It's all about Science in D.C.

By Beth Hedrick

Teaching science concepts to students of every grade level will enhance their love of learning. Developing a true understanding of science concepts, beginning with the basic foundation of both physical and biological sciences unleashes curiosity and higher thinking levels to help them be successful in their future goals. A field trip to Washington, D.C. can enhance and provide many learning opportunities in this astounding subject of wonder!


Museum of Natural History
The many areas of science can be experienced while visiting the Smithsonian Institution, which comprises a whopping nineteen museums with a multi-faceted approach to learning. In terms of the study of science, the Museum of Natural History is the premier destination for jaw-dropping science exhibitions. It truly is unbelievable; this enormous museum houses science concepts in the areas of fossils, artifacts, specimens, minerals, gemstones, ocean life, soil, animals, dinosaurs, primates…the list is nearly endless. It is in fact, so nearly endless that, as a teacher, it is important to focus on one science topic and spend a day in that section of the museum. It would take days among days to see everything in this science powerhouse.

United States Botanic Garden
Focusing on biology and botany can be achieved when students are given the opportunity to visit the United States Botanic Garden. This is another museum perfect for science study; however, it is quite unlike your typical museum tour. This is a living plant museum that offers many different and educationally entertaining exhibits. The exhibits are nothing short of incredible; I have been there with my students and actively participated in You Can Grow It! where, I, who honestly thought I was a knowledgeable flower-gardener, was challenged and learned new things.

The exhibits change often and are quite hands-on to meet the needs of active learners and curious kids! The United States Botanic Garden can give your students the understanding of many types of plants and also teaches the importance of plant conservation and sustainability.

Udvar Hazy National Air and Space Museum
As a teacher, one advantage to visiting the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is the immense variety of aircraft from past history with the scientific explanations of flight. In addition to learning history, space and air flight is a learning experience in science the students won’t forget. One feature is the Space Shuttle Discovery as well as many displays and models from space. The planetarium was a real hit with my students, as well as the IMAX Airbus Theater.

The first time (and second, and third) I walked into this visually stimulating air and space museum, I was taken back by the overwhelming images of the aircraft hanging from the ceiling and adorning the floors. It really is something that is unexplainable; it literally takes your breath away when you witness the enormity of the powerful aircraft. Not only does this museum contain some intense flying power, it also features smaller air machines from very early years.

From primitive air machines to gliders to the Concorde, Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum has everything. Not only can your students learn the rich history of flight, but each plane has the scientific explanations to the way they worked.  My favorite? The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird!

Cherry Blossom Festival
If you take your students to our Nation’s capital during the Cherry Blossom Festival, they will not only witness a beautiful spectacle of “pinkness” but also learn about the science of these blooming trees. Focusing on botony, or more specifically, dendrology, the study of trees is a part of many school curricula. For younger children, you can tie in the study of seasons and focus on spring, and how many flowering blooms are a sign that warmer weather is approaching.

The Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates Japan’s gift to our country. The 3,000 cherry trees given to our country in 1912 explode in bloom, and this festival has many activities which commemorate the event. Many of those activities are educational science activities, focusing on the science behind trees and the timing of the blooming.

Koshland Science Museum
Here is yet another museum, but quite different from the Smithsonian’s. This museum is an active-learner’s dream! There are many activities your students will enjoy, such as testing their memory, aging in three minutes, the life lab, lights at night, and more. Hand’s on science is included with the admission fee and is completely run by volunteers. Even if you can’t make it to the Koshland Science Museum, you can go online and check out the virtual museums and the online labs which can be done either before your visit with your class or in place of the actual tour.

Spending time in the classroom to learn science concepts is accomplished by many creative teachers; however, taking the students out and having them experience real science in real time cannot be overlooked. By taking students on an interactive learning journey to Washington, D.C. they will gain a sense of wonder and curiosity that will last a lifetime.

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.