Category Archives: Washington D.C.

Blog posts pertaining to Washington D.C. trips.

Washington D.C.

Student Trip to Washington D.C. to Study History

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For a year leading up to the student Washington D.C. trip, teacher Michelle Rochel prepares her students for the journey in her classroom. She currently teaches 5th and 6th grade Religion, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade Social Studies and Science. She is also the Middle School Coordinator and Dean of Students at Saint Anne Catholic School in Somerset, Wisconsin.  For the past ten years, Rochel has been taking her students to Washington D.C. where they can learn firsthand about American history.

Student Trip to Washington D.C. Enhances Classroom Studies
“I think this is something every child should experience,” said Rochel. “I am grateful for the opportunity to bring them to Washington D.C. and have them be witnesses to history,” she added.  The trip enhances their studies of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. presidents and the Holocaust, to name just a few aspects of American history covered.

To pay for travel expenses, students and parents engage in fundraising beginning sometimes two years prior to the Washington D.C. trip. “Right now, we are one-fourth of the way towards our fundraising goals,” commented Rochel.

Students View the Holocaust Museum Exhibits
One of the most memorable parts of the trip included a visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.  When the group visited the Holocaust Museum, “They were speechless,” recalled Rochel.  “In the classroom, we went in depth in our studies of Holocaust victims and survivors. At this museum they could see the human faces that went into these stories. It will be something they never forget.”  The powerful, graphic images of mass extermination of the Jewish people and others Hitler deemed outcasts are a great deal to process.  The interactive exhibits at the museum as well as personal stories gathered from survivors make the information accessible and the experience authentic.

Newseum Well-Loved by Students and Teacher
The student group also visited the Newseum — right in the heart of Washington D.C. This museum is equipped with state-of-the-art multimedia delivery of historical information.  All major media news sources are represented with interactive exhibits. Video, audio, photographic and written information is presented for easy assimilation. Excerpts from interesting and volatile periods in American history are featured.  Rochel said, “All of the kids were able to find something in the Newseum of interest, whether it was sports, world news, current events, or other topics that intrigued them.  There was something for everyone in the Newseum.  I am hoping to include this museum on our next Washington D.C. trip.”

Rochel’s students visited many other places in Washington D.C., including the Smithsonian American and Natural History Museums, the National Archives, Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, the U.S. Capitol Building, the White House Photo Shop, Mount Vernon, the Air and Space Museum and the National Zoo.  They also attended mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.   This ambitious itinerary was well worth it, especially because some of Rochel’s students have never been on an airplane, or to the East Coast.  “They return with a deeper appreciation and a better understanding of their own history,” said Rochel.

Request a Quote for a student trip to Washington D.C. Or, email an educational travel consultant for more information:  info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Washington D.C.

A Middle School Trip to Washington D.C. to Study American History

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Lisa Wertz is a middle school teacher who brought her 8th grade class to Washington D.C. each year.  “I always felt that the trip was good preparation for high school,” said Wertz. The visit to Washington DC is “great preparation for the 8th graders since they will take government classes in 9th grade,” added Wertz. An in depth look at the places in Washington D.C. which house the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government was also a once in a lifetime experience for many of the students who traveled on these trips from Boulder, Colorado to the East Coast.

Educational Trip to Washington D.C. Includes Time with Senator

Thanks to advanced planning, there were also added educational experiences on the most recent class trip to Washington D.C. In addition to seeing the White House and U.S. Capitol, the class was able to meet with Senator Bennet during their visit.  “It was impressive,” said Wertz, “We met with Senator Bennet in the agricultural committee room in the Russell Building.”  She said students were able to ask him questions.  This type of interactive experience is possible for many student tours, though not all participate with representatives in this way. Sometimes a representative’s schedule or lack of enough advanced planning can prevent a group from dialoguing directly with their congressmen or senators.  Trip leaders should ask a student travel consultant for procedures on booking time with representatives.  Book six months to one year in advance of the visit to Washington D.C.

Casey Middle School Government Students Participate in Mock Hearing

In addition to meeting with Senator Bennet, Representative Jared Polis’ staff conducted a mock committee hearing for Wertz’s middle school group.   She said students learned how bills are sometimes attached to other bills.  The topics presented included Medical Marijuana and the Dream Act.  This mock hearing enabled students to better understand the day-to-day workings of a democratic government.  In this setting, students, like representatives, are challenged to listen to and assimilate the opinions of all sides.

Other D.C. Destinations on the Class Trip

There were other destinations on this trip to Washington D.C. that tied in well with the curriculum. The group was able to visit the Supreme Court.  Students looked at the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, which was a highlight for many.  They also visited the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and the American and Natural History Museum — two popular choices for student groups.

Students See Mount Vernon by Boat and Land

On their final day on tour, Wertz’s students took a Spirit Cruise around Mount Vernon and spent the day at George and Martha Washington’s estate.  Wertz said, “We designed a scavenger hunt for Mount Vernon. Students used their cell phone cameras to record the information they found there.  It was really fun!”   Incorporating the tools of new technology into the Mount Vernon visit helped to interest students in history by engaging them more deeply with the artifacts and structures there.

Casey Middle School’s four day, three night tour was packed with even more interesting activities.  They visited the Newseum and had a full tour of the Holocaust Museum. Each of these museums has a great deal to offer the student of American History and government.  Both museums are relatively new, and integrate interactive technology into exhibits.

On this unique tour, students took an in-depth look at U.S. government and studied how it functions in a free society.  They were able to visit sites of historical significance, speak directly to their representatives and participate in a mock hearing.  A combination of indoor and outdoor destinations created a full itinerary with plenty of opportunity for learning.

Request a Quote for the U.S. History/Government tour of Washington D.C. or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Washington D.C.

American History in Person: Junior High Student Trip to Washington DC & Philadelphia

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Students from The Big Piney School in Wyoming in front of the Washington Cathedral.

Greg Bell, a junior high U.S. History and World Geography teacher from Wyoming, takes 30-40 students on an East Coast tour each year that includes visits to Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and even Gettysburg. These trips expand student learning about these subjects and expose them to a whole new world.  Bell’s group comes from Big Piney, WY — a town of about 1,000 people. It is 100 miles to the nearest shopping mall.  Visiting the urban areas of the East Coast is a real eye opener. Bell says, “I have taken students on these trips for 19 years now. Some people remark that it must get boring.  After all this time I have not grown tired of it. It is the highlight of my year. It’s a social studies teacher’s dream.”

Encountering American historical sites in person is different than learning about them through reading and lectures.  “I can lecture to the kids about George Washington,” says Bell, “but there is nothing like watching a kid walk through Mount Vernon on his own.” During their trip to Washington’s former estate, they met George Washington in person (a living history actor) and were able to ask him questions.

Greg and his son, Jefrrey Bell, stand in front of the Liberty Bell on their school trip to Philadelphia.

Meanwhile other actors were shooting replicas of Colonial weapons. Life in the Eighteenth Century is dramatized in front of the student group and they get to tour a well-preserved, authentic plantation from that time period – complete with living history actors who re-enact life in the Revolutionary period.

Curriculum objectives are closely tied to the itinerary of the trip. Bell’s U.S. History class begins with the American Revolution and ends with the Civil War.  That’s why a visit to Philadelphia is on the itinerary.  “It’s the birthplace of America,” remarked Bell. “We walk through Independence Hall and see the actual place where the Constitution was written.”  Students remember their time spent at Independence Hall vividly, and often speak about this, and other sites in their post trip discussions back at Big Piney School.

Philadelphia is the birthplace of America, but Washington D.C. is the hub of government today.  At Arlington Cemetery, Big Piney School students witnessed the changing of the guard. “In class,” Bell says, “we speak about what a reverent place it is.  We stop and see famous Americans buried there. Who, as an American, cannot be touched by looking off at those endless rows of white headstones?”  Another somber site students visit is the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.  Bell covers the holocaust of World War II in his 7th grade World Geography class.  Bell steers the students away from the more graphic exhibitions. He says they can return in a few years, when they are older. But the most memorable exhibits for students are the display of the shoes of the Holocaust and Daniel’s story.  “There are mountains and mountains of shoes, and each pair represents a person – a human being,” remarked Bell.  Kids also relate to Daniel’s story of the holocaust, because he is about their age.  “Every year some of the kids come out of the elevator in tears,” says Bell.

The Big Piney School 8th Grade Class poses for a picture while they visit the East Coast.

Post trip in-class exercises include discussions of sites that sparked students’ creativity with challenges to recall the memory of what they’ve seen.  “When we return we have a sharing activity, comparing and contrasting what we’ve done in class versus what we saw on the trip,” said Bell.  Some students even make Power Point presentations to share photos of their trip with other students. Bell has designed a fun, interactive exercise for his classes.  “We play a little review game where the students get clues about the history and location of a site. Their task is to guess which site it is,” said Bell.  Exercises such as these stimulate memories of the trip and get them talking about it to one another.

In addition to being a history and world geography teacher, Greg Bell is also the Social Studies Chair for Sublette District #9. This position puts him in charge of setting up K-12 curricula for Social Studies teachers in his district. He is a husband and father of two children. His job is challenging, and his work impacts other teachers. Recently, some of Bell’s female students purchased him a bracelet that says, ‘what you do matters.’ He was wearing this bracelet during the interview. Clearly Bell’s teaching methods –which include these annual trips to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia — do have a lasting impact on students and the way he chooses to educate them.

Request a quote for educational tours that tie in closely to curricular objectives and are customized with teacher and student needs in mind. Or, email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Washington D.C.

Black College Tours

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Many Americans and foreigners want to attend a historically black college.  There are many reasons for this.  Students enjoy the prestige of a university founded by an African-American historical figure, intellectual or scholar. The most appealing factors for many students are the university provides diverse academic and cultural programs, faculty, collections, and community that reflect and represent African-Americans’ roles in history, science, culture, and society.

There are some excellent black colleges on the East Coast, many clustered in the Washington D.C. or Virginia area.  So, I decided to create a black colleges tour that focuses on these universities.  The tour is designed for high school students who are deciding which college to attend.  Following is a brief description of each university, highlighting the history of the institution, academic departments that are most distinguished and other facts about the college,

Howard University, Washington D.C.
Howard University was established in 1867. Howard Hall was built in 1869 and is one of the centerpieces of the historical campus.   Located in the heart of Downtown Washington D.C., Howard has the sophistication of an urban university. Currently 10,500 students attend Howard University.  Howard is known for its Arts and Sciences, Business, and Communications programs.

Hampton University, Hampton, VA
Officially founded as a school for former slaves towards the end of the Civil War under the Emancipation Oak in 1861, Hampton University has evolved from Hampton Normal School, to Hampton Institute to the University it is today.  Booker T. Washington is an alumni of Hampton University, and Rosa Parks actually worked there in 1957. Hampton U enrolls approximately 5,500 students and 91% are African American.  Many students are enrolled in the Liberal Arts Program, School of Business, School of Science and School of Nursing. Hampton, Virginia is located on the Chesapeake Bay and offers business, technology and industry nearby as well as access to miles of coastline.

Norfolk State University – Norfolk, VA
Another inner city university, “one of the largest predominantly black institutions in the nation” is Norfolk State University.  It was founded in 1935. Today, Norfolk State enrolls nearly 7,000 students and offers 30 Undergraduate and 16 Master’s Degrees as well as 3 Doctoral degrees.  The University is conveniently situated near Norfolk’s harbor and downtown. The campus has recently been updated in anticipation of the opening of The Tide — Hampton Roads Transit’s newest high-speed rail line — with a station at NSU.

Virginia Union University – Richmond, VA
Founded in 1865 in post Civil War Richmond — which had recently burned — Virginia Union University was established to teach the newly emancipated population.  Because the American Baptist Home Mission Society spearheaded this mission in the 19th Century, the School of Theology is especially renowned.  Liberal Arts, education, teaching and civic engagement are also emphasized. With only 1,500 students, this university offers individual attention in learning.  Famous alumnus include the R&B singer Will Downing and James Atkins, a former NFL player.

Bowie State University – Bowie, MD
This university was also founded in 1865, and is the oldest historically black college/university in Maryland.  The college collaborates with NASA and houses one of the world’s 100 most powerful supercomputers as well as a satellite operations control station. The campus is in a rural setting, but still located within easy reach of Baltimore, MD and Washington D.C.   There are approximately 5,500 students enrolled. With seven residence halls, undergraduate campus life is stimulating. Bowie State University is a leader in teacher education and accreditation, and also houses a Summer Institute in Computer Applications for undergraduate minority students.

A visit to Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD can also be included with this tour. I have omitted a description here because I reviewed this college tour in another article, “High school Groups Take College Tours of Campuses in Washington D.C. area.”

Request a Quote on college tours or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Blog, Washington D.C.

High School Groups Take College Tours of Campuses in Washington D.C. Area

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Guidance counselors, parents and teachers have the opportunity to encourage students to take college campus tours when they are juniors or seniors in high school. Taking an organized tour of selected campuses will inspire students to set goals for higher education while completing high school.

College tours go deeper than just a glance at facilities these days. Student groups have the chance to meet administration, faculty, other students, ask questions and even participate in campus activities. College tours are a wonderful educational travel experience appropriate for high school students on the college track.

College tours can be created for any region in the United States. Some may be arranged with a theme such as black college tours, state college tours, or Ivy League tours.

I have put together a sample itinerary of college tours in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore area. Many of the nation's finest and oldest universities are located here and are prestigious and offer a first rate education. I have selected: Howard, George Mason, Georgetown, American, and Morgan State Universities as college campuses on this particular tour. Group leaders involved in planning should allow three to four days for this tour so students can spend time at each college.

Howard University

Located in the heart of Washington D.C., this age old institution, Howard University is known for turning out MBA' s, graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences (established in 1867), and medical doctors and specialists. Howard University also attracts a large African American population. Many famous African American students are alumni of Howard, including Alaine Locke, David Blackwell, and Arthur P. Davis.

George Mason University

With the main branch in Fairfax, Virginia, George Mason University offers close proximity to Washington D.C. on a contemporary, suburban campus with multiple locations. Known for the school of Law, Department of Economics and distinction in Writing Across the Curriculum, George Mason University is dedicated to serving Northern Virginia. Alumni of George Mason include Nobel laureates in Economic Science, James Buchanan (1986) and Vernon Smith (2002). In the 1930s, the city of Fairfax granted the University 150 acres of land and George Mason serves over 30,000 students today.

Georgetown University

Georgetown University was established in 1789. It is one of America's oldest higher educational institutions. Georgetown is an inner city university with many historic buildings just off Canal Road NW in Washington D.C. Healy Hall is the centerpiece of campus and resembles a neo gothic structure. It houses the administrative offices as well as the Riggs Library and Gaston Hall, a 700-seat convocation center where domestic and foreign dignitaries have spoken. Touring Georgetown University students learn about the distinguished history of Washington D.C. Some of the more famous graduates of Georgetown include MSNBC's Norah O'Donnell, actor Carl Reiner, and Washington Nationals executive Michael Shapiro.

American University

American University has a great deal to offer students wanting to make an impact in politics, public service, the arts and global affairs. This university is also situated right in Washington D.C. American University only permits student group visits in January, February, May, June, July August and September. Tours must be scheduled in these months. American University is an internationally renowned school known for its diverse curriculum and student body. It is a must see destination on campus tours of the Washington D.C. area.

Morgan State University

Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Morgan State is designated as Maryland's Pubic Urban University. It caters to a diverse student body and has always historically served the black college population. Carnegie Hall, the central academic building, was funded by a grant from Andrew Carnegie in 1915, and is one of many historic buildings on campus. Morgan State is located close to center city Baltimore, near the Inner Harbor and many ethnic neighborhoods. High school students on college tours may enjoy lunch or dinner in Baltimore and/or a trip to the Baltimore Symphony or another cultural venue while visiting Morgan State.

This short list of universities in and near Washington D.C. is by no means comprehensive. I've designed this college tour to offer students insight into some of the historic institutions in the area. These universities have helped shape the individuals who influenced our nation's history, politics and culture.

High school seniors and juniors will benefit from a college tour. Learn more about pricing and booking for college tours by visiting http://www.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.

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

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.