Manassas Battlefield: First and Second Battle of Bull Run
I went to the Manassas Battlefield. This Civil War battle sight is significant, both for the Confederate victory but also because two Civil War battles were fought here. It is also referred to the First and Second Battle of Bull Run. I chose this field trip partially for the convince, but also the significance and beauty. This battle field has a lot to offer students and teachers, including a museum, live demonstrations, and a beautiful place to induce creativity. This field trip can further be explored and understood by looking at the virtual field trip I have created about it.
-Who did you contact?
I did not actually have to contact anyone. The park is open from dawn till dusk daily. It is only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
-What was the timeline for preparation?
To visit, you do not have to make major preparations ahead of time. It is always nice to let the museum know you are coming and also find out about the various demonstrations and tours that occur. They appear to have a consistent schedule but it is always good to check and warn them you are bring a big group.
-Were there costs involved?
This field trip is free to children who are under the age of 16. The only fees are $3 per adult. This is to be paid at the Visitor Center.
-To what content areas does it connect?
This field trip is filled with Social Studies content areas. Doing writing activities and nature activities can also tie in Language Arts and Science content. If the students do some form of scavenger hunt or worksheet, the teacher could also work in math problems as well.
-What does this site offer students and teachers?
This site is ideal for students and teachers because it has open space for students to enjoy (a huge must with their physical development), as well as memorials for them to explore. The site also has landmarks, such as grave sites, houses, and cannons that can offer a better idea of what the field looked like at the time. This field trip is also helpful to students and teachers because it has a museum that gives a lot of useful information about the battles. There is also a gift shop, that can give further learning literature to students and teachers. Lastly, there are demonstrations done on a regular basis. When I visited, I watched a riffle demonstration. I have included this on the virtual field trip.
-What was positive about your field experience?
I loved seeing the riffle demonstration. The actor actually gave a long speech, but it was very lively and filled with funny jokes. He was also very informative. I think I learned a lot about the battles from him and the signs that are located around the field.
-What would you have changed?
I did not actually take a tour from a tour guide while I was there. I did take the time to read each of the signs and gained a lot of great information that way. Next time, if I was with a classroom of 4th graders I would have a guided tour, rather than just reading everything myself. I also did not get to spend that much time in the museum, in the future I would allow more time to explore the museum and gift shop.
-What suggestions do you have for future planners?
Make sure you remember to take weather into account when planning this field trip. The museum is very small, so going on a bad weather day would not be a smart move. The field is rather large and in order to really enjoy it, you need to allow your students to be outside for a decent amount of time. On the day I went, it was very nice weather and I had a lot of fun, but going during a time when it is too warm or cold, would be a bad choice. I would also suggest talking to the park rangers about setting up each student with a Junior Ranger booklet. Completion of this booklet gives the student a special badge. This also takes the responsibility of creating a worksheet to complete off the teacher.
-What did you learn about filed trips you hope to plan in the future?
I have had to plan many field trips for the summer camp that I worked for. I have learned a lot from that experience. First of all, it is never too early to start planning. You should contact the group or place you are visiting as early as possible. This can often ensure you are able to bring the group you want, on the day you want, and sometimes even get a reduced price. It is also important to keep all your field trip planning materials in one place and keep track of what you have done and what you have left to do.
Virtual Field Trip: http://asevero.weebly.com
More information can be found at: http://www.nps.gov/mana/index.htm
-Who did you contact?
I did not actually have to contact anyone. The park is open from dawn till dusk daily. It is only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
-What was the timeline for preparation?
To visit, you do not have to make major preparations ahead of time. It is always nice to let the museum know you are coming and also find out about the various demonstrations and tours that occur. They appear to have a consistent schedule but it is always good to check and warn them you are bring a big group.
-Were there costs involved?
This field trip is free to children who are under the age of 16. The only fees are $3 per adult. This is to be paid at the Visitor Center.
-To what content areas does it connect?
This field trip is filled with Social Studies content areas. Doing writing activities and nature activities can also tie in Language Arts and Science content. If the students do some form of scavenger hunt or worksheet, the teacher could also work in math problems as well.
-What does this site offer students and teachers?
This site is ideal for students and teachers because it has open space for students to enjoy (a huge must with their physical development), as well as memorials for them to explore. The site also has landmarks, such as grave sites, houses, and cannons that can offer a better idea of what the field looked like at the time. This field trip is also helpful to students and teachers because it has a museum that gives a lot of useful information about the battles. There is also a gift shop, that can give further learning literature to students and teachers. Lastly, there are demonstrations done on a regular basis. When I visited, I watched a riffle demonstration. I have included this on the virtual field trip.
-What was positive about your field experience?
I loved seeing the riffle demonstration. The actor actually gave a long speech, but it was very lively and filled with funny jokes. He was also very informative. I think I learned a lot about the battles from him and the signs that are located around the field.
-What would you have changed?
I did not actually take a tour from a tour guide while I was there. I did take the time to read each of the signs and gained a lot of great information that way. Next time, if I was with a classroom of 4th graders I would have a guided tour, rather than just reading everything myself. I also did not get to spend that much time in the museum, in the future I would allow more time to explore the museum and gift shop.
-What suggestions do you have for future planners?
Make sure you remember to take weather into account when planning this field trip. The museum is very small, so going on a bad weather day would not be a smart move. The field is rather large and in order to really enjoy it, you need to allow your students to be outside for a decent amount of time. On the day I went, it was very nice weather and I had a lot of fun, but going during a time when it is too warm or cold, would be a bad choice. I would also suggest talking to the park rangers about setting up each student with a Junior Ranger booklet. Completion of this booklet gives the student a special badge. This also takes the responsibility of creating a worksheet to complete off the teacher.
-What did you learn about filed trips you hope to plan in the future?
I have had to plan many field trips for the summer camp that I worked for. I have learned a lot from that experience. First of all, it is never too early to start planning. You should contact the group or place you are visiting as early as possible. This can often ensure you are able to bring the group you want, on the day you want, and sometimes even get a reduced price. It is also important to keep all your field trip planning materials in one place and keep track of what you have done and what you have left to do.
Virtual Field Trip: http://asevero.weebly.com
More information can be found at: http://www.nps.gov/mana/index.htm