The Capitol City

This was by far the highlight of my eighth grade year! They made learning a fun and memorable experience. Even better, I got to enjoy this with all of my closest friends and schoolmates. Thanks for an amazing experience!

Elaine Espino, Santa Barbara, CA -Student

Washington D.C. Student Travel

Visit our Nations Capitol with your students on our tour of Washington, D.C. Educate your students about the history of our country's founders and the requirements of policymakers with visits to educational sites in our nation’s capital. The perfect tour for teachers and students interested in history and government. What better way to convince your students that government isn't a spectator sport than to immerse them in the lively political and cultural life of our nation's magnificent capital? Come explore the grand monuments that are at once inspiring and humbling. Discover the political and historical significance of the city's architecture and memorials, and see our government in action.

Let our experienced trip leaders weave the story of our nation's founding during daily excursions, and engage your students in discussions about democracy and the interaction of our three branches of government. Help your students appreciate the challenges we have faced in the past, and continue to confront today. Enjoy some of our greatest cultural treasures, most renowned museums, and moving historical sites. There has never been a more important time to visit our capital and to instill in our young people an understanding of government.

Program & Curriculum Objectives

Our educational field trip to Washington DC includes interdisciplinary learning and experiences that align with most state standards and requirements, including the following:

Social Studies (SS.C.1.3.2) The student understands major ideas about why government is necessary and the purposes government should serve. Students demonstrate an understanding of the physical and human geographic features that define places and regions in California.

Social Studies (SS.C.1.3.3) The student understands how the legislative, executive, and judicial branches share power and responsibilities (e.g., each branch has varying degrees of legislative, executive, and judicial powers and responsibilities).

Social Studies (SS.C.1.3.4) The student knows the major parts of the federal system including the national government, state governments, and other governmental units (e.g., District of Columbia, American tribal governments, and the Virgin Islands).

Students will also discover

• World History and Geography: Ancient Civilizations
• U.S. Constitution and the Early Republic
• Civil War and Its Aftermath

Sample Itinerary:

44 5

Day 1 - D.C.

Arrive in Washington D.C., meet with EDT's Licensed Trip Leader(s). Our Trip Leaders are available to entertain your students with a historic tour of Washington D.C. There is flexibility if at anytime you as the trip organizer would like to interject or take over. Your trip leader will be with you at all times to verify reservations and prepare for arrival times.

Hotel Check-In in Washington DC - All of our hotels are within 5-10 minutes within downtown Washington DC. Save time on the road by staying at a closer hotel. Here is an example of one of our hotels.

Evening Monuments & Memorials Tour - When the sun goes down, Washington turns into a different city. Enjoy the sights and sounds of this truly magnificent city's anecdotes and historical information Experience the beauty and awe of our country's most stirring monuments in a whole new way... by moonlight. Your students will be transported to many of the city's most famous sights, while enjoying the tranquil night and amazing monuments.

Day 2 - D.C.

Metro Day experience D.C. like no other. Students will have a hands-on urban experience of Washington's ingenious metro system. This is a great way to get students off the tour bus and truly feel the sights as a local.

Library of Congress - The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps and manuscripts in its collections. >>Read More

Supreme Court The four-story building was designed in a classical style sympathetic to the surrounding buildings of the Capitol complex and Library of Congress by architect Cass Gilbert, and is clad in marble quarried chiefly in Vermont. The building includes space for the courtroom, justices' chambers and an extensive law library >>Read More

US Capitol Tour - The Capitol is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. The Senate and the House of Representatives have met here for more than two centuries. Begun in 1793, the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored; today, it stands as a monument not only to its builders but also to the American people and their government. >>Read More

Embassy Row - Embassy Row is the informal name for a street or area of a city in which embassies and other diplomatic installations are concentrated. Perhaps the best-known of these is in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. This tour encompasses the global artery of Washington, D.C.

Whitehouse Photo - There's not a more historical building in Washington, D.C. such as the Whitehouse, located on Pennsylvania Avenue. It's a great opportunity for students to take a photo with friends and keep as a memory.

More Evening Monuments & Memorials - The beauty of running tours with EDT is flexibility. You as an educator can choose which monuments and memorials you would like to see by priority. We can assist you with acheiving your goal by planning with our Trip Leader in advance to accomodate for a smooth tour.

 

 

Day 3 - D.C.

National Archives - The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights and the 1297 Magna Carta are displayed in the main chamber of the Archives, which is called the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. As one of the most influential and historic destinations, students will be awed by this historic place that features the richness of America. >>Read More

Ford's Theatre & Petersen House - Explore Ford’s Theatre Museum and discovers Lincoln's life in Washington DC, the struggle for a united country, and the motivation behind Abraham Lincoln's tragic Assassination. >>Read More

Holocaust Museum - A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, promote human dignity, and prevent genocide. >>Read More

Smithsonian Museums - The Smithsonian museums are the most widely visible part of the United States' Smithsonian Institution and consist of nineteen museums and galleries as well as the National Zoological Park. Seventeen of these collections are located in Washington D.C., with eleven of those located on the National Mall. You will have a choice of which museums you would like to attend. >>Read More

Meet with State Representative* - Upon written request, you and your students have an opportunity to meet with your state's representative. It provides an inside look at your local and state government. Not only do they engage your students, but they provide a detailed job description of their position.

 

 

Day 4 - D.C.

Bureau of Printing & Engraving Located in the heart of the Nation's Capital, the BEP's Washington, DC Tour and Visitor Center is a great place to learn all about U.S. paper currency. You can see millions of dollars being printed as you walk along the gallery overlooking the production floor. Included in this tour, is an introductory film and gallery tour of the production process. >>Read More

International Spy Museum - Is one of the most dynamic, educational and enjoyable experiences in the Washington, DC area. It amazes students with its James Bond-like gadgets and history. Archiving years of historic espionage materials, it's a fun place to visit.  >>Read More

Smithsonian Museums (Teacher's Choice) - On this day, you will have an opportunity to plan which museums you would like to explore with your students. There are several options to choose from; just ask one of our Educational Program Directors and they will provide you detailed descriptions to each museum and its educational influence.

Washington Monument stands tall with historic pride which was built between 1848 and 1884 as a tribute to George Washington's military leadership from 1775-1783 during the American Revolution.It is one of the most visited destinations in Washington, D.C. and is a great opportunity for a group photo.

 

Day 5 - D.C.

Hotel Check-out - As the trip starts to wind down, students will have a light day on the last day of the trip.

Mount Vernon or Gunston Hall - Mount Vernon, located near Alexandria, Virginia, was the plantation home of the first President of the United States, George Washington. Gunston Hall is the home of George Mason, author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights and one of our founding fathers.

Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum displays the thousands of aviation and space artifacts that cannot be exhibited on the National Mall. Everything from airplanes, space shuttles and more can be seen at this rich-with-education, museum.

Depart for Home