Why East Coast Students Should Travel to Western States 

Beth Hedrick, Teacher

If you are an educator on the East Coast, you may come to realize that many of your students have never been to the Western states of our country. I remember one-day several years ago when teaching about pioneer life in the west, I had a map of the country displayed on my Smartboard. The students “mapped” where they had traveled on the interactive map. Would you be surprised to find out that only two of my eighty students had traveled past the point of Tennessee? Many of them had been to Florida, Maine, and New York from our state of Virginia, and a few had been out of the country.


With all of the history lessons we are required to teach about happenings in the western states, it would only make sense to actually visit, right? This traveling teacher thinks so! Opening up the minds of students in our beloved eastern states and connecting the past of our great country by making it more “real” can be accomplished by developing an educational itinerary and hopping on those charter buses. Here are several ways traveling to the western states can enhance the learning of “East Coast kids.”

The Topography
When you venture with students west of Tennessee, the change of the landscape is quite eye-opening. Being accustomed to the east coast, our students are usually surprised at the fact that they can see ahead for miles, miles, and more miles. The mountainous terrain will be behind them, and the flat land are remarkably noticeable to them. What a great opportunity to teach the students about the topography changes within our country and the significance in the history of the Great Plains. Depending on how far you travel west, you may have the experience of seeing the students’ eyes light up in amazement at the significant changes in land forms once you cross the western states of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, or New Mexico. They will greet the Rocky Mountains with amazement due to the significant size as compared the Appalachians, and will be even more astounded to find out that the Appalachians, at one time, were the same height as the Rockies!

A Vast History
In addition to the science concept of land forms, you can engage students in a multitude of lessons in the rich history of the western states. You can discuss the Native Americans, namely the Plains Indians, the Conquistadors, The Desoto Trail, The Lewis and Clark Expedition, the extensive fur trade, The Louisiana Purchase, and the increase of population during the westward expansion. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl can also be focused on, as well as pioneer life and the development of the railways. There are many other history topics that the western states can offer, it’s limitless.  

National Parks 
Visiting westward states as a learning experience can bring you and the students to several famous National Parks and other famous sites, such as Mount Rushmore! National parks are an ideal way to teach science and history content, and with the students actually being there to witness the sites makes it so very real to them. Yosemite, Redwoods, Death Valley, Arches, The Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone are National parks that are sure to amaze the students as well as you!  Visiting National Parks gives the students a first-hand experience in witnessing the preservation of our country’s natural past and culture as it once was. Learning and understanding their connection to these natural environments gives insight into the environment and the complex plant and animal life it holds. Students also can learn interesting facts about each National Park; for example, did you know that Yellowstone National Park is the size of Rhode Island and Delaware together and houses over 300 geysers?

Of course, it would be challenging to visit each of these enormous preservation sites, so focus on a few when planning your educational journey.

Flora and Fauna
When taking your students on this significant learning experience, they may see animals they have never seen before (outside of a zoo!). Getting to see these animals, such as bison, elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and, of course, bears will delight any age group of students. In addition to the animal types, the plant life in the different climate zones, including the trees (and cacti!), may spark their interest as well. To touch even more on science, a discussion of the climate and the reasons why those particular plants can survive in the hotter, harsher climate will expose them to the concepts of adaptation.  Seeing real examples of adaptation and how this unique climate contains living things exclusive to the region is super fascinating!  How cool is that?  If you plan on taking a field trip out west with your students, take the time to plan. You can even engage the students by making them be a part of the planning of the itinerary, depending on the age group. You will see the excitement build within them!

Teach the specific concepts before the adventure will help the students grasp and hold on to the knowledge they have gathered. For example, if you teach middle school history, reading Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse before you go will truly bring this historical fiction novel to life; they will develop a deeper understanding of the Dust Bowl while visiting those states.  Pre-teaching several topics will compound your journey and make it most definitely worthwhile!

Beth Hedrick has been educating students for 22 years. She teaches in a rural southwest Virginia community that values the education of every student. She is the mother of two boys, Aaron and Landon, and is married to Todd.

She is an advocate for Autism Awareness, as her son Landon has Asperger’s Syndrome. She has served on her community and school system’s autism support team. Beth enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her Basset Hound, Lenny. She also likes to read, write, blog, and travel in the summer months.