Memories of Inauguration 2009
Love him or loath him, the Inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 20, 2009 was a special time in our country’s history. Approximately two million people, the largest inaugural gathering ever, faced the cold and the crowds to see this historic moment, when the first African-American person became President of the United States.
Hint: Click photos for a larger view.
Sunrise at the Obama Inauguration
Everyone had to get up very early that Tuesday morning. I started to park coaches at 5:00 AM. Only coaches and official vehicles were allowed in the city from 7:00 PM the night before to 7 PM that night so there was very little traffic. Spectators had to get to the mall very early to find a spot. Ticket holders had to go through intense security. As the morning progressed, it became more and more difficult to get to the mall area due to increasing crowds. The weather was clear but cold with a slight breeze, in the lower 30’s by mid-morning. The best thing about the crowd was they blocked the breeze!
Wordless Wednesday: Geography = War
Reflection of Water on Oil Drums at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, IL
This photo was submitted by Carissa DeVault, from Anthony Wayne High School, for the 2010 Travel Adventures’ Adventures in Creativity Contest. It was taken at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. The installation is called Geography = War and was created by Alfredo Jaar. The installation refers to an incident in Koko, Nigeria in 1987 and 1988 were toxic waste seeped into the water system causing chemical burns and food contamination.
Jaar’s work consists of fifty-five-gallon barrels filled with water, over which are suspended light boxes with photographs of the citizens of Koko. The photographs are seen by viewing the reflections in the water-filled barrels.
To learn more about Geography =War please visit www.mcachicago.org/Book/Jaar-txt.html
Mackinac Island: Ferries, Forts, and Fudge!
For centuries, Mackinac Island (pronounced MACK-in-awe) has served as an oasis for those who uncover its beauty. Located in Lake Huron, at the eastern end of the Straits of Mackinac, the island is situated between the Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
Students Explore Mackinac Island
Prior to European exploration in the 17th century, Mackinac Island was home to the Anishinaabe-Ojibwe Indians, who considered the island a sacred place. By virtue of its location in the center of the Great Lakes waterway, Mackinac Island was a tribal gathering place and burial ground for tribal chiefs. Later, it served as a strategic position amidst the fur trade commerce of the Great Lakes.
It was the Victorians, however, that made Mackinac Island one of the nation’s most favored vacation sites. During the warm summer months, visitors came from Cleveland, Detroit, Buffalo, and Chicago to enjoy the island’s cooler climate. Later, lodging such as the famous Grand Hotel was built to accommodate overnight guests. Today, the entire island is listed as a National Historic Landmark. The history combined with the island’s natural scenery and breathtaking architecture makes Mackinac Island an unforgettable educational adventure for student group travel.
Earth Day: Resources for a Brighter Future
Today is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day!
It’s wonderful to see teachers, students and families around the country and throughout the world focus on projects that will benefit our planet and help create a brighter future for generations to come. Each individual can make a difference everyday by working toward the common goal of protecting our natural resources.
At Travel Adventures, we believe that environmental stewardship begins with education and awareness. We’ve compiled a list over over 60 links to environmental resources that you may be interested in visiting. We’d also love to add your favorite GREEN site too. Please leave us a comment if you have recommendations.
Green Resources <<< Please click this link
Earth Day 4-22-10
We’ve also compiled a list of company’s that provide Green Fundraising opportunities:
Green Fundraising <<< Please click this link
Green Fundraising for a Brighter Future
Please leave a comment to add a GREEN site to our list.
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Wordless Wednesday: Student and Snake in New Orleans
Joseph at Zam's Swamp Tour in New Orleans
This photo was submitted by Hannah Peitzman for the 2010 Travel Adventures’ Adventures in Creativity Contest. This photograph was taken on a recent performance trip to New Orleans. During the student tour, students from the LaCanada High School Band performed at a charity fundraiser at a Christian Church in New Orleans, raising money for mission work.
Costa Rica: The Wildest Science Adventure on Earth
Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places in the world and the perfect destination for science teachers and their students.
Costa Rica translates to “Rich Coast” and is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world. One fourth of Costa Rica is comprised of protected areas, including 26 forests, 20 national parks, 9 forest reserves, 8 wildlife refuges, 7 wildlife sanctuaries and one national archaeological monument.
Keel Billed Toucan
Wordless Wednesday: Times Square
Student from Negaunee High School Band in Times Square
Jeremy Connin Of Negaunee High School submitted this photo of a classmate in Times Square for the 2010 Travel Adventures “Adventures in Creativity” photo contest.
Travel Adventures hosts three annual “Adventures in Creativity” contests for students; a photo contest, a video contest and a trip journal/essay contest. For all of the details or to view the work of past winners please visit www.traveladventures.com/contests
Must See Civil Rights Attractions for History Students
The history of the Modern Civil Rights Movement in America is a dramatic story of the struggle for freedom and equality. Social studies teachers looking to take their students on the road to re-enforce classroom instruction should visit these sites in Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma, Alabama.
These are the must see attractions at each destination:
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: Your students can “take a walk through history” at this state-of-the-art facility designed to be a self-directed journey through the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s. The museum features photography and audio recordings from the era, multi-media presentations, and dramatic life-size figures.
School Fundraising Secrets: 10 Tips for Raising Money
Over the years, we have asked the teachers who travel with us for tips regarding fundraising. They all agree that some of the most creative ideas come from the students. These teachers are also in agreement that if the students help develop the fundraising approach, they work harder to raise money and get other students involved.
Some of the most creative ideas are:
1: For a Holiday Season Activity: (Easter and Christmas) – Student representatives visit a local nursery and ask the nursery if they will sell plants to them at cost as their way of supporting the school trip. For Easter the plants might be Easter Lily’s and Tulips. At Christmas they might be small evergreen trees in pots or Cactus plants. The students sell them at school and to family and friends. It is a good idea to mention the nursery’s role in a school newsletter and send a copy to them as well. This recognition will make them be more likely to work with you in the future. Read more…
Wordless Wednesday: Cloud Gate
Dakota High School Choir at Cloud Gate (aka The Bean) in Chicago's Millennium Park
Cloud Gate, nicknamed The Bean, is forged of a seamless series of highly polished stainless steel plates, which reflect Chicago’s famous skyline and the clouds above. The design was inspired by liquid mercury and the sculpture’s surface reflects and distorts the city’s skyline. Visitors are able to walk around and under Cloud Gate’s 12-foot high arch.
www.traveladventures.com/chicago
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