As the US counts down to the general election on 3rd November, teachers can organise virtual trips to Washington DC, the home of American politics.
The team at Washington DC are offering a four-day virtual itinerary which takes in the best of America’s capital, engaging students with its history while physical travel overseas is restricted.
The virtual excursions will take pupils inside the city’s most popular attractions, with all offering different activities that can be completed within the classroom.
Whether it be the city’s well-known museums such as the National Air and Space Museum, or iconic Washington Monument, students can still experience its culture, even if they cannot visit in person.
The itinerary and activities within the four-day trip can be mixed and matched to suit the needs and interests of the pupils within the class.
Highlights of the virtual itinerary
Day one:
- Walk through the monuments and memorials with the National Park Service app and 360° videos.
- Visit 19 Smithsonian museums and the National zoo with videos, digital workshops and online exhibits.
Day two:
- Find out where history is made with a guided virtual tour of the US Capitol Building and digital resources.
- Learn about Abraham Lincoln’s assassination story through Ford’s Theatre’s online educational programming.
Day three:
- Honour fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery by viewing the Changing of the Guard on YouTube.
- Celebrate black history with a virtual tour of Black Broadway and feel the official beat of Washington, DC with a Go Go concert.
Day four:
- Teachers can test leadership skills among the group with a virtual visit to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the historic estate of the first US president.
- Plan a live viewing event with The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ weekly, live streamed performances.
Teachers can find more information and can take a look at the free resouces here.
