Landmarks in
N.C. History
Field Trip Program
Landmarks in NC History Field Trip Program
The idea of this program came from a teacher workshop series I have had the pleasure to be a part of for the past five years. The National Endowment for the Humanities funds teacher programs all across this country to help social studies teachers teach our students about our history. This program has allowed me to travel across the country to learn about the power of place and how it relates to the study of our history. This summer, I decided to take a chance and apply this to my classroom and the study of our state's history.
Every year I have students plan out an 8th grade field trip, so this year, I decided to adjust my assignment, and actually have the students do the preliminary planning of the trips. Students were given the choice to choose where we would go, create the budget, and align it to our curriculum. These trips also will take place on Saturday, which means the kids that go will do so on their own time. This will not take away from my colleagues class time, and hopefully will attract students with a desire to learn more about history here in North Carolina. With the exception of two units, I was able to accept field trips for each unit of study. Below are the trip ideas, the proposed dates, and the students who created them.
Every year I have students plan out an 8th grade field trip, so this year, I decided to adjust my assignment, and actually have the students do the preliminary planning of the trips. Students were given the choice to choose where we would go, create the budget, and align it to our curriculum. These trips also will take place on Saturday, which means the kids that go will do so on their own time. This will not take away from my colleagues class time, and hopefully will attract students with a desire to learn more about history here in North Carolina. With the exception of two units, I was able to accept field trips for each unit of study. Below are the trip ideas, the proposed dates, and the students who created them.
Unit 2 - Revolution COMPLETED!
This trip was designed by Tyler C., and involves going to Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. We will tour the exhibits, check out the battlefield, and see a musket/weapons demonstration. The trip is set for September 26th, 2015.
This trip was designed by Tyler C., and involves going to Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. We will tour the exhibits, check out the battlefield, and see a musket/weapons demonstration. The trip is set for September 26th, 2015.
Guilford Courthouse Field Trip Report
We had a great time at the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. The one draw back was the rain, because it cancelled our weapons demonstration, but the park ranger did show the kids how the flint sparks the powder. Mr. Voss was able to capture the exact moment with his phone (an iphone 6s). The kids had an educational day, and the trip was designed for students that are interested in the topic. We did see a couple of the monuments (like the big statue of General Greene pictured above) but the rain kept us from going on a tour of the battlefield. Lunch at Cici's was great, and I think the students had a good time. |
Unit 3 - A New Republic
This trip was designed by Jacob S, and Toby B, and it involves going to the Reed Gold Mine. The gold mine is the site of the first gold rush in U.S. history. We will tour the old mine facility, check out the visitor center, and pan for some gold. The tentative date for this trip is Friday, October 23rd, 2015 (a teacher workday).
This trip was designed by Jacob S, and Toby B, and it involves going to the Reed Gold Mine. The gold mine is the site of the first gold rush in U.S. history. We will tour the old mine facility, check out the visitor center, and pan for some gold. The tentative date for this trip is Friday, October 23rd, 2015 (a teacher workday).
Unit 4 - A House Divided
This trip was designed by Destiny A and Leah E, and will take us to Bentonville Battlefield. Bentonville was the site of the largest battle of the Civil War in our state, and led to the final large troop surrender of the war. We will tour the visitor center, the battlefield, and visit stations about weapons and battlefield medicine. The proposed date of this trip is November 21st, 2015
This trip was designed by Destiny A and Leah E, and will take us to Bentonville Battlefield. Bentonville was the site of the largest battle of the Civil War in our state, and led to the final large troop surrender of the war. We will tour the visitor center, the battlefield, and visit stations about weapons and battlefield medicine. The proposed date of this trip is November 21st, 2015
Unit 5 - The Gilded Age
The trip for this unit is the only overnight trip. This causes it to be more expensive, but I believe it is a great trip. This was designed by Mason L, Moses C, Corwin B, Josh J, and Trent T, and involves going to the Biltmore House in Asheville. Information will be sent home on October 1st, 2015. The total cost of the trip is $140, and is due by October 28th. Space is limited, so only students will be allowed to go (teachers will chaperon). The trip is scheduled for December 4th and 5th 2015.
The trip for this unit is the only overnight trip. This causes it to be more expensive, but I believe it is a great trip. This was designed by Mason L, Moses C, Corwin B, Josh J, and Trent T, and involves going to the Biltmore House in Asheville. Information will be sent home on October 1st, 2015. The total cost of the trip is $140, and is due by October 28th. Space is limited, so only students will be allowed to go (teachers will chaperon). The trip is scheduled for December 4th and 5th 2015.
Unit 6 - The Early Twentieth Century
This trip was designed by Jordan I, Ian P, Jamin M, and Elijah G. We will be going to Reynolda House and Gardens in Winston-Salem. This home was the estate of the Reynolds family, and now also an art museum. We will tour the home, and participate in the art program. The tentative date for this trip is January 23rd, 2016, weather permitting.
This trip was designed by Jordan I, Ian P, Jamin M, and Elijah G. We will be going to Reynolda House and Gardens in Winston-Salem. This home was the estate of the Reynolds family, and now also an art museum. We will tour the home, and participate in the art program. The tentative date for this trip is January 23rd, 2016, weather permitting.
Unit 7 - Depression and War
The trip for this unit was designed by Madison W, and it will be a trip to the N.C. Transportation Museum. We will look at the impact of transportation on this time period by touring the round house and railroad shops. The tentative date for this trip is February 20th, 2016.
The trip for this unit was designed by Madison W, and it will be a trip to the N.C. Transportation Museum. We will look at the impact of transportation on this time period by touring the round house and railroad shops. The tentative date for this trip is February 20th, 2016.
Unit 8 - Twilight Struggle
This unit will take us to the Charlotte Aviation Museum where we will examine aircraft from the cold war era. This trip was designed by Anna H, and Alana B. The trip is tentatively scheduled for March 19th, 2016
This unit will take us to the Charlotte Aviation Museum where we will examine aircraft from the cold war era. This trip was designed by Anna H, and Alana B. The trip is tentatively scheduled for March 19th, 2016
Unit 9 - American Equality
This trip will be to the International Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro. We will be examining the exhibits, and looking at the lunch counter from the original Woolworth's Sit-in. The tentative trip for this trip is April 16th, 2016
This trip will be to the International Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro. We will be examining the exhibits, and looking at the lunch counter from the original Woolworth's Sit-in. The tentative trip for this trip is April 16th, 2016
Unit 10 - American Superpower
This trip will take place at the end of the year, and it will be a trip to Raleigh. We will visit the State history museum, as well as other important landmarks. The tentative date for this trip is 5/21/2015
This trip will take place at the end of the year, and it will be a trip to Raleigh. We will visit the State history museum, as well as other important landmarks. The tentative date for this trip is 5/21/2015