How can I make a trip to New York City more educational?
New York City is the perfect learning ground for a variety of focus topic areas. Architecture, foreign language, geography, immigration, history, foreign policy, music, acting, city planning, and more can all be explored in-depth and with hands-on activities on a New York City school trip.
Begin exploring your focus topic prior to departure with these New York City specific lesson plans. Learning in advance of the trip will deepen student engagement and add greater meaning to the travel experience. Select one focus topic and devote a full day, week, or semester to the study of the topic. Consider collaborating with other teachers to make it a unit.
These lesson plans can help get you started.
Lesson Plans
9/11 Memorial Lesson Plans – Topics include:
- Covering 9/11
- The International Fight Against Terrorism
- Balancing National Security and Civil Liberties
- Architecture of Remembrance
- The Changing Face of Lower Manhattan
- The New World Trade Center
- Moving Forward After Tragedy
The United Nations Lesson Plans – Topics include:
- History, Structure, and Accomplishments of the United Nations
- The Role of the United Nations – Writing Exercise
- Introduction to the United Nations
- Rights Auction
- The United Nations – Powerpoint
- Peacebuilding: Taking Home Lessons Learned in Africa
- Model UN Courses
New York City Subway System Lesson Plans
New York City Architecture Lesson Plans – Topics Include:
- Higher and Higher: Amazing Skyscrapers
- What is a Skyscraper? + Activity
- Designing a Skyscraper + Activity
- Building a Skyscraper + Activity
- Changes in a City Over Time
- Empire State Building Run-Up
Immigration in America Lesson Plans via the Tenement Museum – Topics Include:
Foreign Language Acquisition Tools (Free) – Topics Include:
- Italian – Use in Little Italy!
- Mandarin – Use in Chinatown!
Musical Theatre Lesson Plans – Topics Include:
- Dance Lessons for Beginners
- Images as Inspiration
- How to Write a Mini Musical
- Creative Exercises with Character Cards
- The Film to Stage Project
Urban Land Use Lesson Plans – Topics Include:
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