3 Day Educational Adventure
Washington, DC
All-Inclusive Meals & Unforgettable Experiences
Day 1: Democracy in Action & Capitol Discoveries
- Breakfast: Kick off your journey with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Fuel up for a day filled with exploration and discovery!
- Morning: Step into history at the iconic U.S. Capitol. Stroll through the National Mall, soaking in the sights and stories during a lively guided walk.
- Mid-Morning: Uncover America’s origins at the National Archives, where you’ll view the founding documents up close and join in engaging educational activities.
- Lunch: Savor lunch at a vibrant museum café or a picturesque spot near the Mall.
- Afternoon: Dive into creativity and knowledge at the Library of Congress with hands-on workshops led by enthusiastic staff. Explore hidden underground tunnels (pending access), sparking curiosity and wonder.
- Snack: Recharge with a quick snack at the Library or the Capitol Visitor Center.
- Evening: Pause for reflection among the inspiring Capitol grounds before dinner.
- Dinner: Relish a delicious meal at a local favorite in Penn Quarter or Capitol Hill. End the evening with a spirited group discussion, sharing your personal highlights and insights from Day 1.
Day 2: Monuments, Memories & Civic Connections
- Breakfast: Gather for a fresh breakfast at the hotel, setting a bright tone for the day.
- Morning: Embark on memorable monuments walk, exploring the Washington Monument, WWII, Vietnam, Korean War, Lincoln, Jefferson, FDR, and MLK memorials. Capture the grandeur and meaning behind each landmark.
- Mid-Morning: Take center stage with student speeches at the powerful MLK Memorial.
- Lunch: Picnic on the National Mall or enjoy a meal at a local eatery—perfect for fueling more adventure.
- Afternoon: Wander through the scenic Tidal Basin and uncover additional monuments as time allows. Snap photos and reflect on the stories that shaped the nation.
- Late Afternoon: Meet with your State Representative’s office for an engaging Q&A session and memorable group photos in the heart of government.
- Snack: Treat yourself to an afternoon snack in Capitol Hill, mingling with classmates and friends.
- Evening: Revisit the day’s highlights with group journaling and thoughtful discussion.
- Dinner: Share laughs and stories over dinner at a family-friendly restaurant, celebrating new friendships and discoveries.
Day 3: Honor, Leadership & Lasting Legacies
- Breakfast: Early morning breakfast at the hotel—get ready to honor heroes and explore leadership in action.
- Morning: Arrive at Arlington National Cemetery for a moving wreath-laying ceremony and a guided tour of its hallowed grounds.
- Snack: Grab a morning snack at Arlington’s visitor facility to keep your energy up.
- Midday: Engage in interactive activities on-site, led by a knowledgeable ranger or inspiring veteran, learning about service, sacrifice, and leadership.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Arlington Cemetery’s café or picnic among the tranquil scenery.
- Afternoon: Conclude your adventure with a final monument or museum visit, or opt for student-led exploration time with chaperones—choose your own adventure!
- Snack: Have a snack before you say farewell or head out for evening activities.
- Dinner: Celebrate your journey with a closing dinner at a Capitol Hill or Eastern Market restaurant. Share reflections, favorite moments, and lasting memories from your DC adventure.
- Optional Extension: Looking for more? Take a day trip to Mount Vernon or Monticello for breakfast at the hotel, lunch at estate cafés, and a final dinner back in Washington, DC.
National Educational Standards Addressed
- National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Standards:
- Culture: Understanding cultural diversity through museum visits and historical sites.
- Time, Continuity, and Change: Exploring historical monuments and documents, analyzing their impact on society.
- People, Places, and Environments: Examining the geography and significance of Washington, DC.
- Individual Development and Identity: Student speeches and journaling activities help develop self-reflection and civic identity.
- Power, Authority, and Governance: Visits to the U.S. Capitol, National Archives, and Library of Congress foster understanding of democracy and government structures.
- Civic Ideals and Practices: Wreath-laying ceremony, visits to memorials, and engagement with government offices promote active citizenship.
Standard | Code | How Addressed |
Culture | NCSS I | Understanding cultural diversity through museum visits and historical sites |
Time, Continuity, and Change | NCSS II | Exploring historical monuments and documents, analyzing their impact on society |
People, Places, and Environments | NCSS III | Examining the geography and significance of Washington, DC |
Individual Development and Identity | NCSS IV | Student speeches and journaling activities help develop self-reflection and civic identity |
Power, Authority, and Governance | NCSS VI | Visits to the U.S. Capitol, National Archives, and Library of Congress foster understanding of democracy and government structures |
Civic Ideals and Practices | NCSS X | Wreath-laying ceremony, visits to memorials, and engagement with government offices promote active citizenship |
Reading Informational Texts | CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI | Analyzing museum exhibits, historical documents, and workshop materials |
Writing | CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W | Group journaling, student speeches, and reflection activities |
Speaking and Listening | CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL | Participating in guided tours, Q&A sessions, and group discussions |
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas | CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH | Integrating knowledge and ideas from primary and secondary sources at museums, government sites, and historical landmarks |
Developing Questions and Planning Inquiries | C3 D1 | Engaging in Q&A sessions with government representatives and museum educators |
Applying Disciplinary Tools and Concepts | C3 D2 | Using historical thinking skills during site visits and educational workshops |
Evaluating Sources and Using Evidence | C3 D3 | Reviewing primary source documents at the National Archives and Library of Congress |
Communicating Conclusions and Taking Informed Action | C3 D4 | Presenting speeches, participating in group discussions, and journaling reflections |
This itinerary is designed to align with key national standards, ensuring meaningful educational experiences that support middle school learning objectives in civics, history, literacy, and social studies.
