Island Ecosystems & Engaging Living History
From the hospitable Lowcountry and 18th- and 19th-century living history in the north, to the cultural hotbed of the coast, South Carolina offers a wealth of engaging field trip destinations, no matter what your class is studying. These trips are not just fun, but also highly educational, providing students with hands-on learning experiences that can’t be replicated in the classroom. Student groups can learn maritime and naval history, experience the Revolutionary and Civil Wars like nowhere else, and get hands-on with STEM opportunities during memorable trips to the Palmetto State. The cost of these trips varies depending on the destination and the activities included, but most venues offer group discounts and educational packages. Transportation can be arranged through local bus companies or school buses, and many venues provide on-site dining options for groups.
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“Venture into space aboard a replica Apollo 8 and experience the astronauts’ journey.”
South Carolina State Museum (Columbia)
At the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia, students can delve into a rich tapestry of art, history, natural history, and science. The museum’s four floors offer a wealth of engaging and enriching experiences for student groups. Educator-led field trips provide immersive learning opportunities through fascinating exhibits, planetarium shows, an observatory, and a 4D interactive theater. Students can participate in STEM workshops and astronomy labs, and learn about state and national events through history programs. The museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, features exceptional programming that examines the building blocks of matter, the properties of light, and forms of electricity. The Boeing Observatory houses a state-of-the-art telescope, perfect for astronomy classes. Earth science comes to life on a 55-foot digital dome in the planetarium for out-of-this-world educational shows.
Fort Sumter National Monument (Charleston)
Hop aboard your ranger-led tour to the Fort Sumter National Monument, accessible only by boat, and discover firsthand where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. This exceptional historic site allows student groups to learn about topics including military strategy, politics, civics, and history, while surrounded by natural beauty. The boat ride provides interpretive narration to get students ready for their expedition. During ranger-led tours, groups can explore the original fort structures and engage with history through museum exhibits that showcase 19th-century life using artifacts and storytelling.
Coastal Discovery Museum (Hilton Head)
Located on Hilton Head Island, the Coastal Discovery Museum provides a unique and enlightening look into Lowcountry cultural and natural heritage. Educational programs focus on the Gullah-Geechee culture and regional conservation efforts to sustain an ancestral way of life. Students can visit historic buildings and explore the salt marsh ecology. Participate in art projects using natural materials for an enriching and cross-curricular activity. The outdoor environment allows groups to view native wildlife and observe natural habitats for in-depth earth science lessons. Not only is the museum a memorable educational adventure, but it’s also a place-based learning experience set against stunning natural beauty.
Historic Brattonsville (McConnells)
For exciting living history focusing on 18th- and 19th-century rural life in South Carolina, visit Historic Brattonsville, an 800-acre historic site in the state’s northern “upcountry.” Field trip groups have opportunities to discover the history of the Scots-Irish and African Americans who called this region home. With more than 30 historic structures, some that have been standing since the 1760s, guests will feel like they’ve stepped back in time. Costumed interpreters demonstrate original farming techniques, how they prepared their food, daily farm and household chores, and how they entertained themselves. Groups can watch a video documentary of Huck’s Defeat, then walk the Revolutionary War battlefield where the event took place. Students can gain a deeper understanding of the struggles for liberty during the Civil War through an engaging exhibit, “Liberty & Resistance: Reconstruction of the African American Community at Brattonsville, 1865-1877,” inside the authentic and restored Brick House.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum (Mount Pleasant)
At Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, students can immerse themselves in naval history like nowhere else. The USS Yorktown and USS Laffey are interactive classrooms where visitors can climb aboard and explore the ships while learning about the history and sacrifices made by those who served. Hands-on showcases and insightful tours provide an engaging educational experience that can’t be found inside classrooms. Students can gain a deeper understanding of topics like the Vietnam War through storytelling and powerful exhibits. Venture into space aboard a replica Apollo 8 and experience the astronauts’ journey while listening to actual radio communications from the mission. From maritime and naval history to space missions, aircraft artifacts and exciting tours, Patriots Point is a must-visit for field trip groups.
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