History, Language, Flight and Performing Arts
Few destinations can match the sheer variety of learning locations packed into one field trip that Washington, D.C. boasts. Students can step into history to explore significant events and people and take to the skies to encounter icons of aviation and spaceflight. Use play as a learning tool for the mechanics of language, and discover music, world-class dance and theater performances in an authentic setting. D.C. offers educators a variety of programs for K-12 groups, with hands-on activities, interactive workshops and pre- and post-trip resources that help connect student travel experiences to classroom lessons in meaningful ways.
“Explore interactive galleries where words spring from book pages and come to life, becoming something to experiment with and learn about.”
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Ford’s Theatre
Bring your students to where history happened and explore the events of April 14, 1865, at Ford’s Theatre. Students can learn about President Lincoln’s legacy, his assassination and the worldwide aftermath through thought-provoking exhibits. Historic site visits let groups enter the theatre to see the President’s Box and examine artifacts that follow the chase for John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators, giving students a powerful firsthand experience. For grades K-2, the specially designed program, Lincoln’s Garden, takes young learners on a 40-minute guided experience with hands-on activities examining traits such as bravery, love of learning and kindness. Older students in grades 5 and up can participate in Ford’s interactive investigation featuring Detective James McDevitt, where they use clues, witness events, and primary resources to reconstruct the investigation into Lincoln’s assassination.
American Ballet Theatre’s 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘦 at the Kennedy Center’s Opera House. Credit The Kennedy Center Facebook
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The Kennedy Center is one of the nation’s premier performing arts environments where theatre, multidisciplinary performances, orchestral music and dance become creative gateways into cultural understanding and expression. Educational programs reach pre-K through college students, with individual student performances and learning experiences available for different grades and ages. Immerse your group in the magic of live theater with appropriate performances for young audiences that showcase diverse artists, creative traditions and stories in memorable ways. Other opportunities include the National Symphony Orchestra youth program, which exposes students to live professional musicianship. Educational resources and hands-on activities help students move from simple observation to interpreting, discussing and creating for active learning.
Planet Word Museum’s hands-on activities immerse students in literary learning. Credit – Duhon Photography, Scott Suchman
Planet Word Museum
Let your students sing, speak, read, write and play their way through literary learning at Planet Word Museum. Self-guided group tours encourage students to explore interactive galleries where words spring from book pages and come to life, becoming something to experiment with and learn about. Teacher-led workshops for grades 3-12 offer sharply focused curriculum options, while grades 3-5 can play with idioms, grades 5-7 can examine sounds of poetry, grades 7-10 become advertising copywriters, and high schoolers can practice fact-checking and news literacy for engaging learning. Interactive workshops pair focused gallery exploration with an hour of facilitated learning for a well-rounded field trip.
Smithsonian’s interactive simulators let students take flight using the yoke and pedals. Credit – National Air and Space Museum Facebook
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The milestones of human flight surround groups as they enter the revered Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, filled with jaw-dropping artifacts and exhibits. Students can discover air and space history, from the 1903 Wright Flyer to lunar exploration artifacts, with museum programs spanning kindergarten through high school. Early elementary learners combine creative hands-on activities with engaging stories, while students in grades 3-12 can experience exciting live science experiments, explore authentic artifacts and get hands-on with educational activities. Groups in grades 3-8 can journey through the cosmos with planetarium experiences, investigate the forces of flight and design paper airplanes. Older students are challenged to apply STEM concepts to real-world problems during specialized activities that encourage teamwork and critical thinking. Programs are free; however, reservations are required in advance.
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