By Robin Hewitt
Field Trip Ideas in Michigan
Whether you teach children at home or in a public or private school, field trips are an enriching experience for all age groups. Michigan holds a treasure trove of field trip options that will expand your pupils' horizons and give them a broader knowledge base, especially in understanding science, history and culture in the world that surrounds them.
Fort Mackinac
Fort Mackinac
With 14 of the original fort buildings (the oldest dates to 1780) Fort Mackinac offers hands-on exhibits and period re-enactments to bring history alive on your field trip. Overlooking Lake Michigan on the bluffs of Mackinac Island, the fort also holds daily events such as a cannon firing, rifle team firings, a court martial re-enactment and period music performances. Sutler's Store in the Soldier Barracks offers a wide selection of souvenirs and books.
Fort Mackinac
7127 Huron Road
Mackinac Island, Michigan 49757
(906) 847-3328 (May-September)
(231) 436-4100 (Mackinaw City office--open year-round)
www.mackinacparks.com/fort-mackinac/
Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum
Thomas Edison's Laboratory
Part of the Henry Ford Complex, Greenfield Village is a must for every child. With seven historic "districts" that hold the original buildings and workshops of such greats as Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and the Wright brothers bicycle shop, students can see the first light bulb and a working phonograph. Children can ride an antique carousel, enter an original 1800s train depot (and see a steam engine), and see the city bus where Rosa Parks defied segregation.
At the Henry Ford Museum, students can steep themselves in their heritage. The chair in which president Lincoln was shot, the limousine that carried President Kennedy on his last ride, a cast of Lincoln's hand and an original copy of the Declaration of Independence are only a few examples of the vast holdings of the Henry Ford Museum.
The Henry Ford
20900 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn, Michigan 48124
(313) 982-6001
www.thehenryford.org/village/index.aspx
Cranbrook Institute of Science
Founded in 1904, Cranbrook offers 11 galleries of science, including The Ice Age, The Mastodons, Minerals, Rocks and Astronomy. A state-of-the-art planetarium as well as an observatory round out the main features of the Cranbrook Institute of Science. A Bat Zone with over 90 types of bats, a sloth and a variety of owls are always a hit with students; there are also educational programs for individuals as well as groups.
Cranbrook Institute of Science
39221 Woodward Ave.
P.O. Box 801
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48303
(877) 462-7262
science.cranbrook.edu/
Great Lakes Naval Memorial & Museum
USS Silversides
With two historic vessels to tour, the Great Lakes Naval Memorial & Museum is always a crowd-pleaser. A submarine from World War II, the USS Silversides offers children a glimpse of life aboard the most famous surviving U.S. sub. The USCG McLane is a Prohibition-era "Buck-and-a-quarter" that sank an enemy ship during World War II.
The Robert G. Morin Sr. museum building showcases life in the United States during World War II. Ration cards, kitchenware, toys and fashion displays give students a feel for life in the 1940s; a 1938 radio with swing music and news will give insight on the information and entertainment available at the time.
Great Lakes Naval Memorial & Museum
1346 Bluff St.
Muskegon, Michigan 49441
(231) 755-1230
glnmmorg000.web151.discountasp.net/apps/dnn/mydnn/
Impression 5 Science Center
Impression 5 is a hands-on science center that offers children a better understanding of how our world works. Exhibits include magnetism, the laws of motion, the human heart, chemistry and machines. There is a Bubble Room where a student can make a giant bubble around herself, as well as square and colored bubbles. Radio signals and broadcasting will give an aspiring newscaster a glimpse into his future, while all will be fascinated by the music room sound waves and vibrations experiments.
Impression 5 Science Center
200 Museum Drive
Lansing, Michigan 48933
(517) 485-8116 ext 32
www.impression5.org/mos/Frontpage/
About the Author:
Robin Hewitt began freelance writing full time in 2008. She has coauthored books, including the book, "The Joyous Gift of Grandparenting," in which she addresses the nutritional and fitness needs of both grandchildren and grandparents.
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