NAMA Notebook: Plan Your Field Trip Like a Park Ranger

A large group of students seated on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Arranging this photo took a lot of planning. What steps do you need to take to plan your field trip to the National Mall?

NPS

Whether coming from across the country or across town, you have made the decision to bring your students on a field trip to the National Mall. You have invested in the travel costs in order to provide this educational experience for your class. How do you make the most of this opportunity and create positive memories for your students? Let the Education Team offer suggestions for a successful trip to the National Mall.

How can you help your students engage with the memorials at the National Mall? Do you know which statues they can touch?

NPS

Prepare Your Students:

Let students know what to expect.

1. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Whether you are visiting one memorial or trying to see them all, your visit to the National Mall will involve a lot of walking and standing.

2. Prepare for the weather

If your students are uncomfortable in the elements, they will find it difficult to enjoy the trip and learn. Wear sunscreen and hats for protection from the sun. If the forecast calls for rain, remember raincoats and umbrellas. If it is cold, bundle up with hats, coats, and gloves. Whatever the weather, bring plenty of water.

3. Make sure they understand where they are going.

Students are often confused about the name of the park. Do they understand that the National Mall is a place of memorials and public gathering? Or are they expecting a shopping mall with stores?

4. Provide a basic introduction to your students about the trip.

The experience becomes much more meaningful and memorable when students have learned about the places they will see before they arrive. Rangers have a lot of experience preparing students for their visit. Let us know how we can help.

5. Have a conversation with students about appropriate respectful behavior at memorials.

• Respect the park. Make sure students know to take only pictures and leave only footprints when visiting the park.
• Respect the monuments and memorials. Avoid running, jumping, and climbing on walls, statues, and columns.
• Respect others. Be mindful of other people. Speak quietly even in large, open areas. Share sidewalks. No running, pushing or sliding.
• Respect wildlife. Observe them from a distance, If the animal reacts to your presence, you are too close. Please do not feed, chase, or approach wildlife. Remember this is their home. We are only visitors.

6. Ask a Ranger!

Let students know that park rangers are available to help them if they have questions. Rangers are happy to share information and talk with your students during their visit.

Young students and adults hold hands while walking in the plaza near the Reflecting Pool

NPS

Prepare Your Chaperones:

The Mall can be a busy place. Chaperones need to be focused on the students. We recommend breaking the class into smaller groups with a chaperone responsible for each small group. If participating in a ranger-guided program, often we will have students split into groups to explore a memorial. Having a large group divided in advance is helpful.

Cell phones are great for pictures, but talking during a tour or texting constantly shows the students that they don’t need to pay attention either. We appreciate chaperones helping to keep students engaged in the program and making the most of the park visit.

Possible Follow up activities:

• Pick someone or something you think should have a memorial. Design your own memorial. Include at least 2 pieces of symbolism to represent your person, group, or event. If time allows, construct your memorial. Have other students visit to see the memorials created by the class.
• Which was the favorite memorial that you visited? Provide an illustration along with the reasons for your choice.
• After visiting the Mall, develop a presentation to share with the students who will visit the Mall next year. Share your fave photos or stories learned.
• Read the inscription above the Lincoln statue. Do you think it is appropriate for today? Is anything missing? Rewrite it to represent what you think the Lincoln Memorial means today.
• Write a postcard to send home to a family member or friend. Draw a picture on one side and describe your trip on the other.

Teachers, what tips do you recommend for a successful field trip? Let us know so we can add to our list! Contact us