Five Compelling Reasons to Have Your Next Educational Tour in Washington DC

Education trips help students learn from authentic experience and reinforce what teachers instruct in class. Educational group tours take students to new environments and teach them to be respectful and mindful of the places and cultures they visit.

Washington DC, being the nation’s capital, is always on top of the list to have your educational tour. It is not only the center of government and politics but a vibrant city that has a lot to offer for learners of all ages. Here are some of the reasons why your class should have your next educational tour to Washington DC.

A Glimpse on How the Government Works

As the center of the federal government, Washington DC provides students the chance to learn deeper about the dynamics of politics and government. With all the three branches of government in one place, there is no better place where to teach students the functions of government. Start your tour with the US Capitol Visitor Center and explore the history of the Capitol. Witness how laws are enacted and how your representatives work at the US Capitol by attending a session of Congress or sitting in a committee hearing. Have an overview of the judicial system and watch an oral argument take place at the US Supreme Court Building. Dig deeper into the lives of the nation’s leaders at the White House and the White House Visitor Center. Learn the history of currency and how money is made, literally, at the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing. And see the documents that became the cornerstone of the nation at the National Archives.

City of Monuments and Memorials

Washington DC is a city rich in history. In almost every turn of a corner, there is a monument or memorial to a person who played an important role in building the nation. These allow students to learn the life and struggle of the men and women who made an impact on the country. The city is dotted with monuments of the greatest US presidents - such as the Washington Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, FDR Memorial, and Dwight Eisenhower Memorial. Many civil rights activists were also given the honor to be commemorated with their memorials - including historian Carter G. Woodson, educator Mary McLeod Bethune, and minister Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrate and remember the valor and sacrifice of the men and women who gave their lives in defense of our freedom at the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial, the Arlington National Cemetery, and the US Marine Corps War Memorial.

More Than Just History

Though many educational trips to Washington DC will be centered on history, law, and government, the city has other things to offer which will enhance the learning experience of students in a broad range of subjects. Students can appreciate arts at the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian Museum of American Art. Discover a vast collection of literary works at the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress. Watch some notable artistic and theatrical performances at the Shakespeare Theater Company, the Lincoln Theatre, the Kennedy Center, and the Howard Theatre. Students who have read The Diary of Anne Frank during their literature classes will be very interested to visit the US Jewish Holocaust Museum. Interact with animals and learn about wildlife conservation at the Smithsonian National Zoo.

World-Class Museums Abound

Aside from monuments, memorials, and federal buildings, Washington DC is home to many topnotch museums that offer boundless learning opportunities for students of all ages. The ever-popular Air and Space Museum lets students learn about the history of air and space exploration. Explore the great outdoors through amazing artifacts, photographs, and videos at the National Geographic Museum. Be a spy for a day and have an adventure while learning the history of espionage at the International Spy Museum. Discover the important role the US Colored Troops played during the Civil War at the African American Civil War Museum. Embark on a journey to explore the beginnings of life, discover the world’s biodiversity, and see dinosaur fossils and rare gems at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Whether it is in a spiritual or historical context, students will have a great time learning about the Bible and its history at the Museum of the Bible. Learn about the history, struggles, and contributions of African Americans at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

International Events and Festivals All-Year Round

As Washington DC is the location for many embassies and consulates, many of them hold events that show visitors a glimpse of their heritage. If you scheduled your trip to DC on the right dates, students get to experience international cultures without having to leave the country. Annual international events and festivals include Chinese New Year celebrations, the National Cherry Blossoms Festival, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and Passport DC, the embassy open house. Attendance on these events gives students a chance to broaden their horizons and appreciate the diversity of heritage and cultures.

Planning an educational tour can be a challenge to many. That is why having a reliable tour company to take care of your travel needs is a great help. From contacting bus charters, getting the best hotel deals, customizing your itinerary, to providing a knowledgeable guide, a great tour company can arrange that for your next class field trip. One great company is Group Tours USA, which has 30 years of experience in providing the best travel services in Washington DC. Founded by educators, the company understands what a memorable and enriching educational tour needs.