from college tours. Students travel to college campuses with their peers, learn about college life, and are given insight into the city or area where the university is located. Taking campus tours may motivate students to get started on the college application process.

Teachers, administrators and school group leaders need to plan college tours six months to one year ahead of time. Since college applications are due in February and March of the senior year, it is highly recommended that college tours be scheduled for the junior year of high school, or fall of the senior year. For more information on scheduling college tours visit http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com.

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Grad Nite in Walt Disney World Orlando: A Great Senior Trip Idea

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One of the best high school senior trip ideas in the United States is for a class to attend Grad Nite in Walt Disney World Orlando. There’s also a Grad Nite for high school seniors at the Disneyland California location, for students that find travel easier to a West Coast location.

 

On Grad Nite, Magic Kingdom is closed to everyone except high school seniors on the cusp of their graduation — and the park is theirs all night.  In 2011, Grad Night is slated for April 29th  and 30th  and May 6th  and 7th at Walt Disney World Orlando.  In order to reserve a place at Grad Nite, teachers and trip leaders scheduling this type of senior trip will want to plan at least six months in advance, and start making commitments by the end of 2010.

 

There are lots of reasons to recommend Grad Nite to parents. Many senior parties near home may include the opportunity to consume alcohol. This is a concern for many parents who do no allow their children to drink and certainly do not want them driving if they do consume alcohol. The event occurs in one place and transportation is provided to and from the park.  Grad Nite is alcohol free and monitored by adults and employees of the park.

 

High School Seniors enjoy dancing, going on rides, video games, and dining in a closely monitored, public environment.  They get to spend the evening with their high school friends and engage in activities any teenager might enjoy.  Students travel to the event with chaperones, and with some educational travel companies, security is provided while the group is resting at the hotel.  When security is provided at the hotel, it gives additional piece of mind to parents and teachers.

 

The Grad Nite event is designed to appeal directly to high school seniors, with the entertainment selected with their tastes in mind.

In 2011, Grad Nite in Orlando is scheduled to include the following:

–    DJ Pauly D, who plays dance mixes with electronic sounds that appeal to this age group, will     occupy the Cinderella Stage.
–    Live music is also scheduled for the evening, with two bands slated to perform:  Taio Cruz and 3OH!3.
–    Seniors get to hang out with their friends and dance in an alcohol free environment and meet graduating seniors from across the U.S.
–    Access to interactive video games gives students a pleasurable break from dancing or rides and another way to celebrate with friends.
–    Students can take as many rides as they like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and other popular Magic Kingdom rides.
–    Near the end of the evening, a fireworks show is provided to honor graduating seniors.  This show makes the group of traveling high school seniors feel like the center of attention.

For seniors who want special mementos to remind them of their Grad Night experience, Walt Disney World sells keepsakes commemorating the evening.  They can also take photos or have them taken by a Disney World photographer.

Student travel discounts are available for groups of ten or more students and are best obtained by working directly with an educational travel company that specializes in booking group tours.  Grad Nite fills up fast, so book early to ensure a group reservation.

For information about booking a high school senior trip to Grad Nite in Disney World Request a Quote or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

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Class Trip on History of California is Funded by Major League Baseball Player

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by Howard Clemens

Parker Lefton is a retired history teacher for Maclay Middle School in Pacoina California, just outside of Los Angeles.  He continues to work as an educator in his role as the volunteer coordinator of the Determined to Dream Foundation.  Garret Anderson, a recently retired Major League Baseball player who spent most of his career with the Los Angeles Angels, funds the Determined to Dream Foundation.  Anderson and his wife, Teresa, were once students at Maclay, and they have been actively funding and planning special projects at the school since 2003.

Garret Anderson’s Foundation Funds Reading Initiatives and Educational Trips
The Determined to Dream Foundation is the funding source for Maclay Middle School’s reading initiative and educational trips. Each year a group of students takes an educational tour on the East Coast to Boston, New York City or Philadelphia. Lefton also takes an annual trip with a group of students to historical and geographic points of interest in California. “I feel it’s important to expose kids at this school to the outside world.  Many of the kids who go to Maclay have not had the opportunity to get outside of L.A.,” commented Lefton.

Hunting for an Educational Travel Company that Offers Flexibility
When he first began hunting for an educational travel company, Lefton said he was disappointed to find that many of the companies he interviewed had definite itineraries that were not changeable.  “I didn’t necessarily like the tours other companies presented,” noted Lefton, “so I finally said yes to the company that was open to arranging the tour any way I wanted.”  Educational Travel Consultants was willing to customize the tour to match his curriculum. Consultants work with teachers to create educational tours that parallel teaching objectives. Pre-packaged tours of popular destinations are also available to school groups.

A Student Tour of California is Created
Lefton helped to create a six-day tour of California. The journey begins at Maclay Middle School near Los Angeles, continues up through the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Lake Tahoe, makes a stop in the San Francisco Bay area and Sacramento, and proceeds down the California coast through Monterey and Santa Cruz, then back to Los Angeles.

Students Travel to Sierra Nevada Mountains
Lefton wanted to begin the tour with an overview of the geography of the state.  The school trip starts with a visit to Mammoth Mountain, the site of the ancient volcano that erupted some 57,000 years ago. Students then proceed to nearby Lake Tahoe, another geographic wonder — a large and deep mountain lake that sits at approximately 6,225 feet in elevation and is located on the border of Nevada and California.  While touring the area, students also visit Coloma Valley, the place where gold was first discovered. This discovery triggered the 1849 California Gold Rush.

Touring Sacramento and San Francisco Bay
After spending a day in the Sierra Nevada Mountains the school group heads west to Sacramento to visit the California State Railroad Museum, where they learn about the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Here, the first of two educational exercises on the trip begins with an information hunt. Students work in pairs to find specific information in the Museum. The winners receive Target gift cards. While visiting Sacramento, students also tour the California State Capitol building, where they gain insight and perspective into state government.

Next on the itinerary is the San Francisco Bay area, where students visit Alcatraz Island Prison by boat, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, tour Fort Point (an old Civil War era site), see the Maritime National Historic Park and take a walking tour of Chinatown.  In the evening the student group dines at a restaurant on Fishermen’s Wharf.

Santa Cruz & Monterey
The next day the school group moves south from the San Francisco area and visits Santa Cruz, where they see one of California’s redwood forests, and make a stop in Monterey, the first capital of California. Here, students consider the Mexican period in California history, visit the Monterey Aquarium, and see the Big Sur coastline from the vantage point of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

A Student Tour of an 18th Century Mission
On the way back to Los Angeles, the bus stops at Morro Bay, where a tour of the Museum of Natural History offers a visual and educational overview of the coastal area.  At their final stop, they tour La Purisima Mission, a wonderfully preserved example of a mission as it would have been in 1800.  Part two of the information hunt occurs at La Purisima, where students are tasked with finding specific details about mission history while on tour.

Competing for a Place on the California Tour
Funding limitations do not permit all students at Maclay Middle School to attend this grant-funded trip. So, Lefton and the Andersons have created an academic competition with winners awarded a place on the California tour.  The contest helps them to strive for better grades and also involves the element of luck.  Students are given tickets for a drawing for each acceptable grade in the A,B, and C range. “The more good grades they receive the first semester of school, the more entry tickets they have to enter the drawing,” says Lefton. Fourteen names are drawn from all of the entries, and these lucky students tour their home state.

This unique trip was created because a history teacher wanted to develop an educational tour that gave students an opportunity to engage in some active learning about their home state.  The California tour is ambitious in all of the sites it encompasses.  Students studying California history, geography, and social studies will benefit from a trip designed like this, or even one that is quite similar.  The tour could be scaled down to three or four days instead of five or six and still offer many learning opportunities.

For more information about scheduling a student trip of California, Request a Quote or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

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Bowsher High School from Ohio Takes a Band Trip to New York City

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This past spring, Matt Fritz, the Band Director at Bowsher High School, took his students on a performance trip to New York City.  He decided to take 68 students in the Marching and Concert Band and the Jazz Band, which included 19 students.  The objective of the tour was to be immersed in an educational experience that focused on art and historical sites and to perform at a venue in New York City.

Matt Fritz teaches music theory and beginning band class for students who have never played in a band but want to learn an instrument.  The school group’s itinerary was custom designed to meet Matt’s learning goals.

This Q & A was conducted with Matt Fritz upon completion of the band trip.

Q.    What educational benefits are there to giving students live performance opportunities?
A.    The high school band always gives a concert performance at school. With a trip to New York City, students had a chance to get out and showcase their talents to people who have never seen them perform before.  It was a special thrill for student musicians to perform in New York City.

Q.    How did you prepare the high school band and jazz band for this New York City performance?
A.    We were scheduled to travel in the last week of April. Luckily we had no concerts to prepare for the entire month prior to the trip, so we could focus on our performance in New York City.  We did complete a great deal of preparation in class and I also scheduled after school rehearsals.

Q.    What’s the difference in traveling with student musicians as opposed to traditional students?
A.    Musicians have instruments that are carried along with them on the trip and some of these are quite large.  In fact, we had to leave the harpist’s harp home as well as some of the large percussion instruments, because they were too large to carry or store on buses.  So the educational travel company took care of renting these instruments ahead of time.  They made sure that the instruments were there at the venue before we arrived.  Also, considering we had 87 students who did have instruments, it was important to choose a transportation service that had ample storage underneath the bus to accommodate the extra luggage – which is significant.  These important details were handled by the educational travel consultants well in advance of our trip.

Q.    Where did you schedule a performance in New York City?
A.    We performed at the Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum, right on the flight deck, near the fighter planes.   There were three separate performances:  the concert band performed, the choir and the orchestra.

Q.    What was the audience like at the Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum?
A.    On the deck of the Intrepid, a steady group of people continued to walk by, and pause and take an interest in the performance. I’d estimate about 60 people passed through.  There was an area that was roped off for the performance and the Intrepid staff provided chairs for the audience.

Q.    What else did the student group do while touring?
A.    The kids toured the Intrepid Museum that day as well as performing for the crowd.  While we were in New York City we saw Mary Poppins on Broadway. This was the first time students had actually seen a real live Broadway musical production and it was great fun for them and me, too.  We visited the Museum of Modern Art, took the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island boat tour, and had a guided tour of Manhattan on the bus.

Q.    Was your tour escort helpful in resolving any last minute challenges or scheduling issues on the itinerary?
A.    Karen Goodman was our escort and she was unbelievable.  Our visit to Lincoln Center was canceled at the last minute and she was able to present us with choices for our open time on the schedule.  We visited Ground Zero on the bus and she arranged for the students to see the Dakota Apartment buildings. Neither of these destinations was on the schedule but she made it happen easily.  She also helped the bus driver out of a traffic snarl – which was quite impressive.

Q.    Did parents of students give you any feedback about the band trip?
A.    Some parents actually paid to come along and they enjoyed the visit to New York immensely.  Parents who were not able to attend said they were really thrilled that their children were given the opportunity to tour and perform in New York City.

Bowsher High School band members and parents took a well-rounded trip to New York City that included art and historical points of interest as well as an afternoon performance. There are many different venues to choose from for performance groups headed to New York including: Lincoln Center, the United Nations Building, Statue of Liberty as well as the Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum.  Student choirs may elect to perform at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine.  Performance groups that visit Lincoln Center may also elect to take a behind the scenes tour of this famous performance stage and learn more about the lives of professional musicians and how they live each day in the spotlight.

For more information about scheduling a high school band, orchestra, or choir trip to New York City or another destination such as Philadelphia, Boston or Walt Disney World in Orlando, take a moment to fill out the Request a Quote form online. Or, email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Articles, Blog, Washington D.C.

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.

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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.