The Pentagon and the US Naval Observatory: Exciting Tours for Students
Washington D.C. is one of the most popular cities for student travel. Since it is especially famous for its National Mall with beautiful monuments and memorials, travelers may not be prepared for some of the attractions that require more advanced planning.
The Pentagon is one very famous building in Washington D.C. that requires this. Its unique five-sided design sets it apart from almost any government building in the world. Tours of the building were established in the US bicentennial year to raise funds and have continued due to their popularity with the public. Student groups and other large groups are especially welcome, although they must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.
Students will probably be aware that the Pentagon is the home for the Department of Defense. On their tour they will see it as the headquarters for all four branches of our military, the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. A member of the capital’s military ceremonial units will be their tour guide. The officer’s extensive preparation on the different aspects of the Pentagon make this tour perfect for educational tours.
Besides the branches of our military, the Pentagon offers several other unique experiences, including the Native American display, the Hall of Heroes dedicated to recipients of the Medal of Honor, and the Pentagon’s beautiful September 11 memorial. This was the first 9/11 memorial to be completed at any of the crash sites, and it is a moving display.
Students will be fascinated simply by the Pentagon’s design, which they should come to better understand on their tour. The building is five stories arranged in five pentagonal rings around the five-sided courtyard. Various corridors divide the rings still further with a detailed numbering and lettering system used to identify each office.
With all of these factors, the Pentagon is sure to inspire students in any number of pursuits, from the military to history, government, engineering, and so much more. Their experience here will be as multifaceted as the building itself.
The United States Naval Observatory (USNO) is another unique Washington D.C. experience for student travel that requires early planning. Tours of the observatory are only offered on select Mondays through the year and must be reserved four to six weeks in advance.
This tour offers a better understanding of the role the Observatory has in using the study of the stars and planets for the important sciences of timekeeping and accurate navigation. Students will see the tools used and understand how the data collected is translated to practicalities that govern even our daily lives.
This tour requires quite a bit of walking on the USNO grounds. Besides the observatory itself, the Vice President’s home is beautifully situated here, something students may be surprised to learn. Often called “The Admiral’s House”, this home was built for the superintendent of the Observatory and then used by the Chief military officer over it before being offered to the Vice Presidential family.
The USNO is possibly one of the least understood among Washington D.C.’s important buildings. Students will have very few preconceived ideas about the Observatory’s role and will undoubtedly be fascinated by its importance. Once they have learned about the role of gathering astronomical data, they will get a chance to observe it for themselves.
This exciting part of the tour only takes place weather permitting but will be one of the most memorable activities. Imagine viewing the stars and planets through powerful astronomical tools. What better way to make students aware of the vast universe of learning that surrounds them and to inspire them to reach for the stars.
The Pentagon and the US Naval Observatory are two exciting attractions for Washington D.C. educational tours. They are unique, sometimes misunderstood, and both a truly rare experience for student travel. Be sure to plan ahead so that you can fit these amazing tours into your students’ schedule.
Tags: US Naval Observatory | educational tours | educational tours | Washington D.C. | Pentagon | USNO