North Carolina field trips are the perfect way to excitingly educate students on the state’s role in the history that motivated America 250 as well as the inspirational possibilities of STEM
North Carolina is rife with excellent North Carolina student field trips revolving around America 250 and STEM. As North Carolinians’ struggles for freedom and civil liberties date back hundreds of years, the state has funded showcases that give great insight into the individuals whose work was crucial in gaining American independence. Also covered are how the themes of those efforts are still relevant today. North Carolina is just as constructive for students when it comes to STEM, with impressive science facilities as well as beautiful outdoor learning opportunities showing students the amazing potential of each subject belonging to the discipline. Whichever avenue you want your field trip to focus on, students will almost certainly be left wanting more after their travel experience.
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Natural Navigators exhibit. Photo credit: Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Facebook page
North Carolina Field Trip Ideas
- Wayne Community College and Cumberland County Library showings of “The Ongoing Fight for Freedom: Stories of NC Black Veterans”
- Reed Gold Mine, Bennett Place SHS presenting “Making Our Voices Heard: North Carolinians Fighting for Civil Rights”
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- Morehead Planetarium
STEM Field Trips In North Carolina
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
If you’re looking for a STEM-oriented field trip that will keep your student group actively engaged throughout, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s K-12 educational programs go above and beyond. Science LIVE! shows will call up volunteers from the audience to take part in thrilling chemistry and physics experiments, while planetarium shows can bring students up to the cosmos or down below the Earth’s surface. Further programming includes the following:
- Enrichment Experiences, which focus on astronomy or engineering through hands-on activities led by a Morehead educator.
- Launch Labs, a series of programs that highlight STEM field careers through engineering challenges.
- Scavenger hunts pace exploration of the Center’s exhibits while adding fun to education. The options are plentiful, and Morehead’s Reservations team will work with you to ensure any field trip is a great success.
The North Carolina Arboretum 2024 Mountain Science Expo. Photo credit: The North Carolina Arboretum Facebook page
The North Carolina Arboretum
For a change of scenery, The North Carolina Arboretum’s field trip programs merge STEM with the benefits of outdoor learning. Lessons led by Arboretum educators will have students search for arthropods and other native wildlife, take part in geocaching and teambuilding, embark on a creek walk to examine aquatic ecology, evaluate different soil types and view the technology used in weather monitoring. This North Carolina student field trip’s prioritization of hands-on learning is sure to enthrall students and leave a lasting impact.
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center STEM education. Photo credit Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Facebook page
North Carolina America 250 Field Trip Opportunities
The Ongoing Fight for Freedom
Commissioned and funded by the America 250 initiative, “The Ongoing Fight for Freedom: Stories of NC Black Veterans” is a one-man presentation and performance perfect for student trips looking to learn about American history. Written and performed by Dr. Sonny Kelly, the show highlights Black freedom fighters and veterans associated with North Carolina and their vital contributions to American democracy, even as they were refused the full rights of citizens. The stories presented, imbued with over 400 years of struggle for freedom, liberty and equality, can give students a better understanding of America’s founding ideals and aim to inspire hope that we can work together to eventually make those ideals a reality for everyone. Upcoming performances of this unique showcase can be found here.
Making Our Voices Heard
Another opportunity for student travel in North Carolina and part of the state’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary is the traveling exhibit “Making Our Voices Heard: North Carolinians Fighting for Civil Rights.” Presented on 10 pop-up banner stands each standing 32 inches wide by 80 inches tall, the exhibit tells the stories of seven everyday North Carolinians and outstanding leaders who all labored extensively to expand democracy. Held at several sites throughout the rest of the year, the narratives on display emphasize ideas of change, freedom and civic responsibility, essential elements of democracy whose everlasting importance can be contemplated by students during the exhibit and long afterward.
