The article discusses a memorable summer trip taken by Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn middle school students to Washington, D.C. For many, it was their first experience on a plane and traveling far from home. During the four-day journey, students toured significant sites such as the U.S. Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Erica Meendering, a fifth- and sixth-grade math teacher who helps organize the trip through World Classroom, emphasized the importance of providing students with such enriching experiences. The trip, which requires significant planning and financial commitment from families, allows students to explore history and government in a hands-on way.
Meendering highlighted the excitement and some nerves students feel as many had never left their small Iowa community before. The itinerary is packed with activities, but it also includes breaks and games led by guides from World Classroom.
The trip aligns with lessons in U.S. history and government, allowing students to draw comparisons between Iowa’s state capital and the nation’s capital. Meendering expressed joy in seeing students discover new things during the trip, reinforcing their learning in a meaningful context. The experience also allows her to reconnect with students she had taught in previous years, adding a personal touch to the educational journey.
