2021 EDITION
6 EASY TIPS FOR VIRTUAL CHARTERING A SAFE FIELD TRIPS MOTORCOACH TRIP Tour museums, national DISCOVER parks and laboratories LEARN-AT-HOME from the safety of home PROGRAMS OFFERED BY MUSEUMS
DEVELOP TEAMWORK SKILLS AT OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARKS
A Premier Travel Media publication / StudentTravelPlanningGuide.com
STPG2021_Cover.indd 1 9/16/20 2:19 PM 2021 EDITION
Editorial & Advertising Offic 621 Plainfield oad, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 F 630.794.0652 [email protected] www.ptmgroups.com
Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk [email protected]
Senior Editor – Randy Mink [email protected]
Associate Editor – Miles Dobis [email protected]
Contributing Writers – Lisa Curtin, Ayumi Davis, George Hashemi, Amanda Landwehr, Dove Rebmann, Zoe Strozewski
Director, Design & Production – Lisa Hede
dolgachov/Bigstock.com [email protected]
Design & Production Intern – Abbie Wilson f there have been any silver linings to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, then one of them has certainly been the growing appreciation for teachers across the The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as world. The ordinary stresses of the job have been compounded with limited face advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by time with students, concerns about classroom safety and uncertainty about the advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy Ifuture. However, both educators and students alike have quickly adapted to our new of the information is published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the digital normal—a world where lessons and tests are administered over Zoom calls. As return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts. an advocate for the student travel industry, we’ve discovered that ingenuity has been Student Travel Planning Guide (ISSN 2154-4905) is published applied to field trips as ell. annually by Premier Travel Media Inc. 621 Plainfield oad, The traditional field trip—an opportuni y for students to leave their usual classrooms Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. Postage paid at Willowbrook, IL and Lebanon Junction, KY. This publication is distributed free to youth and apply their lessons in a tactile environment—has proven nearly impossible in the group travel organizers and travel suppliers catering to the market. current climate. However, museums, parks and universities have continued to educate Single copies for all others is $9.95. “digital visitors” through seamless integration of videos, professional Q&As and Send Address Change To: interactive maps to create “virtual field trips.” eachers can acquire prepared lesson Premier Travel Media, Inc. plans and guide discussions while modules provide students with in-depth experiences 621 Plainfield oad, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 unforeseen before the digital revolution. As well, museums and labs have ingeniously Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. Materials may not be designed at-home science experiments to impart lessons about physics, chemistry and reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. art that students can replicate with simple household objects. We shine a spotlight on dozens of these digital field trip xperiences in this year’s Student Travel Planning Guide edition, and there are even more to discover on our website. FREE For those who do wish to charter a field trip during these challenging times, our “6 ips WHITEPAPER for a Safe and Successful Motorcoach Trip” feature provides guidelines from professional motorcoach organizations on how to safely prevent the spread of COVID-19 on a bus trip. We also explore the growing popularity of adventure parks. These outdoor attractions combine the thrill of an obstacle course with the safety of a nature preserve, and they can teach students important teambuilding and physical fitness lessons in an ou door environment that is substantially safer than an indoor attraction.
Happy Travels, Miles Dobis
This revolutionary whitepaper from Student Travel Planning Guide starts the dialogue about how educators can partner with tourism professionals, public entities and private industry to expose their students to field-based learning oppo tunities. studenttravelplanningguide.com/stem-whitepaper 2 STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2021
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FEATURES
4 COVID-19 and its Effect on Student and Youth Travel How student tour groups and 9 destinations are adapting to the unprecedented travel climate. VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS
6 6 Tips for a Safe and 14 V irtual Field Trip Resources Successful Motorcoach Trip Discover the perfect learn-from-home activity from Ensure your students’ safety and these online portals. enjoyment during the COVID-19 pandemic by adhering to these easy-to-follow steps. 15 Museums in the Classroom Examine priceless art, discover the past and conduct your own experiences through these museum programs. 9 Adventure Parks: The Ultimate Outdoor Classroom VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP ROUNDUP These attractions encourage students to develop teambuilding 18 East 24 Southwest skills and physical fitness 20 Midwest 26 West 22 Southeast
ON THE COVER: Photo courtesy of iStock.com/AnnaStills Visit studenttravelplanningguide.com for more virtual field trip ideas
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STPG2021_TOC.indd 3 9/16/20 1:28 PM COVID-19 AND ITS EFFECT ON STUDENT AND YOUTH TRAVEL HOW STUDENT TOUR GROUPS AND DESTINATIONS ARE ADAPTING TO THE UNPRECEDENTED TRAVEL CLIMATE
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STPG2021_TravelReturn_Curtin.indd 4 9/16/20 1:30 PM By Lisa Curtin or decades, student travel has who have traveled with their students Bird Flu to name a few. We forget that been gaining momentum, with or sports teams. There is no doubt that many people across our country (and with tour operators opening their doors a desire exists to once again be on the SARS, parts of Canada) were affec ed by across the United States to serve road. However, the majority feel the these viruses. Tourism did rebound, and Fthe growing population. Educators have opportunity to introduce the idea to their those viruses became distant in our minds. been inspired to teach beyond classroom community will be best served once the The effect f COVID-19 may be longer doors, band directors to bring their current situation settles down, a vaccine is lasting, but one day this too will be a performance students to entertain new introduced and their hometowns can bear distant, albeit historical, memory. audiences, and dance and sports teams the cost of travel. With many families still Once group leaders are once again traveling across the country to compete. affec ed by unemployment, the best-case ready to travel, and many are itching to These opportunities affo ded hundreds of scenario in starting to travel again is late do so, a consideration is that communities thousands of youth to experience the thrill spring of 2021 with great confidence i may be more accepting of local of travel, increase social skills and gain an moving forward by fall of 2021. destinations at fir t, perhaps starting appreciation for other cultures and ethnic To rebound, families will need assurance with travel in their own state. There are backgrounds. And suddenly, in March of of consumer protection and safe travel hundreds of wonderful places to visit in 2020, all this stopped with the pandemic practices. every state, and for many the comfort of brought on by COVID-19. Back in March, being not too far from home (and in most I doubt anyone thought this virus would SOCIAL OR PHYSICAL DISTANCE? IT cases, reachable in less than a day’s drive) keep our students out of schools for the IS USED INTERCHANGEABLY, BUT will give parents the advantage of saying remainder of the school year, and for ONE SENDS A POSITIVE MESSAGE. yes to a trip rather than feeling angst. many, change the beginning of the 2020- I have twin 15-year-old grandsons who Inherently, parents want to provide their 2021 school year and the course of travel. play lacrosse. In July of 2020, donning children with opportunities. As time passed, group leaders were a mask, I attended a very well-managed hard-pressed to cancel their tours, with lacrosse tournament in Indianapolis. SAFETY IS FIRST…BUT DO NOT LIVE tour operators having no choice but to Literally hundreds of young athletes IN FEAR. react. Not only did this affect the our from around the Midwest participated Tour operators know that safety is at the operators, who in many cases are small in this tournament, with family members forefront of every group leader’s mind, and business owners, but all those services in attendance to cheer them on. The safety is the tour operator’s top priority. The that are part of the process of operating a tournament management did a great job of same applies for motorcoach operators and successful tour. From motorcoach carriers informing the teams in advance of safety the industry as a whole. In speaking with to the staff member serving a meal o precautions, pre-screened hotels before tour operators, many are using this time a group, all are affec ed. The industry blocking rooms and did away with a few to revamp their safety protocols and crisis simply came to a complete stop. usual gatherings, such as team potluck management plans. The entire industry is The world, once so big and accessible, dinners. Across the field, signs ere posted working together to get youth back on the now seems very small. to practice physical distancing, choosing road, safely, and bring the world back to to use the word physical over social. This being an accessible place. HOW WILL STUDENT AND YOUTH led to an air of community, compliance and We simply cannot live in fear. Life is TRAVEL REBOUND? respect for others while allowing social too short. We have just a blink of time to
iStock.com/ FilippoBacci iStock.com/ As group leaders cope with the opening interaction at a safe distance. For the fir t introduce and inspire a young person to of a new school year, focus is rightly time since COVID-19 affec ed our everyday the enriching world of travel and make placed on providing the best educational lives, it was encouraging to see so many sure they do not grow up living in fear. model possible. Listening to local news, one people in one place complying with certainly knows the model varies greatly tournament management guidance. While LIFE CHANGES IN THE BLINK OF from state to state and even within a state. the team members did not take a bus to AN EYE – KEEP BLINKING! Travel may not be at the forefront of their the tournament, local hotels, restaurants Life changes in the blink of an eye! thoughts, but it does exist. The looming and tourist attractions benefi ed. What happened today will change question is: when will group leaders once tomorrow. And change is constant. Let us again feel comfortable traveling? ONCE STUDENT AND YOUTH TOURISM get out and show our students and youth Over the course of the past month, I REBOUNDS, AND IT WILL, IT MAY the world, starting close to home then have been speaking with educators in LOOK DIFFERENT AT FIRST. expanding horizons. many disciplines, from teachers to sports In our lifetime we have witnessed other We all have the power, safely, to open directors to school administrators, all epidemic situations—SARS, Swine Flu and the world back up as soon as possible. ■
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STPG2021_TravelReturn_Curtin.indd 5 9/16/20 1:30 PM iStock.com/ vlada_maestro iStock.com/ 6 TIPS FOR A SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL STUDENT MOTORCOACH TRIP Ensure your students’ safety hen COVID-19 quickly spread Unfortunately, the motorcoach industry has throughout the world in March been slow to recover. and enjoyment during the of this year, its effects on th “There have really been no bookings COVID-19 outbreak by W travel industry were incalculable. in the student market,” says Dennis With personal contact limited and mass Streif, vice president of Midwest Bus & adhering to these transportation all but eliminated, vacations Motorcoach Association. “We do foresee a easy-to-follow steps and tourism came to a screeching halt. lot of developments in 2021, but for now Fortunately, sectors of the industry have there are only quotes without bookings.” begun to stabilize; tourists are slowly The current health climate raises tough beginning to leave home (particularly for choices for educators. Should we plan outdoor excursions), public transportation an extended school trip to museums or has developed safety protocols and there competitions knowing the risks? Will the is a renewed interest in family road trips. significant financial vestment result in a
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STPG2021_Safety.indd 6 9/16/20 1:25 PM genuine learning opportunity for students? 1: COMMUNICATION IS KEY protocols with the hotels and attractions Student-friendly destinations have Getting approval and an appropriate you intend to visit before you book, and more than risen to the task by applying budget for your off-si e trip was already if museums have supplementary learning exceptional sanitation in museums, daunting before COVID-19 impacted how we materials, make sure they correspond with implementing social distancing at band consider group travel. Now, you’ll need to be exhibits that will be open. competitions and offering a la ge array of especially communicative to the school board virtual options for students who are more and your department head when proposing 3: SUPPLY YOUR STUDENTS comfortable staying at home. an outing. Before your phone, Skype or Zoom Be sure to include a substantial budget For teachers who still wish to plan a call, develop a detailed action plan that will for personal protection equipment (PPE) motorcoach trip, they should know that address parents’ health concerns, and make and hand sanitizer for your students. networks across the United States are sure school officials e up-to-date on your Make sure that sanitation wipes and hand implementing safety protocols to ensure the itinerary throughout the planning process. sanitizer liquid is distributed in individual group’s safety. “We’re thoroughly sanitizing proportions, and that students bring backup the coaches, recommending masks and 2: DEVELOP A CONTINGENCY PLAN cloth masks in case they lose ones you encouraging social distancing as much as Attraction openings and availability supply. In addition, dedicate classroom time possible,” says Streif. will be fluid or the foreseeable future. to reinforcing personal responsibility; if one While no school trip in the era of You might be planning this trip months individual does not comply, they jeopardize COVID-19 is completely without risk, you in advance, and an additional outbreak or the health of everyone on the trip and can mitigate it by following these helpful shutdown may occur in the city you intend sacrifice all educ tional components. tips below. These are not intended as to visit. In this case, it’s best to develop certified medical guidelines, but ather a backup plan so that your students can 4: VEHICLE PREP advice for as smooth and stress-free a remain engaged and safe. You’ll want to While individual charter companies student travel experience as possible. verify the refund policies and occupancy and bus lines will have separate protocols,
explore GETTWITH Y OURYSBURG GROUP Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center The official start to your Gettysburg visit. Set the Scene: The film A New Birth of Freedom provides the backdrop for your group’s visit. Feel the Fury: Sense Pickett’s Charge all around you in the light and sound show of the iconic Gettysburg Cyclorama. Call to customize your student group visit. Share the Journey: Journey through the events and issues surrounding the Civil War 877-874-2478 and the Battle of Gettysburg in the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War. GettysburgFoundation.org Tour the Battlefield: Visit the legendary landmarks with a Licensed Battlefield Guide.
GROUP DISCOUNTS | BOXED MEALS | DEDICATED GROUP ENTRANCE | BUS PARKING
STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2021 7
STPG2021_Safety.indd 7 9/16/20 1:25 PM confirm th t absolute sterilization is achieved before boarding your motorcoach. Drivers should always wear facemasks and gloves before proceeding to wipe down all crucial touchpoints in the vehicle. In addition to obvious surfaces like armrests and handrails, this also includes overhead bin handles, interior windowpanes, footrests and seatbelts. Each time passengers disembark for bathroom breaks or an educational stop, drivers should re-sanitize these surfaces again. iStock.com/Feverpitched 5: SOCIAL DISTANCING The CDC recommends individuals maintain or moving back the standee line to create 6: HOTEL SAFETY: six-foot distances from each other whenever more space for the driver. Students should Conduct thorough research before possible. To ensure this, students, teachers board and exit the motorcoach one at a time selecting a hotel, which should have and chaperones should not sit immediately and never bunch up, and luggage should publicly available safety protocols and next to each other. Instead, limit each row be completely removed from the lower substantial ventilation systems. There to one person and make sure they sit there deck before individuals retrieve them in an should only be one student, teacher for the duration of the trip to eliminate viral orderly fashion. Reinforce the value of social or chaperone in a room at any given spread. Protection can also be achieved by distancing to your student before and during time, and meals should be individually putting up a driver protection barrier or your trip, and make sure chaperones are up- delivered instead of sharing the curtain or roping of the fir t row of the bus to-date on all school health policies. communal dining area. ■
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STPG2021_Safety.indd 8 9/16/20 1:26 PM The Forge: Lemont Quarries ADVENTURE PARKS: THE ULTIMATE OUTDOOR CLASSROOM These attractions encourage students to develop teambuilding skills and physical fitnes
By Miles Dobis & Dove Rebmann
he ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced educators to consider new and creative ways to energize and deepen their lesson plans. Traditionally, an off-si e field trip th t could reinforce classroom lessons was the ideal way to students to learn in a practical Tenvironment and discover attractions in their local community. However, most classrooms are proceeding with a learn-at- home approach, meaning most field trips a e relegated to a virtual environment. With students itching to escape their living room and teachers seeking a new way to develop exciting outings, a new kind of attraction has filled the gap: outdoor adventure parks. Usually located in a forest, quarry or field, these elaborate parks consist of climbing walls, zip lines and obstacle courses that integrate into the natural environment. Visitors are encouraged to swing between massive trees, climb rock walls and perfect their balance on harnessed rope bridges. Instead of traditional classroom subjects such as biology or history, students instead learn crucial lessons in teambuilding and collaboration—skills that are more crucial than ever in our virus-fractured society. “While engaging in educational opportunities at the park, students learn to build trust with classmates while encouraging communication and bonding, building a classroom culture of collaboration, and mitigating conflic
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STPG2021_AdventurePark.indd 9 9/16/20 1:13 PM between students,” says Jeremie Bacon, THE FORGE: LEMONT QUARRIES addition to adult and child ropes courses co-founder of The Forge: Lemont Quarries. Lemont, IL and ziplines to take you through the Across 300 variations of climbing and Recently featured in Forbes, this park trees. Whether you’re looking for a great ropes obstacles, students learn to trust in Lemont, Illinois has quickly become the teambuilding opportunity or just some fun their peers and encourage each other in biggest adventure park in North America. for your family, Tree Runner Adventure an outdoor environment that is safer and With eight obstacle towers, each with up Park is for you! accommodating to COVID protocol than an to 10 obstacles, two children’s towers, indoor museum. ”The outdoors, especially rock climbing and zip lines over 1,000 feet THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK getting active in the outdoors, does offer long, this adventure park has enough for Philipsburg, MT multitude of health benefits, but we are also the whole family. They also offer paddl This all-inclusive ranch experience adhering to the following evidence-based sports, mountain biking and hiking trails, offers amazing activities and benefit strategies to keep our guests healthy while laser tag and augmented reality escape The Ranch at Rock Creek offers gue ts visiting the park” says Bacon. rooms (outside). the opportunity for horseback riding, fl These outdoor parks aren’t just limited to fishing, sport sho ting, archery and ropes team-building activities. The combination of TREE RUNNER ADVENTURE PARK courses. Not only this, but they have great natural environments and exercise ensures Locations in Michigan and North Carolina spa and dining options. All of this with the these attractions can be integrated into a With locations in Michigan and North opportunity to stay in an authentic ranch physics, environmental science or physical Carolina, Tree Runner Adventure Park is cabin lodge. education curriculum. The following parks a unique outdoor adventure experience. are just a sampling of these ingenious and This aerial obstacle course involves rope HOCKING HILLS CABINS student-friendly attractions: courses that take you through the forest in Rockbridge, OH Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or a teambuilding adventure, Hocking Hills Cabins offers ad enturous activities all year round and for all ages. Guests are able to immerse themselves in the experience with the Hocking Hills petting zoo, salt cave and glass blowing studio. They are also able to spend their day doing some of the most exciting activities, such as ziplining, rock climbing, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking and even ax throwing.
TREEHOUSES Cave Junction, OR What’s one thing that could make a zip line obstacle course even better? Treehouses! Gather your friends and family and take a day trip to zip through the forest, ride horses and go hiking. And don’t forget to stay till the evening to see all the treehouses lit up!
THE ADVENTURE PARK AT SANDY SPRING Sandy Spring, MD If you find ourself in Maryland needing an adventure, the Sandy Spring Adventure Park is for you! The largest outdoor THISISINDIANA.ORG/GROUP-TRAVEL obstacle course in Maryland, this aerial adventure park has over 14 obstacle
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STPG2021_AdventurePark.indd 10 9/16/20 1:13 PM The Forge: Lemont Quarries
courses, 200 climbing and ziplining elements, adult- and children-specifi courses and lit-up night climbing. And be sure to check out their calendar to see their special once-a-month events!
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Gaylord, MI This outdoor adventure park has fun activities for the whole family all while operating from a family-owned business. Guests can experience go-karting, mini golf, fishing, ayaking, paddle boating and more. They also offer themed eeks The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring for guests to come dressed up and experience seasonal adventures. go through various obstacle courses. Some climbing and skiing. They even offer cli locations even offer seasonal vents! and waterfall repelling! ADVENTUREWORKS Locations in Virginia, Tennessee, and NORTHEAST MOUNTAINEERING TANDEM BASE JUMPING Arkansas Glen, NH Twin Falls, ID With locations in Virginia, Tennessee While not the typical “adventure park,” Also while not a typical “adventure and Arkansas, Adventureworks aims Northeast Mountaineering offers g eat park,” Tandem Base Jumping will certainly to provide families and groups the opportunities for guests to experience give you the adventure and the experience opportunity to zipline through the outdoor adventures. Not only do they of a lifetime. With the guidance and help wetlands, forests and hot springs. offer climbing school classes ear- from professional BASE jumpers, guests Spanning over diffe ent terrains, guests round, they offer daily xperiences with are able to experience jumping off f the are able to zipline through the park and mountaineering, hiking, ice climbing, rock Perrine Bridge in Idaho. ■
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STPG2021_AdventurePark.indd 11 9/16/20 1:13 PM Only in Fairfax County can you step back in time FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA at an 18th century president’s home and then jump into WELCOME TO FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA: futuristic high-tech STEM lab work AMERICA’S CLASSROOM all in one day. DAY 1 Chocolate-making you challenged and living in the moment. Finish up with an classes, G-STEM Walk in the footsteps of a president at George unconventional and off-the-be ten-path round of mini golf simulated training Washington’s Mount Vernon. Don’t miss your opportunity at Monster Mini Golf in Chantilly. This 18-hole course is an and eco-art to serve on Washington’s Cabinet in “The Situation indoor glow-in-the-dark, monster-themed attraction. workshops are just Room Experience.” Students assume the roles of our a sample of the nation’s fir t president, his Cabinet, elected officials DAY 3 hands-on activities foreign ambassadors and Native American leaders and Enjoy a full day of scientific inquiry and learn abou that students collaborate with classmates handling affairs th t impacted cutting-edge technology at Virginia’s largest university can expect. international and domestic crises of the time. by enrollment. George Mason University offers th Next stop is a visit to George Mason’s Gunston Hall. Global STEM Pathways Program, a hands-on immersive Founding Father George Mason was the architect of the STEM experience for middle, high school and community Virginia Declaration of Rights, which served as the basis college students. Learn about emerging STEM careers for the U.S. Bill of Rights. Step out of your classroom and in areas like forensic science, bioinformatics, climate into 18th century Virginia to explore the challenge of life in dynamics, environmental science and geo-information colonial and revolutionary Virginia with an on-site field trip science. Your day will feature a campus tour, faculty Next, soak in local Fairfax County art at the historic meet-and-greet, lab work and a panel session with Workhouse Arts Center. Enjoy artist-led workshops current George Mason students to investigate real-world ranging from ceramics, drawing, eco art, theater improv or scientific p oblems. dance. Wrap up your day at the Workhouse with a thrilling murder mystery dinner that’ll keep you guessing (and DAY 4 laughing) all the way through dessert. Start your day kayaking on the Potomac River at Riverbend Park. This riverfront park has over 400 acres of DAY 2 forest, meadows and ponds. Explore the many islands in the Begin at Fairfax County’s newest museum, The National Potomac River from your kayak while taking in spectacular Museum of the United States Army. Here you’ll discover river views and rich river wildlife. the connection between the U.S. Army and our society. Next, spend quality time with four-legged friends at The Army’s influence on our n tion from technology and Roer’s Zoofari. This local favorite is home to Waffles th science to financial and cultu e is highlighted. At the Giraffe, lemurs, ebras, kangaroos, cheetahs and more. fully interactive Experiential Learning Center, use a real- Enjoy feeding and petting sheep, goats, warthogs and many world scenario to gain new skills in geography, science, more barnyard favorites on a walking tour. technology, engineering and math (G-STEM) through high- End the day on a sweet note with a chocolate-making VISIT FAIRFAX tech, simulated Army training. class at River-Sea Chocolates. This Fairfax County Linda Horowitz Spend the afternoon soaring through the forests at Go chocolate factory is family-owned and crafts artisan 703-752-9513 [email protected] Ape! Zip Line & Treetop Adventure. Take on suspended chocolate from premium quality cacao. Tastings, touring, www.fxva.com obstacles, Tarzan swings and epic zip lines that will keep chocolate making or bar decorating classes are available.
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STPG2021_Itin_Fairfax.indd 12 9/16/20 1:18 PM xfull page ad template.indd 1 9/14/20 11:48 AM Elnur/Bigstock.com VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP RESOURCES These websites offer an incredible array of online programs for safe lessons
useums and institutions across the internet use). You can also find activitie This online resource can connect you country are offering a diz ying array with Discovery’s corporate sponsors such as with VR headset rental companies, of virtual field trip p ogramming, Toyota’s TeenDrive365, the NFL’s “Play 60” offers eekly workshops on how to M but the sheer number of options can and Boeing’s (FUTURE U ecoAction). integrate the technology into the be difficult o navigate. We’ve researched www.discoveryeducation.com classroom and even headset sanitation and compiled this short reference guide for tips for a safe experience. Their newsfeed websites that offer guideline-app oved “digital VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS also provides examples of how educators excursions” that you can integrate into your Providing K-12 teachers with modules for ranging from grade school to college are lesson plan. social studies, geography, life science and implementing virtual reality during the ancient civilization curriculums, this online ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. DISCOVERY EDUCATION resource offers videos th t boast stunning www.educatorsinvr.com Funded by the world-famous Discovery photography and engaging narration to Channel, this incredible online resource supplement your lesson at a nominal fee. WE ARE TEACHERS contains of dozens of free virtual field tri The series on ancient civilizations explores Subscribe to this online portal for an packages that consist of video modules, lesson the lifestyles of ancient Greeks, Romans immense suite of lesson plans and virtual rubrics and in-class instructions for distance and Mayans, the national parks videos learning activities that can be applied to a learning. Subjects range from women in STEM expose student to the natural beauty of range of subjects and grade levels. Learn to sports science, and activities can be altered Yellowstone, Crater Lake and the Grand how to craft guided at-home chemistry in difficu y and length to accommodate all Tetons, and “How Government Helps Our experiments, develop vocabulary using K-12 grade levels. Popular “field trips” includ Communities” teaches the importance of household craft supplies and develop “Nuclear Reimagined” (which includes a America’s three governing branches. classroom camaraderie with online game virtual tour of the Idaho National Laboratory, www.virtualfieldtrips.co suggestions. Subscribers can also access “Dig Into Mining” (where students learn the the I-Ready test, which offers sugge tions geological and ecological impacts of copper EDUCATORS IN VR on how to gauge students’ individual math mining) and “The Internet of Things” (which Looking to immerse your students with and literacy progress as they learn remotely. explores conservation through responsible groundbreaking virtual reality technology? www.weareteachers.com ■
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STPG2021_Resources.indd 14 9/16/20 1:22 PM VIRTUAL LEARNING RESOURCES
rganizing a virtual field trip can be an ther complicated process during this especially stressful school year. How can you know which museums have created standards- Oapproved and thorough learning resources that are worth your and your students’ time? Fortunately, we’ve partnered with institutions across the country to spotlight their slate of virtual field trip p ogramming. Whether your students want to discover East Asian art or Transcontinental Railroad History, they can find a virtual our to fit their in erests.
AMERICAN WRITERS MUSEUM
180 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601 Group Sales, [email protected] www.americanwritersmuseum.org, 312-374-8790
hicago—the city that has produced Refugee Writers Today” and “Frederick C legendary authors such as Douglass: Agitator.” “My America” Gwendolyn Brooks, Saul Bellow and explores the influence of modern Writers Museum website to complete a Sandra Cisneros—is also home to the immigrant and refugee writing in registration form. The museum will then American Writers Museum. The fir t America on our culture, while “Frederick confirm a date and time to virtually museum of its kind in the United States, Douglass” celebrates the work of the meet with the class on either Google this attraction honors the nation’s famous orator and abolitionist. Meet or Zoom. literary legends with interactive exhibits Virtual field trips are a game- The museum also hosts the Writer and community programs. based interaction guiding students Wednesdays program, which involves The museum also offers a suite of through content that explores text authors who are from or write within virtual experiences for K-12 students, recognition, author’s purpose and media the Chicagoland area. The program including online exhibits, field trips and literacy. Experiences typically last 45 offers students an opportunity to author talks. Currently, the museum minutes, but times can be altered to connect with a writer once a week for offers downloadable learning resources suit specific class needs. To request a a 20-minute pre-recorded lesson and a to accompany virtual visits to the virtual field trip, educators can visit the 20-30 minute live Q&A with a published exhibits “My America: Immigrant and “Education” section of the American author about the craft of writing.
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STPG2020_ClientTrips.indd 15 9/16/20 1:10 PM BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART
2000 Rev Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35203 Group Sales, 205-328-7850 www.artsbma.org
ousing one of the most extensive art collection with videos, interactive Hcollections in the Southeast, the graphics and art activities. Want to Birmingham Museum of Art has been teach students the basic tenets of provide fresh ways for students to exposing students to artists from Hinduism and Buddhism? Students can discover these rich cultures. Easy search around the world and takes pride in explore elaborate renderings of religious functions on the museum’s website advocating for local Alabama creators. sculptures by clicking and learning how allow teachers select activities based on While many children are beginning their faith manifests through symbolism. grade, digital accessibility, Asian region school year from home, the museum’s Want to develop your students’ critical and subject, and comprehensive lesson diverse slate of virtual offerings will thinking skills? The 5 W’s program plans attach multiple disciples to a single allow students to virtually tour exhibits, curates a lesson around ancient Chinese object for a comprehensive lesson. discover their inner artist and explore artifacts by proving curator-led videos, Students can also unlock their inner the institution’s vast collection all from essay prompts, coloring sheets and artist at the Studio School, a weekly the comfort of home. quizzes that reinforce lessons about series of videos where museum staff Teachers can use the Culture Bridge military history and spirituality. show how to create watercolor mosaics program, which allows students to In addition, art activities that can be jewelry and wire sculptures from experience the museum’s extensive Asian printed from home and online puzzles household objects.
JAMESTOWN-YORKTOWN FOUNDATION
PO Box 1607 Williamsburg, VA 23187-1607 Group Reservations, [email protected] historyisfun.org/learn/virtual-learning
amestown Settlement and the School groups can also virtually visit J American Revolution Museum at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown have been crucial education Yorktown to learn about critical battles students to compare modern amenities to sites for generations. With many districts of the Revolutionary War and its impact food, shelter and clothing of the past). beginning their year with socially on 18th-century life. Students then The Foundation also offers Hi tory distanced learning, the Jamestown- participate in a 20-minute live facilitated Investigators, which are designed for Yorktown Foundation is offering a discussion with museum educators. hybrid learning arrangements. Students variety of virtual learning experiences. Students can also participate in develop their critical thinking skills with Virtual Museum Tours use specially Exploring the Past: a series of inquiry- individual modules before participating recorded videos of outdoor living-history based programs where classrooms in a museum educator-led discussion. areas so students can “walk through” digitally join a Foundation educator Options include “CSI-John Smith” re-creations of early America. At using virtual learning platforms like (where students use primary sources to Jamestown Settlement, stops include WebEx. Options include “Trending Toward determine if Smith’s famous gunpowder three 1607 ships, a Powhatan town and Revolution” (which contextualizes the explosion was planned or an accident) English colonial fort to learn about the buildup to war through contemporary and “Against Their Will” (which focuses legacies of Jamestown and collision social media) and “Early Virginia – People, on how the rich West Central African of cultures in 17th-century Virginia. Places and Things” (which challenges culture persevered in North America).
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STPG2020_ClientTrips.indd 16 9/16/20 1:10 PM LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER
222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City, NJ, 07305 201-200-1000, www.lsc.org
he Liberty Science Center houses rectangular screen, and shows can Tthe most technologically advanced include planet tours, virtual meteor planetarium in North America, largest showers and astrology lessons. For The Liberty Science Center also skyscraper exhibit in the world and biology class, meet one of the animals understands interactive activities exotic animals from across the globe. from the center’s “Eat or Be Eaten” are crucial for students working Since many students are beginning their exhibit, which includes turtles, tamarins at home, and they offer several at- school year at home, the “LSC in the and parrots. Keepers will demonstrate home experiments that utilize simple House” program allows them to watch feeding techniques, natural camouflag household items. “Hot and Cold: home scientists can conduct experiments, and primate communication. Classes Molecules in Motion” demonstrates the explore the world of LSC’s animals, fin interested in the human body can also relationship between temperature and amazing movies to watch and get inspired watch a suite of video programming molecular speed using hot water and about science and technology without presented by the Live From Surgery food coloring, “Super Strong Shape” ever leaving the living room. Team. Students can watch a heart shows how dimensions affect physical Frequent Facebook livestreams transplant, witness a sheep brain strength, and “Encompassed by Forces” present a variety of planetarium dissection and even learn to extract teaches students to create a compass programming that’s modified for a DNA from a strawberry at home. using a paper clip, magnet and water.
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD MUSEUM
200 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Patricia LaBounty, 712-329-8307 www.uprrmuseum.org
ocated in downtown Council Bluffs at various age groups. Students are LIowa in a beautiful Beaux-Arts encouraged to analyze the clues, building, the Union Pacific Railroad consider diffe ent perspectives and question about the Transcontinental Museum honors the legacy of the draw your own conclusions. Railroad and use historical documents Transcontinental Railroad and the This two-part program is fl xible and to support their interpretation. The communities that developed around it adaptable to any method of at-home group half, conducted with the museum during its construction. or in-classroom learning. Students will via video chat platform, is about delving As of this publication, in-person work with primary source documents deeper into understanding and learning experiences are temporarily unavailable, specially selected for grades 3-6, 7-9 from primary sources. but the museum offers an extensive or 10-12 to understand the history of The museum will provide each online resource called “Legacy of the the Transcontinental Railroad from student with a box containing primary Transcontinental Railroad Virtual multiple perspectives. source reproductions and other Program.” Students grades 3-12 can The individual half involves students necessary materials. Resource boxes learn about American frontier history completing a creative project with must be requested at least three weeks and technological evolution through primary sources. Students will craft in advance and can be picked up or source materials specifically aimed an argument that answers a historical delivered.
STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2021 17
STPG2020_ClientTrips.indd 17 9/16/20 1:10 PM VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS
Smithsonian Institution VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS ON THE EAST COAST
NOW THAT FIELD TRIPS HAVE ENTERED THE VIRTUAL WORLD, STUDENTS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THE MOST FAMOUS MUSEUMS AND
INSTITUTIONS FROM THEIR OWN HOMES. Metropolitan Museum of Art
NEW YORK Through their virtual field trips, tudents demonstrators and their best glass blowing The Bronx Zoo and Aquarium is now and art enthusiasts alike can learn about techniques on their YouTube channel for showing live cams of their most popular the complete history of the museum, look at students and anyone who is curious about the animal exhibit. The Zoo has live cams of the famous fashion from throughout the centuries art of glass blowing. sea lion exhibit, the Madagascar exhibit and and learn about the art of music. They also the aquatic bird house exhibit. The Aquarium offer 36 -degree videos of their most famous MASSACHUSETTS shows their sea otter exhibit and the shark art pieces. The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum exhibit. They even have specific li e cams The Corning Museum of Glass has been offers the true Bo ton Tea Party experience showing feeding times! around since 1951, and is exclusively centered right from the harbor. But the best part is The Metropolitan Museum of Art around glass. They are most famous for that students can get that experience from is the largest art museum in the United their narrated glass blowing demonstrations. anywhere in the world. They offer an enti ely States and houses over 20 online exhibits. They are now putting their special guest virtual experience with historical reenactors
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STPG2021_VFT_East.indd 18 9/16/20 1:32 PM and a complete reenactment of the tea class collection, including over 100 railroad dumping. They also offer virtual ours of cars and locomotives. They have almost 30 the Boston Massacre Trial, women of the online exhibits that allow people to view some American Revolution, anecdotes from the of their most popular exhibits. Boston Tea Party, and adventures at the sea in the 18th century. NEW JERSEY The EcoTarium in Worcester aims to teach The Morris Museum is the second- students about natural sciences through largest museum in New Jersey. Some of the hands-on experiences. They offer th ee most popular exhibits in the Morristown diffe ent virtual education programs. They attraction include fossil and natural science Maryland Science Center offer the animal ada tations program that rooms. They are also showing minerals and discusses the evolution and the biofacts of textiles, a model train room, and a Native experiences for showing the history of animals. They also have their understanding American collection. The museum’s website precision manufacturing in the United weather program which discusses the Earth’s offers a virtual our of the museum, offerin States. They have an orientation fil systems and climate change. They also have 360-degree views of the exhibits. online that goes through the history of the their invisible forces program which discusses museum, their “Hall of Fame” members and forces of motion and energy. WASHINGTON, D.C. a special behind-the-scenes exhibit that goes A collection of over 30 museums and through some of the more rare artifacts. PENNSYLVANIA libraries, the Smithsonian Institution has The Museum of the American Revolution over 450 online exhibits about art, history, MARYLAND in Philadelphia has only been around since science and nature. The institution has been The Maryland Science Center in 2017, but it is already making strides in around since 1864, and it is now attracting a Baltimore is one of the oldest scientifi the field. t has an entire virtual field tri whole new audience with their virtual exhibits. institutions in the United States. Their mission experience: tours of the museum, artifacts Students can see permanent and specialty is to teach people about astronomy, zoology, and documents from the Revolutionary exhibits in addition to their most famous art and botany and other natural sciences. This was War and classroom kits with vocabulary attractions, including the Alexander Hamilton their inspiration to start their “Science at questions that help students grades 2-8 to exhibit that corresponded to the release of the Home” program, where they post DIY science learn about the Revolutionary War. musical Hamilton. experiments for kids and students to follow at The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania home. These experiments go through multiple in Strasburg is an exhibit to teach and tell VERMONT science topics, including physics, engineering, the stories of the railroads throughout The American Precision Museum in biology and chemistry. Pennsylvania. The museum holds a world- Windsor offers ma y diffe ent virtual MAINE The Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockland is a special year-round exhibit that changes exhibits to feature new and diffe ent artists throughout Maine. The center has virtual field trips on its ebsite to show past exhibits. They also feature videos by artists and by the center itself in addition to audio tours available that cover some brief history of the center.
DELAWARE The Delaware Museum of Natural History in Wilmington strives to educate students on environmental and animal conservation. Their mission continues when the museum started their online “Delmnh At Home” exhibits and videos. They also post videos of their museum activities for Museum of the American Revolution students to watch and follow along. ■
STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2021 19
STPG2021_VFT_East.indd 19 9/16/20 1:32 PM VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS
Shedd Aquarium VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS IN THE MIDWEST
STUDENTS CAN EXPERIENCE LIVING HISTORY SITES, ZOOS AND NATURAL BEAUTY ALL FROM THE SAFETY
OF THEIR HOMES OR CLASSROOMS. Art Institute of Chicago
INDIANA ILLINOIS they live in. Other programs, all 50 minutes long, Indianapolis Zoo in Indiana is offering a n w For those interested in aquatic life and focus on penguins, turtles and the other animals live video chat program via Google Hangout. marine biology, the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and habitats of the aquarium. Students will have the opportunity to learn is offering a ariety of virtual field trips or Although students cannot weave down about a specific opic from a “zoo educator” kids grades K-8. Let your students explore the wide silent hallways to experience diffe ent and then have a Q&A session at the end of the behind the scenes of the aquarium and go into periods and expressions of art in person, the video chat. Topics include habitats, adaptation, the habitats all from the classroom. Students Art Institute of Chicago has created an zoo careers, Indiana wildlife, rainforests and will be able to interact with aquarium workers online space where virtually viewing art is penguins. Each session is $50 for 30 minutes and talk with experts and professionals in the still possible. Although much of the pleasure and a maximum class size of 35 students. field. “Shar s at Shedd” allows students to comes from viewing art in person, AIC has put Teachers can customize a session to fit their discover how sharks are identified and eed and its vast collection of paintings, sculptures and curriculum with the zoo workers for $75. even be able to explore the wild reef habitat photographs online for students to enjoy. Your
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STPG2021_VFT_Midwest.indd 20 9/16/20 1:34 PM kids can explore diffe ent collections like the includes 360-degree videos, audio recordings famous painter El Greco or scroll through and written texts. the AIC blog, which has behind-the-scenes articles written by curators and staff. here MINNESOTA are even interactive features where people can Students can now explore and discover the hear stories about diffe ent artworks and the WiscoVR Mississippi National River and Recreational timelines from their creation to preservation. Area, a 72-mile stretch along the Mississippi The self-guided tour includes the entire River that encompasses 54,000 acres MICHIGAN museum and will take your students from of protected land, from the classroom. For the history buffs, Mackinac State gallery to gallery, teaching them the history of Take virtual tours and watch 360-degree Historic Parks in Mackinac Island has created the Air Force and major battles and inventions panorama videos of the Mississippi Corridor many virtual programs that allow students to of the past. The tour has arrows that guide and learn about nature and the species that explore and learn about the rich history of the them and pinpoints that, when pressed, will reside there. Using Goole Earth, students can Straits of Mackinac. Students can enjoy online give videos or paragraphs of more information. explore Mill Ruins Park, St. Anthony Falls exhibits, videos, readings and other educational There are even links that can send you to other and Coon Rapids Dam. For more information, materials. There are virtual tours of historic educational resources. For those interested in students can listen to the “Ranger on Call” sites like “Fort Mackinac” and “Mackinac Point the aircrafts, “COCKPIT360” has a gallery of audio tours which have interesting stories and Lighthouse,” and students can learn about the interiors and exteriors and is available for facts on the park and river. previous battles that happened on the grounds. free at the Apple and Google Play stores. They even offer m vies and a blog that offer IOWA more insight into the history of the state parks. WISCONSIN Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines has created WiscoVR, created by the Wisconsin new virtual programs that allow kids of all ages MISSOURI Department of Public Instruction, is a new to enjoy the zoo from home or the classroom. Due to a statewide shutdown of historical cutting-edge program that brings a new Teachers can have their students experience a sites and museums, The Missouri Historical meaning to what field trips a e. By using live tour of the zoo with a Blank Park educator Society has put together an online program virtual reality goggles through programs like who will tell fun and interesting stories while called “History at Home” for families and kids Google Cardboard, students are able to explore explaining animal habitats. The zoo also offer who are still looking to learn about Missouri’s diffe ent places across Wisconsin without sessions where students can chat with workers past. There is even a virtual field trip or having to be there in person. Students can about one of the animals from the zoo. If students called “Panoramas of the City,” which go virtual to places like Habelman Brothers students are looking to see the animal, there are is an online exhibit that presents St. Louis in the Company in Tomah, the largest fresh cranberry pre-recorded, and sometimes live, videos where past through a series of photographs. Students farm in the world, to learn about how the fruit kids can meet animals like alligators, giant can immerse themselves in the gallery to is grown and produced. Each virtual field trip rabbits, birds and more. ■ discover St. Louis and how it has changed. Additionally, the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis has placed all their exhibits and extensive libraries online for public access. Your students will be able to fil er through current and previous exhibits that include pictures, passages and videos about Missouri’s past and the prominent people who made the state—and city of St. Louis—what it is today. Exhibits include “Mighty Mississippi,” which follows the history of the famous river, and “Seeking St. Louis,” which maps out how the city came to be.
OHIO The National Museum of the United States Air Force in Riverside, Ohio has created a new virtual tour with a 360-degree camera that allows students to enjoy all angles of the museum from their classroom. National Museum of the United States Air Force
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STPG2021_VFT_Midwest.indd 21 9/16/20 1:34 PM VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS
Fordyce Bathhouse VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS IN THE SOUTHEAST
PLAN YOUR NEXT STUDENT TRIP WITH ONE OF THESE EXCITING VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES. YOUR STUDENTS MIGHT NOT BE MAKING IN-PERSON VISITS, BUT THEY’RE BOUND TO HAVE A GREAT TIME. Alabama Farmers Federation
TENNESSEE ALABAMA Federation website to learn all about a day in A virtual tour of Nashville’s Country Music For a taste of the outdoors, head to the life of a farmer. Hall of Fame is sure to bring music to your Alabama’s farmland through a virtual fiel students’ ears. For exclusive interviews, trip with the Alabama Farmers Federation. GEORGIA songwriter sessions, livestreams and other Watch the entire virtual field trip vide Let ocean life come to you through at- special programs, head to the video archive. series to learn all about bees, tree nurseries, home learning with the Georgia Aquarium, You can also explore their digital archive, growing vegetables and more. Each located in Atlanta. Enjoy over 23 deep sea featuring a photography collection, sound presentation is given by a member of the learning videos presented by marine biologists, recordings and more. This musical experience farmers federation, and educational activities complete with corresponding study guides is bound to wow your students, so virtually are placed in the comments section for kids suitable for students of all ages. Virtually dive head to the Country Music Hall of Fame for a to engage with during the video. Check out into the deep blue and learn about jellyfish sneak peek into the world of country. all eight videos on the Alabama Farmers beluga whales and more.
22 STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2021
STPG2021_VFT_Southeast.indd 22 9/16/20 1:38 PM LOUISIANA can tour the grounds, watch artillery For students and lovers of jazz alike, demonstrations and learn all about the check out New Orleans & Company’s virtual Bentonville Battlefield s history on North tour of Preservation Hall. Situated in the Carolina Historic Sites’ YouTube page. For heart of the French Quarter, this historic more about North Carolina’s heritage, check venue is a must-see for performing arts out their website for additional e-tours. students. Look around at the small space that once hosted some of the world’s top KENTUCKY jazz musicians, and learn all about the Whether you’re an equestrian, history significance f jazz in the Bayou State. lover, teacher or student, you’re bound to For more virtual tours of sites around the be amazed by Louisville’s Kentucky Derby city, check out the New Orleans & Museum. The museum is offering a f ee Kennedy Space Center Company website. virtual field trip or students to learn about The “NASA STEM @ Home” program is a the history and cultural significance f horse FLORIDA diverse suite of videos and at-home activities racing. Trot to the Kentucky Derby Museum’s Turn a sprawling 1.5 million acres of tailored for grades K-4, 5-8 and 9-12. Students website for a virtual museum tour, mini- wetland into an e-adventure by participating can embark on a virtual lunar journey to lessons, racetrack tour and more. in one of the Everglades National Park’s study moon rocks, interact with a 360-degree virtual field trips. With in eractive games display of the Hubble Control Center, design a ARKANSAS and classroom activities, students can Mars rover and observe the rigorous physical Take a trip to Arkansas’ Bathhouse Row learn about topics such as invasive species training of NASA astronauts. There are also with a virtual tour of the historic Fordyce and conservation sciences. With a lush lesson plans for experiments in rocket science, Bathhouse. Part of the National Park ecosystem and hundreds of animal species aeronautics and physics. system, this bathhouse was established to explore, students will love touring the in 1915 by Sam Fordyce and remained in best of Florida’s Everglades from home. NORTH CAROLINA operation until 1962. Today, visitors can Students can also virtually blast off in o Bentonville Battlefiel is the site of the gawk at the stunning architecture of the space with the array of virtual offering 1865 Battle of Bentonville, the largest Civil three-story home while learning about the state’s cultural heritage. provided by the Kennedy Space Center. War battle fought in North Carolina. Students ■
Preservation Hall
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STPG2021_VFT_Southeast.indd 23 9/16/20 1:38 PM VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS
Arizona State University SOUTHWESTERN VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS
THESE SOUTHWEST VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS WILL MAKE YOUR STUDENTS FEEL LIKE THEY HAVE BEEN TRANSPORTED Santa Fe Children’s Museum FROM THE CLASSROOM.
ARIZONA This virtual field trip includes images an worker that includes a Q&A session. There Arizona State University is offering th videos from scientists who were in the midst are two programs for 3-8 graders, “Physical opportunity for students to virtually explore of exploring the canyon themselves. Science: Earth and Planetary Science” and one of the greatest wonders of the world, The “Life Science: Biology and Ecosystems Grand Canyon. Students will able to discover NEW MEXICO Science.” Both virtual field trips a e slightly the 200-mile Colorado River that cuts through The Santa Fe Children’s Museum in altered and up to 20-60 minutes depending the canyon, watch videos from scientists in the New Mexico has created a couple of new on what grade is participating. field and ven explore remote areas that are virtual field trips th t every student can not easily accessible in person. This is perfect enjoy. Students can learn about a variety TEXAS for students who are currently studying of diffe ent STEM topics through these For students who love animals, the geology and rocks, as they will learn about interactive and educational programs. Houston Zoo in Texas has new webcams that topics like rock layering, erosion and formation. Students can even livestream with a museum are the perfect virtual field trip. hese live
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STPG2021_VFT_Southwest .indd 24 9/16/20 1:40 PM OK360
videos allow students to examine a variety of diffe ent animals and explore the diffe ent exhibits they reside in. Some of the webcams include “The Gorilla Habitat Cam,” “Elephant Yard Cam” and even a camera small enough for students to enjoy leafcutter ants. If live webcams just aren’t enough, teachers can let the Houston Zoo come to their classroom through the “Zoo Mobile” program. This program is a group of zoo workers and educators who travel to diffe ent schools around the area to give students station that explains the behind-the-scenes remote places of the conservatory’s land the opportunity to see animals in real life. of building spacecraft and what it takes to with their high-tech 360-degree cameras. While getting a closer look than through the produce massive launches. Students will learn Students are able to see everything for barriers of an exhibit, students will learn about the history of the space station and spanning views of the fields o investigating about the animals and even get to touch some even explore an old spacecraft: the Starliner/ single plant species or animal habitats. of them. The zoo educators will also teach CST-100. The virtual field trip is divided u “OK360” teaches students ecology, the kids how to help animals in the wild and live into six diffe ent chapters that students can environment and the importance of harmoniously with them. work through at their own pace. keystone species through their online Any hopeful NASA employees or those learning tools. Places students can explore just curious about the wonders of space will OKLAHOMA include the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, the love this interactive virtual field trip f the The Oklahoma Nature Conservatory in Four Canyon Preserve and the Blue River. Johnson Space Center in Houston. Boeing Oklahoma City has teamed up with Bank The conservatory even has information on and Discovery Education have partnered up of America to create “OK360.” This new endangered species and protected lands on to provide students will a virtual tour of the their website. program allows people to explore the most ■
Houston Zoo
STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE 2021 25
STPG2021_VFT_Southwest .indd 25 9/16/20 1:41 PM VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS
University of Nebraska State Museum VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS ON THE WEST COAST
ARE VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS THE WAY OF THE FUTURE? FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF! SOME OF THE BEST MUSEUMS IN THE WEST ARE NOW OFFERING VIRTUAL
FIELD TRIP PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS AND LEARNERS. Durham Museum
KANSAS Omaha region. The museum has over 45 virtual activities, coloring pages and videos from their Thanks to the Kansas Pork Association, field trips c vering various topics such as Mueller Planetarium. students can take a virtual trip to a pig farm pioneer life, Native American life and Lewis in Kansas. The association allows people to go & Clark. They also include many “Featuring” CALIFORNIA through a pig barn, talk to pig farmers in real-time videos that discuss the city and state’s history. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California and see and learn about pigs. They also provide The University of Nebraska State Museum strives to teach students about ocean and teachers with lesson plans that encourage in Lincoln is known for teaching students about animal conservation. In order to reach a larger students to learn about agriculture and farming. zoology, botany, anthropology and geology. audience, the aquarium started showing live They have recently adapted their teaching cams of their most popular attractions. This NEBRASKA method to include diffe ent online experiences includes their jellyfish xhibits, otter exhibits, The Durham Museum in Omaha aims to for students. They have diffe ent live virtual penguin exhibits and more. Additionally, they educate its visitors about the history of the field trips very Tuesday as well as online have set feeding times, so students can get an
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STPG2021_VFT_MountainWest.indd 26 9/16/20 2:11 PM up-close look at the animal feeding. The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles houses stunning works of art dating back to the eighth century. The architecture, modeled after a fir t-century Roman house, is a perfect setting to view the paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and other art. Students are now able to see some of the most beautiful art in Los Angeles from their own homes. The San Diego Zoo in California holds 3,500 animals that range through over 650 species. In order to help animal enthusiasts and students alike, the zoo has started providing live cam footage for some of their most beloved animals. This includes their hippos, polar bears, penguins, tigers, elephants and even their prerecorded Museum of Flight footage of their rare pandas. and hundreds of species of animals. With their much to see. Students are now able to visit OREGON new interactive website, students are now able the national park from their classrooms. The Oregon Agriculture is committed to to learn about the geography, landscape and website has videos, map-based tours and a full educating students in Oregon and beyond. history of the land. virtual tour of the upper basin of the park. They’ve had e-learning resources and video libraries on their website, but they UTAH WASHINGTON also recently added their virtual field trip The Natural History Museum in Salt Lake Did you ever think you could show band experience. With this addition, they are hoping City was created with the idea of educating or orchestra students a symphony to educate more students on the importance of people about the natural world and the performance without leaving the classroom? agriculture and farming in Oregon. mountain history of the land. Now with their Now you can! The Seattle Symphony is virtual field trip p ogram, they are able to posting concert rebroadcasts nearly daily SOUTH DAKOTA spread that message even more. The museum on their website and YouTube channel, with South Dakota is allowing students and now offers eight online lessons th t feature additional “Family Programming” broadcasts history enthusiasts all over the world to take a scientists and educators to show people the featuring specific in truments. trip to their most famous national monument: history of the museum and of Utah. The Museum of Flight in Seattle is the Mount Rushmore. They offer an int oduction largest independent non-profit air museum into the history of the monument, a 3D WYOMING in the world. With the museum holding over exploration, a virtual tour and more in-depth Yellowstone National Park was the fir t 175 aircrafts, they offer tunning one-of-a- information into the creation of the monument. established national park in the United States. kind virtual aircraft tours. They are offering There is so much history to the land, and so students 360 panoramic tours of 12 aircrafts NORTH DAKOTA This Plains Art Museum in Fargo IDAHO showcases about 12 art exhibits throughout Idaho State University has taken its the year, with special acknowledgment Antarctica adventures to the next level. They of women and Native American artwork. are allowing virtual tours into the history Through their online exhibits, students could of the continent and the archaeology that’s immerse themselves in that realm and learn featured at Destination Antarctica. They also about things that could possibly never be explore the surrounding seas and examining learned elsewhere. the fossils that still reside there. Students from around the world are now able to take MONTANA a look at this nearly uninhabitable continent Glacier National Park includes parts of and consider environmental practices that can two mountain ranges, over 130 named lakes Yellowstone National Park rescue this vulnerable landscape. ■
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STPG2021_VFT_MountainWest.indd 27 9/16/20 1:36 PM TAKE A VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP @ StudentTravelPlanningGuide.com
If in-person field trips a en’t an option in your district, take your students on a virtual tour of America’s iconic museums, cultural institutions and attractions.
Log on to StudentTravelPlanningGuide.com and click on the virtual field trip icon.
STPG2021_VirtualTours.indd 1 9/14/20 12:46 PM