I remember studying historical immigration in my elementary school on Long Island. Being so close to the city, the entire fifth grade took a field trip to Ellis Island. We walked the same path the immigrants took when they arrived in New York. History was  one of my least favorite subjects in school, and being able to go to Ellis Island and experience it – instead of just reading about it in my textbook – made a huge difference.

In today’s hard economic times, many schools are cutting budgets and eliminating field trips. Earlier this year, Alex wrote about a teacher who is turning to virtual field trips to compensate for the loss. Teachers are finding new ways to supplement their lessons and add a new level to learning.

On March 29, Scholastic and the National Park Service are teaming up to give kids across the country an opportunity to see Ellis Island and learn about the history of immigration with the “Coming to America: Ellis Island” virtual field trip. This live webcast allows students to experience Ellis Island and take a tour with National Park Service Rangers for free – and they don’t even have to leave their classrooms! They can see archived videos and photographs, “walk” around the historical rooms, and hear the Rangers answer questions. It’s a great way for schools to use technology to take learning outside the classroom and experience things they wouldn’t have the opportunity to see otherwise.

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