Must-See Washington D.C. Field Trips for Enhanced Learning
When your 8th graders arrive in Washington, D.C., they’ll travel back in time, opening their eyes and minds to the foundational pillars on which our great nation was built. Of course, Washington, D.C., is a great place to visit. Having the right itinerary loaded with destinations such as the National Archives Museum and George Washington’s Mount Vernon will turn that visit into an unforgettable educational adventure.
Delve into the treasures of Freedom: An exploration of the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and Magna Carta at the National Archives.
Textbooks come to life when your students visit the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C. Many school trips would love to include this stop, but most do not have enough time to wait outside in the long lines to get inside. Student Adventures reserves a timed entry for our groups upon request that fast tracks you through a separate entrance.
Declaration of Independence: We should all know it was signed on July 4th, 1776 (I hope 😉), but did you know over 56 individuals signed it? This includes Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and many more. Students can explore the lives of these figures in history at the National Archives Museum!
Bill of Rights: The Bill of Rights, the cornerstone of American law, was ratified in 1791. When visiting this piece of history, students will be able to understand the debates and compromises that led to its creation.
Magna Carta: Wait, wait, wait… now, before you say it, I know that the Magna Carta was written and signed in England. This document, signed in 1215, had such a large influence on American Law. It influenced the development of our legal principles and even the Constitution!
Experience powerful exhibits and honor the memory of those who perished—the Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Students are likely to learn about the Holocaust in more depth during their high school years, and this is a great opportunity to open up that chapter early as this visit offers an intense and deeply moving educational experience.
The Main Exhibit: The Historical Journey of the Holocaust educates the students on the chronological events that took place during the Holocaust, from the rise of the Nazi party to the liberation of the concentration camps and the aftermath of the war.
The Tower of Faces: Featuring hundreds of photographs from the Jewish communities before the Holocaust, displaying the lost bright lives. The collection of images this tower displays is almost overwhelming as it spans 3 stories and is a must-see for your students.
There are many more exhibits, artifacts, and documents that the Holocaust Memorial Museum has to offer, and one of these days, we will share an entire blog on just that, but for today, let’s move on to our next destination!
Mount Vernon: A Deep Dive into George Washington’s Estate and Legacy
An American landmark just 15 miles south of Washington D.C., located in Fairfax County, Virginia, is the 500-acre historical estate in which George Washington lived and was buried. Today, I will share our 4 must-see attractions at Mount Vernon.
“Welcome to my crib”: Come and explore the preserved mansion where George Washington before and after serving as the 1st President of the United States. Personal artifacts and many original furnishings can be seen when you tour Washington’s home and working plantation.
Reflecting on the Slave Memorial: The Memorial honors and reminds your students of the human cost behind the great estate. Gain insight into the relationship between Washington and slavery and the lives of the enslaved and provide a place for your students to reflect.
The Final Resting Place: While at Wishington’s Estate, your students will also be able to visit the tomb that contains the remains of George Washington, his wife Martha Washington, and other family members. Your students will be surprised to learn that his body was relocated following his will!
Step Into His Shoes: Inside the Educational Center, your students will love the 4D experience of Wasington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River as the seats move, hear the sound of musket firing, and even watch the snow fall just as it did that Christmas night of 1776.
Welcome to The Home of American History
The National Museum of American History houses historical pieces, pop culture artifacts, and so much more! Let’s dive into the list of sites and exhibits your students will love!
Star-Spangled Banner: View the original flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem. 30×42 feet, this flag is massive!
Pop Culture Artifacts: While visiting the museum, the students will see the “Batmobile,” the iconic car from the Batman series. How about the Fonz’s Jacket? You may get a kick out of it more than the students. Our third favorite piece of pop culture art is the beloved Kermit the Frog!
First Ladies’ Dresses: An exhibit showcasing America’s first ladies’ gowns and sharing their sense of fashion.
More sites to see: Hope Diamond, Woolly Mammoth, Dinosaur Hall, Mummies, Rock and Mineral Collection, Insect Zoo.
We hope this article gave you the understanding you need when planning your next Washington, D.C., field trip. If you want a personalized experience tailored to your students, please do not hesitate to call Student Adventures at 1-877-873-7550 or email us at info@studentadventures.org!