A field trip to Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri, is a highlight for many school groups. Students will have the opportunity to learn about America’s westward expansion and cultural history in a unique and breathtaking setting. The Gateway Arch stands as a symbol of the nation’s growth, providing a rich backdrop for exploring key historical events and figures. Students can engage in programs led by National Park Service rangers, who guide them through role-playing, decision-making, and analyzing history using replica items and historic clothing. With a variety of educational programs available, students can delve into topics like Lewis and Clark’s expedition, the construction of the Arch, and the impact of westward expansion on Native American communities.
One of the experiences available to school groups is a museum tour, where students explore six exhibits on the history of westward expansion and the building of the Gateway Arch. For younger students, programs like ‘Heading West?’ introduce the basics of westward expansion through interactive displays. Older students can deepen their understanding of St. Louis’s colonial origins or the lives of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Additionally, students can participate in historical reenactments of landmark trials from St. Louis’s past, gaining valuable perspectives on the nation’s legal and cultural history.
For educators, the park offers a variety of resources including traveling trunks, DVD loans, and teacher workshops to further enhance classroom learning. The Open Out-doors for Kids program provides free access to the park for fourth-grade classes, covering transportation and a special trip to the top of the Arch.
