US Resources

Emily Ritchey

1. Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
(404)581-4000
This aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia has endless activities, exhibits, and events for people
of all ages. Events range from Toddler Time to Sips under the Sea. There guided and
unguided tours through and around the aquarium that all students would love. Parents
and teachers can preplan their visit or fieldtrip out through the aquarium website.
Another interesting aspect of the aquarium is there are live stream videos of the animals
that classrooms can log on and watch for free. This would be helpful if a classroom
doesnt have the founding to travel great distances. A virtual field trip could be created.
Lastly, there is an education newsletter that can be signed up for.

2. The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

17 Battery Place #210
New York, NY 10004-3507
(212)561-4588
This museum has exhibits and presentations that tells the history of the thousands of
immigrants that came to the United States during World War I. There is a 45-minute
audio tour that allows visitors to experience what coming to the United States as a new
arrival would feel like. There is a special audio tour designed for children ages 6 to 10 as
well. There are also options for to experience in depth interviews and conversation
sessions with historians, scholars, and archaeologists. An interesting aspect of this
museum is there are temporary exhibits so it is ever changing.
3. National Museum of the American Indian
4th St. SW & Independence Ave SW,
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 633-1000
This museum is part of the Smithsonian Institute. It portrays the languages, literature,
history, and art of the Native Americans. It is the first museum in United States history
to be dedicated strictly to Native American history and culture. The museum has a
strong focus on nature and incorporating it throughout the museum, becoming one.
Admission is free however it is highly recommended to reserve an entry time for school
field trips. For students, there are interactive exhibits where they inquire new
knowledge about Native American culture through song and movement.
4. WonderLab the Museum of Science, Health, and Technology
308 W. Fourth Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47404
(812)337-1337
WonderLab is a museum for elementary level students who have a love for science.
There are over 65 hands on science exhibits indoors and out. The objectives set for
everyones visit is to experiment, build, observe, and discover. Indiana Academic
Standards are incorporated into the museum exhibits and activities to make them even
more beneficial for students and teachers. It is recommended for the stay at the
museum to be around 2 hours however your admission is good for a full day.

5. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

1700 Northeast 63rd Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111
(405)478-2250
This museum explores Western history and heritage through its people and places.
There are learning opportunities for all ages of people. There are activities for
elementary level students and classes and seminars for adults. There are exhibits that
focus on American Culture, Victorian firearms, frontier military, and Western
performers. There are also exhibits to be witnessed outside of the museum that reflect
western landscape and architecture. The museums mission statement is preserves and
interprets the evolving history and cultures of the American West for the education and
enrichment of its diverse audiences of adults and children.
6. Out of Africa Wildlife Park
3505 W SR-260
Camp Verde, Arizona 86322
(928)567-2840
Students can go on safari tours
where not only African animals
can be observed but also animals
from around the world. The
outside learning laboratory is a
great way for students to learn
about animals that are not
present in the United States. The
animals enjoy their lives in highly
developed natural habitats. There
are McREL approved lesson plans
that can complement the field trip
available. The only concerning
aspect of the field trip guidelines
is, for every 5 students there must
be 1 chaperone. If this guideline is
not met there is an upcharge.
Reservations must be made.
7. Discovery Park of America
830 Everett Blvd.
PO Box 927
Union City, Tennessee 38261
(731)885-5455
At the Discovery Park, there are ten exhibits and galleries that include, Childrens
Exploration, Energy, Enlightenment, Military, Native Americans, Natural History,
Regional History, Science/Space/Technology, and Transportation. There is also a theatre
simulation of what an earth quake feels like, an aquarium, replicas of the human body,
and dinosaur skeletons. Something I loved about this museum and center was there
program that is designed specifically for adults and children who have disabilities
whether physical or cognitive. Their mission with this program is to assist in everyones
learning and to build a community without bias or stereotypes.

8. Art Institute of Chicago

111 S Michigan Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60603
(312)443-36000
The Art Institute of
Chicago was founded
in 1879 and is one of
the oldest and largest
museums in the
United States.
Approximately 1.5
million guests visit
annually. There are
guided and unguided
 tours for adults, college students, and school age students that are all slightly different
to meet each group of peoples individualized needs. There are also lectures and special
dining options that assist in discovering world renowned art. There are teacher
resources and newsletter that allows preplanning for a field trip to happen. With a
group size of 12 members minima, it is $25 per person.

9. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

100 Raoul Wallenberg PI SW,
Washington, DC 20024
(202)488-0400
The museum includes various exhibits however the one permanent one, The Holocaust,
goes through the events of the Holocaust during World War II in chronological order.
There are primary source documents, photographs, films, and eyewitness testimonies.
There is a recommendation for students who visit the museum to be 11 years or older
due to the seriousness of the topic that could potentially disturb younger students.
Admission is free for all however, group reservations are to be made with a first come-
first serve basis. The mission of the Holocaust Memorial Museum is for visitors to
reflect on their own responsibilities as citizens of a democracy.

10. The Hyde Collection

161 Warren St.
Glens Falls, New York 12801
(518)792-1761
The Hyde Collection is an art museum in New York. Actually, I have a deep connection
for this museum. My godfather (my great uncle) grew up in this house with his
grandmother before it was turned into a museum upon her passing away. I have toured
the Hyde Collection many times and have loved it more and more each time. My family
loves the Hyde Collection and donates every year in my godfathers name because he
passed away a couple of years ago. The museum has ever changing art exhibits that can
be toured with or without a guide. Admission is free and there are many activities for
children to participate in. For no charge, there are discovery kits for children that assist
in enhancing discussions about what is seen in the museum. There are also places for
children to make art, dress up, and read.