NEHS and MuAlpha Theta explore Washington, D.C. landmarks: Photo of the day 2/26/2020
NEHS and Mu Alpha Theta students admire exhibits at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
February 27, 2020
On Tuesday, February 25, the National English Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta took a field trip to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
Braden Weinel, the President of NEHS and Warren Stewart, the President of Mu Alpha Theta, planned this field trip with the intention of educating the members of their honor societies about historical math, science, and English information. This was done with the help of Natalie Rebetsky, advisor of NEHS, Jenifier Weiss, advisor of Mu Alpha Theta, and Tracy Cassidy, Reading Specialist.
After a frustrating 2 1/2 hour bus ride in the rain, they first arrived at the Air and Space Museum, where the group was astonished by the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall. The exhibition commemorates many of the most noteworthy airplanes, rockets, and space crafts throughout time.
Jake Muller, Alexis Fowler, and Emily Webb each tried the simulator that approximates the experience of landing on the moon.
“It was exhilarating! Lexie almost vomited,” said Muller.
“I almost threw up,” admitted Fowler.
The groups, accompanied by their eight chaperones, circulated through the exhibits and ate lunch in the cafeteria.
Following the Air and Space museum, both honor societies traveled to the Library of Congress. The walk was longer than expected (and uphill). They detoured into the U. S. National Botanic Gardens. Some said this was their favorite part.
“When everyone detoured to the garden, I was a little worried because they all disappeared into the trees, orchids, and winding pathways. Although we only had 15 minutes, it was the highlight for me,” said Rebetsky.
At the library, the 40 students broke into two groups for a docent-led tour. They saw the architecture, an original Gutenberg Bible, Thomas Jefferson’s library, and the reading room of the elegant building.
“The Library of Congress receives 1500 items per day that can be added to their collections,” said Cassidy.
“I thought it was pretty interesting that the Library of Congress has a Gutenberg Bible and that the Air and Space Museum had the actual plane that the Wright Brothers used,” said Stewart.
