The American Story

Exploring America’s History, US Capital, Memorials and Museums

Washington, DC

Explore history and America’s political system on this educational field trip to the nation’s capital!

Arrive in the nation’s capital city, Washington DC. After lunch, travel to Capitol Hill and begin our red-jacket tour of the US Capitol, the home of the US Congress and legislative branch of the American government. Take in the classic Greek revival and ancient Roman architecture of this magnificent building. Visit the Crypt, the famous Rotunda, and the gallery at National Statuary Hall followed by the Library of Congress, the national library of the United States. Gaze upon the famous main meeting room where centuries of Congressional research have taken place. Tour the National Archives, seeing firsthand what goes into preserving billions of pages of government records in our republic. End the afternoon with a visit to the Lincoln Memorial. Following dinner, finish the evening with a tour of the Marine Corps War Memorial.

Visit the White House, home of the President of the United States, for a photo opportunity. Next, venture to the Florida House, the state embassy of Florida and the only state embassy in Washington DC. Students will have a chance to get a taste of home and feel their Florida pride. Visit the National Museum of American History. Here students delve further into some of the various perspectives of the American story. Following lunch, cross the famous Potomac River, arriving at Mount Vernon, the historic home of George Washington, in Alexandria, Virginia. Tour the grand estate, where history comes to life as students walk among a dozen historic buildings. Visit the outbuildings where specific trade work was done, including the blacksmith shop, smokehouse, stables, and spinning house. Meander through lush gardens with majestic views and visit the tombs of George and Martha Washington themselves. Back in the town of Alexandria, tour the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, followed by dinner. In the evening, embark on Alexandria’s Original Ghost & Graveyard Tour. Walk through the charming, cobbled stone streets of Alexandria’s historic district, hearing stories of legend, myth, and folklore.

Depart for Arlington National Cemetery. Witness an enduring tribute to those who’ve dedicated their lives to defending the ideals of America. Highlights include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Changing of the Guard. Next, head to the National Mall, visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Following lunch, visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. End the afternoon with a visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. After dinner, continue the tour of DC’s unforgettable skyline, visiting the Pentagon and Jefferson Memorials.

As dawn’s light takes hold of Washington DC, visit the FDR Memorial and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials, reflecting on the legacy of both inspirational American leaders. Continue with a visit to the International Spy Museum, an interactive museum that educates on historic and modern-day intelligence, while providing an unforgettable experience! Following lunch, visit to the National Air & Space Museum to conclude the trip.

Depart for our return flight home, reflecting on our experiences in the nation’s capital understanding the importation of The Great American Experiment.

INSTRUCTORS ARE:

Experienced and professional
Required to complete an intensive on-site training program
Present the program material in a way that makes it come to life
Lifeguard, First Aid and CPR certified
FDLE and FBI Level 2 Background Checked
ASAP-Camp Safety Certified

OUR PROGRAMS BUILD…

Self-confidence
Self-reliance
Teamwork
Friendships
Leadership skills
A “can do” attitude

OUR FIELD TRIPS INCLUDE:

Certified instructors
All meals and snacks-full day and overnight trips
Activity fees
All equipment
Transportation
Educational journals
Bus activities
Accommodation-overnight trips

FLEXIBILITY AND CUSTOMIZATION:

Each trip is carefully planned to provide an educational and memorable experience
All programs can be custom tailored to meet your school’s individual needs
Level of instruction varies based on grade level.
All programs are taught using a fun, interdisciplinary and hands-on approach
Local history is incorporated into the learning experience
Scholarships available so no student gets left behind

Florida State Standards following Grades 5-12

Students will:

understand the origins and purposes of government, law and the American political system
- SS.5.A.5.1 Identify and explain significant events leading up to the American Revolution.
  
  SS.5.A.5.3 Explain the significance of historical documents including key political concepts, origins of these concepts, and their role in American independence.
  
  SS.5.CG.1.2 Explain how and why the U.S. government was created by the U.S. Constitution.
  
  SS.5.CG.1.4 Describe the history, meaning and significance of the Bill of Rights.
  
  SS.5.CG.2.6 Explain symbols and documents that represent the United States.
  
  SS.5.CG.3.1 Describe the organizational structure and powers of the national government as defined in Articles I, II and III of the U.S. Constitution.
  
  SS.5.CG.3.6 Explain the relationship between the state and national governments.
  
  SS.6.CG.1.1Analyze how democratic concepts developed in ancient Greece served as a foundation for the United States’ constitutional republic.
  
  SS.6.CG.1.2 Analyze the influence of ancient Rome on the United States’ constitutional republic.
  
  SS.6.CG.1.3 Examine rule of law in the ancient world and its influence on the United States’ constitutional republic.
  
  SS.7.CG.1.2 Trace the principles underlying America’s founding ideas on law and government.
  
  SS.7.CG.1.5 Describe how British policies and responses to colonial concerns led to the writing of the Declaration
  
  SS.7.CG.1.11 Define the rule of law and recognize its influence on the development of legal, political and governmental systems in the United States.
  
  SS.7.CG.3.3 Describe the structure and function of the three branches of government established in the U.S. Constitution.
  
  SS.7.CG.3.7 Explain the structure, functions and processes of the legislative branch of government
  
  SS.7.CG.3.8 Explain the structure, functions and processes of the executive branch of government.
  
  SS.7.CG.3.9 Explain the structure, functions and processes of the judicial branch of government.
  
  SS.7.CG.3.10 Identify sources and types of law.
  
  SS.7.CG.3.13 Explain government obligations to its citizens and the services provided at the local, state and national levels
  
  SS.8.CG.1.1 Compare the views of Patriots, Loyalists and other colonists on limits of government authority, inalienable rights and resistance to tyranny.
  
  SS.8.CG.1.3 Explain the importance of the rule of law in the United States constitutional republic.
  
  SS.912.CG.1.4 Analyze how the ideals and principles expressed in the founding documents shape America as a constitutional republic.
  
  SS.912.CG.1.5 Explain how the U.S. Constitution and its amendments uphold the following political principles: checks and balances, consent of the governed, democracy, due process of law, federalism, individual rights, limited government, representative government, republicanism, rule of law and separation of powers.
  
  SS.912.CG.2.5 Analyze contemporary and historical examples of government-imposed restrictions on rights.
  
  SS.912.CG.2.6 Explain how the principles contained in foundational documents contributed to the expansion of civil rights and liberties over time.
  
  SS.912.CG.3.3 Analyze the structures, functions and processes of the legislative branch as described in Article I of the U.S. Constitution.
  
  SS.912.CG.3.4 Analyze the structures, functions and processes of the executive branch as described in Article II of the U.S. Constitution.
  
  SS.912.CG.3.7 Analyze the structures, functions and processes of the judicial branch as described in Article III of the U.S. Constitution.
understand the intersection between history and art through the use of historic buildings
- SS.8.G.2.1: Identify the physical elements and the human elements that define and differentiate regions as relevant to American history.
  
  SS.8.G.6.2 Illustrate places and events in U.S. history through the use of narratives and graphic representations.
  
  SS.912.G.6.4 Translate narratives about places and events into graphic representations.
  
  SS.912.H.1.1 Relate works in the arts (architecture, dance, music, theatre, and visual arts) of varying styles and genre according to the periods in which they were created.
  
  SS.912.H.1.2 Describe how historical events, social context, and culture impact forms, techniques, and purposes of works in the arts, including the relationship between a government and its citizens.
  
  SS.912.H.1.5 Examine artistic response to social issues and new ideas in various cultures
  
  SS.912.H.3.2 Identify social, moral, ethical, religious, and legal issues arising from technological and scientific developments, and examine their influence on works of arts within a culture.
explore the elements of a city that contributes to its unique character and significance in terms of American history
- SS.7.G.2.1 Locate major cultural landmarks that are emblematic of the United States.
  
  SS.7.G.2.2 Locate major physical landmarks that are emblematic of the United States.
  
  SS.7.G.2.3: Explain how major physical characteristics, natural resources, climate, and absolute and relative location have influenced settlement, economies, and inter-governmental relations in North America.
  
  SS.8.G.2.2: Use geographic terms and tools to analyze case studies of regional issues in different parts of the United States that have had critical economic, physical, or political ramifications.
  
  SS.8.G.3.1: Locate and describe in geographic terms the major ecosystems of the United States.
  
  SS.912.G.2.1: Identify the physical characteristics and the human characteristics that define and differentiate regions.
  
  SS.912.G.4.5: Use geographic terms and tools to analyze case studies of the development, growth, and changing nature of cities and urban centers.
identify individuals and groups of people that played important roles in American History
- SS.5.A.5.2 Identify significant individuals and groups who played a role in the American Revolution.
  
  SS.5.A.5.4 Examine and explain the changing roles and impact of significant women during the American Revolution.
  
  SS.5.AA.1.3 Examine key figures and events in abolitionist movements.
  
  SS.5.CG.2.1 Discuss the political ideas of Patriots, Loyalists and other colonists about the American Revolution.
  SS.68.AA.2.5 Identify political figures who strove to abolish the institution of slavery (e.g., Thaddeus Stevens, Abraham Lincoln, Zachariah Chandler).
  
  SS.8.A.2.4 Identify the impact of key colonial figures on the economic, political, and social development of the colonies.
  
  SS.8.A.2.5 Discuss the impact of colonial settlement on Native American populations.
  
  SS.8.A.2.7 Describe the contributions of key groups (Africans, Native Americans, women, and children) to the society and culture of colonial America.
  SS.8.A.3.3 Recognize the contributions of the Founding Fathers (John Adams, Sam Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Mason, George Washington) during American Revolutionary efforts.
  
  SS.8.A.3.5 Describe the influence of individuals on social and political developments during the Revolutionary era.
  
  SS.8.A.3.8 Examine individuals and groups that affected political and social motivations during the American Revolution.
  
  SS.8.A.3.12 Examine the influences of George Washington’s presidency in the formation of the new nation.
  
  SS.8.A.3.13 Explain major domestic and international economic, military, political, and socio-cultural events of John Adams’s presidency.
  SS.8.A.4.8 Describe the influence of individuals on social and political developments of this era in American History.
  SS.8.A.4.16 Identify key ideas and influences of Jacksonian democracy.
  
  SS.912.A.3.5 Identify significant inventors of the Industrial Revolution including African Americans and women.
  SS.912.A.7.17 Analyze the contributions of African Americans, Native Americans and other minority groups in shaping politics, economy, culture and society of the United States.
  
  SS.912.AA.3.2 Examine social contributions of African Americans post-Civil War.
  
  SS.912.AA.3.12 Analyze the impact and contributions of African American role models as inventors, scientists, industrialist, educators, artists, athletes, politicians and physicians in the 19th and early 20th centuries and explain the significance of their work on American society.
  
  SS.912.AA.4.9 Examine the key people who helped shape modern civil rights movement (e.g., Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Claudette Colvin, Rosa Parks, Stokely Carmichael, Fannie Lou Hamer, Freedom Riders, A. Philip Randolph, Malcolm X, Justice Thurgood Marshall, Mamie Till Mobley, Diane Nash, Coretta Scott King, John Lewis, Medgar Evers).
  
  SS.912.AA.4.10 Identify key legislation and the politicians and political figures who advanced American equality and representative democracy.