Second Grade students had the chance to visit the Queens Museum for a hands-on exploration of New York City’s geography and urban planning last week. The field trip was part of their social studies unit on map skills and Long Island geography, offering them a real-world view of what they had been learning in class.
The day began with a visit to the "Panorama of New York City," a massive 3D model that brought the entire city to life. With its detailed depiction of all five boroughs, the students walked around, pointing out familiar places like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge. For many, it was the first time they had seen the city laid out in such a tangible way, helping them connect the dots between the landmarks and their locations.
Later, the class took part in an interactive workshop where they learned about urban planning, sustainability, and how cities are designed. Students were able to think critically about transportation, green spaces, and the challenges of designing a city that works for everyone.
The hands-on part of the day was a creative session where the students used a variety of materials to design their own mini cities. They built neighborhoods, roads, and parks, imagining a world of their own making. The activity gave them the opportunity to apply what they’d learned about city structure in a fun and engaging way.
By the end of the day, the students returned to school inspired and excited, with fresh insights into how cities function and a new appreciation for the complexity of urban design. The experience not only reinforced their classroom lessons but also sparked their creativity, encouraging them to think about how they might shape the cities of tomorrow.
