Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Top 10 Field Trips in the Southeast


Are you interested in providing your student with an experience they can partake in and re-visit for years to come? Look no further—your guide to the finest field trips in the Southeast is here! Unlike many experiences our children partake in, field trips have the consistent ability to linger in a students' mind and impact them far beyond the days of their journey. While you may find it difficult to sort through the sea of potential excursions, we are confident the following list will be an excellent aid. Whether you are looking for a man-made or nature-filled experience, something in-state or with a little traveling involved, there is something for everyone. With historical trip ideas as well as hands-on science programs, these suggestions will surely spark some interest for your next class trip!

1. Florida Keys, FL

Discover the fragile ecosystems of Florida's barrier reef. The Florida Keys are a chain of islands, 106 miles long that start at the very southernmost part of Florida. These beautiful islands have spectacular fishing and diving, and provide views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. They have the only living coral reef in the continental US and the third largest barrier reef in the world. The Keys are rich with nature parks and marine life for your students to study. Students will see how European settlements, the U.S. takeover, wreckers, scavengers, writers, and sponges have influenced development in the Florida Keys as well.

2. Everglades, FL

A day trip to the Everglades National Park is an excellent science field trip, particularly for students who are studying biology and ecosystems. Everglades National Park is located in the southwest tip of Florida, and is the only subtropical area in the continental United States. Students will get a first-hand look at one of the United States' most unique and delicate ecosystems. Whether you are taking a guided ride on an airboat, holding a baby alligator at the Everglades Alligator Farm, or taking an adventure tour through Shark Valley, you will not be disappointed. Mote Marine Laboratory is an incredible attraction to the area holding its place as the leader in marine research. It is an independent nonprofit organization, and specializes in programs for all ages. The Everglades has a rich history that will be of special interest to local students and teachers as well.

3. Crystal River Program, FL

Kayak in crystal clear springs and experience Florida's manatees. Crystal River is home to one of the world's largest populations of endangered West Indian manatees, which are under threat due to loss of habitat. Get to know Florida's local wildlife at Homosassa State Park or explore the geological cave system unique to the area.

4. Orlando, FL: Sea World
Sea World offers a variety of day trip programs from Pre-K though college. Whether you are looking to learn what it takes to become a Sea World animal trainer, learn how to conserve our oceans and marine life, or are interested in studying the exclusive curriculum provided for students and teachers, your students will walk away with a thorough understanding of Sea World and all its offerings.

5. St. Augustine, FL

The city is a popular tourist attraction for its Spanish Colonial buildings as well as elite 19th century architecture. The city's historic center is anchored by St. George Street, which is lined with historic homes from various periods. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm is one of the oldest commercial tourist attractions in Florida, as is the Fountain of Youth. The city is one terminus of the Old Spanish Trail, a promotional effort of the 1920s linking St. Augustine to San Diego, California with 3,000 miles of roadways. Students can be transported to several of the city’s most important sites including the Castillo de San Marcos, the St. Augustine History Museum, the Old Jail, and more through Old Town Trolley’s Historical Tours. They are guided by a lively narrator who engages them in activities and discussions that bring classroom history lessons to life. Every tour can be customized to a teacher’s specifications.

6. Jekyll Island, GA

Visit Jekyll Island and enjoy nature-based pursuits like marsh eco-tours, dolphin watching, sea turtle walks, or bird watching. The active visitor can golf, kayak, play tennis or soccer, bike, and play at Summer Waves Water Park. The historian can learn of Jekyll's rich gilded era.

7. Emerald Coast, FL
Experience a little taste of paradise when you discover the deep emerald green color of the northern Gulf of Mexico combined with the crystal quartz beaches in the Panhandle. This is an area that is definitely affected by Global Warming and pollution. Students can participate in preservation of this ecosystem through beach cleanup projects, take a Catamaran ride and swim with wild dolphins or snorkel St. Andrew's State Park.

8. Space Camp, Huntsville, AL
Space Camp is the ultimate experience for your students. During the week, students will be guided through the past, present, and future of space exploration. They will see the first rocket that put an American in space, the massive Saturn V rocket that took us to the Moon, and the capsules the early astronauts used during their missions.

9. Dauphin Island, AL

Standing guard between Mobile Bay and the vast Gulf of Mexico, Dauphin Island is a true barrier island-complete with dunes, maritime forests, salt marshes, tidal flats and two freshwater lakes. Named “barrier” for their role in protecting the mainland from nature’s fury of storm waves, barrier islands also prevent the inflow of salt water from the Gulf into the bays and sounds by forming a physical barrier. This process is essential to maintaining the nursery characteristic of the estuarine ecosystems.

10. Atlanta, GA: Civil Rights Program
A unique mix of urban progression and rich history continues to mark Atlanta as the cultural catalyst of the Civil Rights Movement. The city has seen and been the forefront for many noteworthy events. Whether you're looking to spend an hour or a weekend, Atlanta's rich history is sure to please.

Check out our blog to further explore the value in taking field trips or contact Appleseed with inquiries at (877) 889-7150 or by visiting www.AppleseedExpeditions.com.

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