If you plan to take your students on a field trip in South Carolina, there are many destinations you can choose from depending on the grade level and subject area you teach. A high school history teacher may want to take his students on a tour of Fort Sumter and an elementary school teacher may want to take her students to the Riverbanks Zoo.
Located in Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter is an important part of South Carolina history because it is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. When students go on a tour of Fort Sumter, they will take a 30-minute boat ride from Patriots Point to Fort Sumter. The tour of Fort Sumter is narrated and students will learn about the weapons used at Fort Sumter and how the Union Army seized Fort Sumter. After the guided tour, students can explore Fort Sumter on their own and visit the museum on-site.
Fort Sumter Tour
40 Patriots Point Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
800-789-3678
spiritlinecruises.com/sumter_overview.asp
Located in the state capital Columbia, the South Carolina State Museum offers collections in a variety of subject areas, including history, art and science. The dinosaur exhibit and shark display are two collections students will view. Educators can request a guided tour or they can sign up their students for a self-guided scavenger hunt. Group rates and boxed lunches are available.
South Carolina State Museum
301 Gervais St.
Columbia, SC 29201
803-898-4999
museum.state.sc.us
At the Riverbanks Zoo, students will view animals from all over the world and a botanical garden. The Riverbanks Zoo features more than 2,000 animals, such as elephants, penguins and snakes. Students can also view fish, sharks and eels in the 55,000 gallon aquarium. The price of admission starts at $8 for children and school field trip rates are available that include lunch.
Riverbanks Zoo
500 Wildlife Parkway
Columbia, SC 29210
803-779-8717
riverbanks.org
Located in Rock Hill, Historic Brattonsville is a Revolutionary War battle site and the home of Col. William Bratton. Students will tour 30 historic buildings at Brattonsville, including a backwoods cabin and a slave house. A gift shop is on site and includes 18th century reproductions of toys and household items. Prices start at $3 for students and group rates are available.
Historic Brattonsville
4621 Mount Gallant Blvd.
Rock Hill, SC 29732
803-329-2121
chmuseums.org/brattonsville
