Eighth Grade Class Trip, Washington, D.C.
Since 1976, the eighth grade class has ventured to Washington, D.C.
While enjoying the city as a whole, highlights of the itinerary
include visits to the Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Smithsonian's
Air and Space, American History, Natural History, and National
Gallery of Art museums, and the World War II, Vietnam and Korean
War Memorials. "Students gain an appreciation for the U.S.
government and are able to see firsthand what they have been taught
in the civics and ethics classroom," says Ken Brewster, a Middle
School instructor and long-time chaperone of the trip. For example,
a visit to the Holocaust Museum reinforces the ethical questions
about prejudice, racism, and stereotyping that students discussed
in class. The museum further enhances their understanding of the
Holocaust and related issues, including contemporary examples of
genocide. Because numerous teachers accompany the students, an
additional benefit is that the students have a chance to interact
with their teachers outside of the classroom. "Everyone benefits
from the trip. It is a part of the Baylor experience that they
will remember for the rest of their lives," says Ken.