Students Experience the Nation's Capitol -- Answer to Wednesday's Challenge

Submitted by lana.hiskey on

Students from many of our high schools have the opportunity of going to Washington D.C. to see and learn about our National Capitol through Close Up or a U.S. History and Government Trip to Washington D.C. Recently, these students from Maple Mountain High returned with a greater understanding of our Nation’s Capitol and government.

One of the first learning experiences was learning how to navigate the Metro transportation system. The students became experts by the end of the trip. Some of the most interesting highlights included seeing the Iwo Jima Memorial in the evening, the National Portrait Gallery, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Ceremony. This ceremony included our own students taking part in the wreath placement. Other educational sites visited were Washington’s Mall, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Wall, World War II Memorial, and the Washington Monument.

The students experienced our United States Capitol including a discussion with Jason Chaffetz, U.S. Representative for Utah's 3rd congressional district. Other educational tours included the Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Natural History, Smithsonian American History, and Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

The students will never forget visiting the battle grounds of Gettysburg, the horror of the Holocaust Museum, the devastating account of Lincoln’s assassination at Ford’s Theater, the solemn personal experience shared at the National Police Memorial, or the patriotic feeling at George Washington’s home, Mt. Vernon.

After studying all semester about U.S. History and American Government, this type of trip inspires students to become active participants in government. Students gain a better understanding of the government and learn valuable lessons that complement their history and government classes.

Thank you to all our teachers that invest and inspire students!

Congratulations to Robyn Dunn for winning this week’s “Where are we Wednesday?”