In this week’s blog we will cover several locations across America that are excellent for educational trips with middle school students. While I am only mentioning a few, our team can definitely make a trip a reality for you and your middle schoolers to tons more destinations! Philadelphia, Washington DC, Boston, San Antonio, New York City, and Gettysburg are bursting with American History which commonly aligns with middle school curriculums. All of these cities also offer STEM education that can be tailored to grade level.
As our nation’s first capital, Philadelphia has an extensive history and a significant number of educational attractions to visit. In the heart of Philadelphia, there are many historical landmarks everyone should see when learning about American history. From Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell to Carpenters’ Hall and the Quaker historic site and burial ground Arch Street Meeting House – there is so much to learn outside of the classroom! Not to mention the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution are only a few minutes’ walk down the street. There is also Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited road in America. The Franklin Institute is a hands-on museum dedicated to “inspire a passion for learning about science and technology”. Plenty to see, do, and learn in Philly!
Washington DC hosts a variety of educational places to visit. With more than 15 different buildings, the Smithsonian Institution offers diverse learning experiences – science, math, art, culture, and history are all represented. If your students are learning branches of government, the White House, Capitol, and Supreme Court are a definite must-see. Learning about Presidents? Your students should undoubtedly visit Ford’s Theatre and Mount Vernon. For a deeply grounding experience, visit the US Holocaust Memorial Museum and Arlington National Cemetery. For fun learning, the International Spy Museum and the O Museum in the Mansion are marvelous places for an entertaining couple of hours. All in all, Washington DC is a great city for any educational experience!
Boston – the city that sparked the American Revolution. Your students can walk the Freedom Trail with an 18th century costumed guide from Boston Commons all the way to the Bunker Hill monument with stops at the Paul Revere House, the Boston Massacre Site, and Faneuil Hall. A visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is a must for any Boston itinerary, as well as the USS Constitution Museum. Harvard University, America’s first and oldest university, is only a 15-minute drive from the heart of Boston. You can also tour Fenway Park or get on a Boston Duck – a WWII amphibious landing vehicle – for a guided historic tour of Boston. For a bit of educational fun, your group can visit the Museum of Science or the New England Aquarium. Boston is rich in American history and a place you’ll never forget.
San Antonio is a vibrant hub of educational experiences. Take a guided stroll down the River walk or a narrated tour on a barge on the San Antonio River. Students can also go to the top of the Tower of the Americas, visit the colorful La Villita, the Historic Pearl District, and El Mercado – the Historic Market Square. The Alamo, Spanish Governor’s Palace, San Fernando Cathedral, and San Antonio Missions National Historic Park are also important to any San Antonio trip. Fun learning places include Natural Bridge Caverns, the San Antonio Zoo, and the Witte Museum. Finish your day exploring San Antonio with The Saga – an art projection at the San Fernando Cathedral showing the history of San Antonio, Texas and the US.
New York City, aka the Big Apple, is teeming with educational attractions. As one of the predominant gateways for immigrants, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are iconic attractions your students cannot miss. Middle school-aged kids as a whole were not around when 9/11 happened, so a visit to the 9/11 Museum and Memorial is an absolute must since it is relevant to our current society. A tour guide can escort you through Lower Manhattan to see Chinatown, Little Italy, SoHo, and the Financial District; Midtown Manhattan to see Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, the Garment District, and the iconic Times Square and Broadway; 5th Avenue and Central Park are also important to see! New York City has some of the greatest art galleries in the country: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Guggenheim Museum, The Museum of Modern Art, and the Whitney Museum of American Art just to name a few. Soar to the skies by visiting either the Top of the Rock or the historic Empire State Building. And, of course, attend a Broadway play of your choice!
And last but not least, Gettysburg – home to one of the most vicious battles of the American Civil War. Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitors Center and take a bus tour of the battlefield with a tour guide. While there you can also stop at the Eisenhower Historic Site and see the former president’s weekend getaway home where he also hosted leaders from around the world. Then head to Seminary Ridge to see one of the largest field hospitals in Gettysburg during the Battle. Get to know families from the Civil War at the Shriver House and Jennie Wade House near downtown Gettysburg. This beautiful city is overflowing with Civil War History.
All of these cities are ideal to fit American history, science, math, art and culture curriculums for middle school students. We have educational itineraries ready to go for any of these locations, as well as power point presentations for parents. As mentioned, there are so many more destinations for your students to learn – let our team plan your Middle School Educational Trip!
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