The students have just returned from an incredible class trip, and now you’re eager to evaluate what they’ve learned during this enriching experience. Traditionally, this might involve a standard oral presentation with slides or a written report. It’s simple and straightforward—but after such an exciting journey, it can feel a bit anticlimactic.

There are plenty of creative and unconventional ways for students to revisit the lessons they learned while on the trip. Here are some engaging ideas:

• Create a Vlog: Students can produce a vlog integrating videos and photos from the trip to explain a concept or share insights.
• Build a Miniature Model: Construct a miniature model of a visited site, adding captions that highlight key information and insights gained.
• Compile a Photo Journal: Develop a photo journal using powerful original photographs from the trip, accompanied by thought-provoking captions.
• Compose an Original Song: Write and record a song paying homage to the visited city or landmark, using music to express their experiences.
• Create a Tourism Commercial: Use original photography, video clips, and writing to craft a tourism commercial showcasing the city’s highlights.

The possibilities are endless. Keep reading for cross-curricular lessons and project ideas inspired by trips to New York, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, and Canada. These assignments encourage students to create rather than simply recall, fostering innovation and a deeper connection to their experiences.

New York: The Evolution of Liberty

Art, English, History

Summary: Explore the evolving symbolism of the Statue of Liberty in New York City. Students will create their own interpretation of the Statue, reflecting contemporary ideas of liberty.

Objective: Synthesize historical knowledge with personal experiences to sculpt a statue symbolizing liberty, accompanied by an oral presentation explaining its symbolism.

Procedure: Research the Statue’s history and its role in modern society. Reflect on personal interpretations of liberty, then create a sculpture using any medium that represents these ideas.

Discussion Questions: How has liberty evolved since the statute’s creation? Who benefits most from liberty today? Can total liberty exist, and is it desirable?

Washington D.C.: Checks and Balances

Government, Math, Public Speaking, History

Summary: Experience the system of checks and balances through a simulated legislative, executive, and judicial process.

Objective: Navigate the legislative process, simulate executive decision-making, and participate in judicial review.

Procedure: Research the roles of each branch of government. Draft legislation, simulate presidential decision-making, and participate in a judicial review.

Discussion Questions: Why is a system of checks and balances important? Which branch of government holds the most power? How might an imbalance affect society?

Philadelphia: Create a Constitution

Government, History, English, Statistics

Summary: Develop a constitution reflecting societal values, inspired by insights gained at Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center.

Objective: Research governance strategies and draft a constitution outlining societal structure and governance.

Procedure: Discuss key societal aspects to govern. Formulate a constitution in small groups, supported by an annotated bibliography.

Discussion Questions: What should governments control? Can society achieve perfection? What strategies succeed or fail in governance?

Boston: A Literary Dinner Party

English, History, Theater

Summary: Host a literary dinner party imagining discussions among Boston’s literary icons on contemporary issues.

Objective: Use quotes from Boston authors to discuss modern themes, connecting historical literature to current issues.

Procedure: Role-play as literary icons, using their works to discuss contemporary topics in small groups.

Discussion Questions: How do timeless literary themes resonate today? Are today’s societal issues similar to those of the past?

Canada: Museum of Environment

Environmental Sciences, Art, Statistics

Summary: Celebrate Canada’s natural beauty through original art inspired by local ecosystems.

Objective: Create artwork depicting a Canadian ecosystem, highlighting its components and conservation challenges.

Procedure: Select a photograph from the trip as inspiration. Research the ecosystem and create artwork with an explanatory caption.

Discussion Questions: Why is studying and preserving the environment important? How does human activity impact natural ecosystems?

Setting Up for Success

Prepare students well in advance with clear project guidelines. While unconventional approaches may initially face resistance, encouraging creativity can make learning more engaging and memorable than traditional methods.

Updated 2024