Trek Across America...

The idea of Trek Across America is to create a unit in which students could learn about their country while also getting exercise and having fun. The idea is not a new one. By utilizing the internet, videos, books, and other resources take your class on a virtual tour of the United States. As you walk you can go back to Plymouth Plantation in 1620, learn about the Underground Railroad, or even take a ride in the Space Shuttle as a guest of NASA. The possibilities are limitless.

A virtual Trek Across America is a unit that incorporates all academic areas. As part of our math class we mark off a mile course. Several times a week the class walks the mile and we combine our mileage. As our miles add up we locate ourselves on a map using latitude & longitude. We develop information on places to visit from many sources and then do a project on areas we "visit." The walks also allow us to check our heart rates as part of our body units, to gather samples for experiments or incorporate it into our walk to the local library.

Not only are you learning, but you are developing a life long habit of walking. Walking is not only good for your physical health, but walking is now recognized "... as a valuable tool for relaxation that can be used to treat anger, depression, anxiety, stress and low self-esteem." Researchers believe that a regular walking habit teaches students about attaining goals and helping to build confidence. "Some researchers credit the biomechanics of walking, suggesting that the unconscious, rhythmic action of putting one foot in front of the other engages the major muscles in a "body massage."

Below are sites we've found with e-pals and in class. Many sites have lesson plans and other resources for teachers & students.

Regardless of why we walk; join us on a Trek Across America!

How's the weather in Portland, Maine?

Visit Maine's interactive page and learn about its geograph, natural resources and people

Maine is known for its Maritime history

Stop in and visit a class at Mahoney Middle School in South Portland, Maine

Why don't you check the local news before leaving Maine

The next stop is Plymouth, Mass.

While in Plymouth you should visit Plymouth Plantation

Now entering Boston, Mass.

Since you are in Boston you should visit the historic Freedom Trail

Before leaving go by the JFK Presidential Library

On the way throught Rhode Island check out the local news. Is it the same as what your local paper is reporting ?

A bit down I-95 is the City of New York

While in New York you should take in some of the city's museums

The city also is known for its architecture. Would you like to take a tour ?

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Visit the New York Stock Exchange before you leave

Why don't you take a break and play the stock market

On the way south you should visit the "City of Brotherly Love:" Philadelphia

Visit the students at Peirce Middle School in Philadelphia. The school is named after a Judge, William Peirce, who advocated the emancipation of slaves.

In the Philadelphia Inquirer today...

Down the road in Maryland is Fort McHenry: Birthplace of the National Anthem

Next stop, Washington, D.C.

While in the nation's capital visit the Mall area

A must see is the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Another good resting place is the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

Don't forget the Museum of Natural History

Before leaving participate in a mock election

While in Virginia, the "Mother of Presidents" you should take a step back in time

Don't miss Thomas Jefferson's home: Monticello

What's going on in Roanoke, Virginia ?

North Carolina is the 'Home of Flight." Visit Kitty Hawk

Learn more about the state of North Carolina, visit a class at Kitty Hawk Elementary School

While in the area research the Civil War

In South Carolina you will take a ride on the "Underground Rail Road"

Pick up a newspaper and see what is going on in Georgia

A visit to Atlanta has to include Zoo Atlanta

Georgia is home to the 39th President: Jimmy Carter

Martin Luther King, Jr. "has a dream" visit it in Atlanta

How about a side trip to Stone Mountain, Ga. where you can explore

Once out of Atlanta you will turn SouthWest and head toward Tuskegee, Alabama. The home of the "Tuskegee Airmen."

Onward you will march the National Civil Rights Museum in Selma, Alabama

The Pelican State awaits you next, Louisiana

Learn about Hurricanes while in Louisiana

As you enter Texas your first stop will be the Bush Presidential Library

A historic tour of Houston: Then & Now

Take a virtual tour of America's fourth largest city

Houston is home of NASA's Johnson Space Center

Just down Interstate 290 is the State's Capital in Austin, Texas

Austin is the home of the University of Texas- "Hook 'Em Horns!"

Our 36th President, Lyndon B. Johnson, has his Presidential Library in Austin

Learn about one of Texas' treasurers: Barbara Jordan

If you have time check out the largest urban bat population in North America

Why don't you check out the news in other parts of the Lone Star state

If you would prefer a spanish language newspaper check this one out

In San Antonio you can pick up the Southern Pacific Railroad and take it all the way to Los Angeles. Learn more about railroads and see how they changed America.

To explore Texas further take this fork in the road...