The Peach State offers a wealth of Georgia field trip opportunities focused on STEM and America 250 in Atlanta and beyond
Georgia is rich in history and brimming with educational opportunities in every corner of the state. From exploring cutting-edge scientific achievements to stepping back in time to the days of the American Revolution, Georgia offers an impressive selection of field trip destinations. Whether you’re looking to inspire the next generation of scientists or historians, Georgia has something for everyone.
Students at the Georgia Aquarium Photo credit Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Field Trip Ideas:
- Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Tellus Science Museum
- Georgia Aquarium
- College Football Hall of Fame
- Savannah’s Military Heritage Trail
- Augusta Museum of History
- William Harris Homestead
- Atlanta History Center
Georgia STEM Field Trip Opportunities
Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta
When it comes to exploring the natural world, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a top choice among educators. The museum features immersive exhibits that explore the wonders of the Earth, from the prehistoric era to modern times. Students can marvel at the impressive dinosaur skeletons, explore the interactive NatureQuest exhibit and experience science in action in the Giants of the Mesozoic exhibit. The museum also offers an IMAX theater where students can watch educational films that showcase STEM topics in a larger-than-life format. In addition to a variety of educator-led programs, the museum offers field trip planning resources to help make each visit a success.
Cartersville’s Tellus Science Museum in Georgia
For a hands-on science museum that captivates students with its engaging exhibits and interactive displays, look no further than the Tellus Science Museum. Highlights include the Fossil Gallery, where students can view specimens from millions of years ago, the Science in Motion exhibit, which showcases the impact of technology on society, and the Planetarium, which offers a chance to explore the cosmos. The museum also offers field trip programs for students of all ages. Each program is 2.5 hours and includes a lab session, activity and gallery exploration.
Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta for Students
As one of the largest aquariums in the world (and the largest in the U.S.), you can be sure Georgia Aquarium has developed a top-notch program for school groups. Students can get up close with thousands of species including whale sharks, beluga whales and manta rays while learning about their marine ecosystems. Interactive exhibits help students learn about the importance of conservation, the complexity of marine life and the science behind keeping ecosystems thriving. Through instructor-led programs customized for grades K-12, students will collaborate and problem solve with the guidance of Aquarium Educators. Each program includes a grade-specific, downloadable Teacher Guide with pre- and post-visit activities.
Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, GA
While football might not immediately scream “STEM,” the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame offers unique insights into the technology and engineering behind the sport. Students can explore how advancements in helmet design, stadium architecture and sports analytics have changed the game. Interactive exhibits allow students to engage with the technology used in football, from virtual reality experiences to exploring the physics of a perfect pass. This destination demonstrates how STEM intersects with everyday life, particularly in the world of sports. Field trip programs offer a full day of interactive learning that is sure to leave a lasting impression on young minds.
AMERICA 250: REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY DESTINATIONS IN GEORGIA
Let the celebrations commence on your Georgia field trip to historical sites that played pivotal roles in the forming of America.
Savannah’s Military Heritage Trail in Georgia
Savannah played a crucial role during the Revolutionary War, and the city’s Military Heritage Trail provides a comprehensive look at this history. The trail includes key sites such as the Siege of Savannah, where a multinational force attempted to retake the city from the British; Fort Pulaski National Monument, where the Union Army successfully tested a rifled cannon, whose success rendered brick fortifications obsolete; the Savannah History Museum; Old Fort Jackson and much more. Walking the trail, students can learn about the strategic importance of Savannah during the war and the lasting impact of the Revolution on the city.
Students learning at William Harris Homestead Museum & Educational Center Photo credit William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center
Augusta’s Museum of History in Georgia
For an excellent look at Georgia’s past head to the Augusta Museum of History. This museum features exhibits on the city’s founding, its strategic importance during the war and the lives of the people who lived through this tumultuous period. Students can explore artifacts from the era, learn about key historical figures and engage with exhibits that provide a well-rounded understanding of the Revolutionary War’s impact on Georgia and its people. The museum offers self-guided tours as well as “Hunt for History” scavenger hunts, arts & crafts workshops and customized tours. Some of the many program themes include “Civil War”, “African American Legacies” and “Famous Faces from Augusta.”
Students at William Harris Homestead Museum Education Center Photo credit William Harris Homestead Museum Education Center
William Harris Homestead in Monroe, GA
This historic site, dating back to the early 19th century, serves as a living history museum where students can explore the homestead’s original log house, outbuildings and lush grounds. Its renowned field trip program, A Day in the 19th Century, provides an exceptional opportunity to learn about Georgia’s frontier history and the agricultural practices that sustained its early inhabitants. Rotating throughout the grounds, the guided program gives insight into life before, during and after the Civil War, covering topics like food preservation, cotton production and blacksmithing. Students will also visit the Artifact Museum and meet a Civil War interpreter who describes the daily life of a soldier during the 1860s.
Atlanta’s History Center for Students
This expansive center covers a broad spectrum of historical periods, including a significant focus on the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. The Center’s exhibits include interactive displays on Atlanta’s growth and its pivotal role in American history as well as the Cyclorama, a 360-degree painting depicting the Battle of Atlanta, one of the most critical moments in the Civil War. Among the various facilitator-led field trip tours are “Fight for Your Rights,” which helps students understand the methods and outcomes of the Civil Rights Movement, and “The Price of Freedom,” which explores the Civil War from the perspectives of the states, soldiers, enslaved people and civilians.
