History is one of the easiest classroom road trip themes to plan. When choosing your route look for historical towns, houses and museums. Map out these areas and find restaurants and activities nearby. You can take a day to explore the history of each place where you make a stop, but it's easier if you're prepared ahead of time. For instance, a road trip around Massachusetts can include Plymouth Rock, the Freedom Trail in Boston, The House of Seven Gables in Salem, and Old Sturbridge Village. Visiting these spots takes your group on a tour of the state and its history as the United States transitioned from colonies to states.
Another way to plan your trip is to determine all the landmarks on your route and visit them. Every area is famous for something, and students love trivia. Plus, it will be easy to teach them observational skills if they have to determine for themselves what makes each object a landmark. For instance, if you're taking a road trip around northern California, you can make a stop in San Francisco to see the Golden Gate Bridge. Ask students to describe what makes that bridge different from other bridges in the country and what makes it landmark-worthy. While you're there, you can visit the Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael. Again, ask students to determine what sets this building apart from others.
Taking a road trip to view and learn about the wonders of nature is a great way to interest students in applying their lessons outside of the classroom. Less preparation is required as students can study the natural scenery of any stop, planned or unplanned. Students can study the habits of animals, insects, water flow and plant life anywhere along the road.
Students can learn during a physics-themed road trip before you even make your first stop. They can calculate the time it will take to get to their next destination based on the speed at which you are going. They can study the effects of inertia and momentum as you move. Plan your stops around amusement parks, where students can learn about potential and kinetic energy, and planetariums where students can calculate the distance of stars and planets from each other and ponder the speed of light.
