Classroom Connections: Spring Field Trip Day

On March 4, the Marlborough hallways grew quiet as students and teachers spent their day all across Los Angeles during our School-wide field trip day. This is the second year in a row that students have had the opportunity to head off campus alongside their classmates for an entire day dedicated to fun and immersive learning. 

“By planning a school-wide field trip day, all students can have an academic field trip each year and avoid missing classes for it,” Dean of Students Dr. Kendall Beeman explained. This intentional planning allows all students to enjoy and engage in the experience, and is one way the School honors our strategic commitment to partnering with the city of Los Angeles.

From scientific wonders to cultural landmarks, the day’s itineraries offered a tailored experience for each grade level:

7th Grade: Exploring Sciences I

Related to coursework in Exploring Sciences I (ESI), 7th graders took a trip to the California Science Center. Students enjoyed an IMAX movie about blue whales and explored the varied exhibitions, including one about ecosystems that related directly to recent lessons covered in ESI. 

“I loved learning about different environments and the animals' adaptations that allowed them to live there,” Stella C. ’31 shared. “The trip was specifically connected to geology and cells, which we've been studying in science.”

8th Grade: History

Students in 8th Grade visited different religious sites, connecting to their world religions curriculum in History 8. They toured Jewish, Hindu, and Buddhist temples; an Islamic mosque; and a gospel-centered church. These site visits offered the opportunity to see these religions in action in their respective communities.

Niamh L. ’30 said, “It was really cool to see how the information we learned about religion in [History 8] really affects people on a very personal level and to hear about people's individual experiences and relationship with their religions.”

9th Grade: Biology

9th graders traveled to the Natural History Museum to expand their Biology classroom knowledge. At the museum, they explored mammal and fossil exhibits and a butterfly garden. 

“The trip connected specifically to our community ecology and evolution units in Biology. We got to see real-life examples of how animal environments shape the adaptations that they develop over thousands of years—especially with the dinosaur fossil collections,” Ariel A. ’29 shared. “We also saw models of different feeding relationships/trophic levels across different species, which related to the general concepts we have been studying all year in [class].”

10th Grade: World Languages

Los Angeles is home to incredible neighborhoods full of different cultures and languages, offering students the opportunity to explore restaurants and shops related to the language they are studying at Marlborough. 10th-grade students were able to visit Chinatown, Olvera Street, and the Korean Education Center, and also explored Francophone culture at The Original Farmers Market.

Jasmine W. ’28 shared: “I gained a deeper understanding of Chinese Americans' contributions to LA and the influence of both cultures on the city, which connects to my AP Chinese coursework.” 

11th Grade: Modern World History, Food Justice, and African-American Literature

11th graders split up based on which classes they are enrolled in this year. Students in Food Justice and African-American Literature visited Simply Wholesome, a community focused and Black-owned business serving South LA since 1984. Modern World History students participated in programming through the Holocaust Museum.

“Hearing direct testimony from the Holocaust survivors and their grandchildren correlates to the work we are doing in my AP World History class,” Eden W. ’27 said. “It is a good way to absorb the magnitude of the atrocities which unfolded because normally in such a fast paced class, we often can lose sight of how tragic or important things are. Therefore, it's important to take a step back and really take things in to understand history's significance.”

12th Grade: AP Art History and Social Justice

The Seniors also traveled to two different destinations depending on each student’s course selection. Students enrolled in AP Art History visited The Broad and had the chance to see some of the works they have been studying together. The rest of the class traveled to Homeboy Industries, a community partner with whom Marlborough has a longstanding relationship.

“It was really insightful to see the pieces in person that we'd spent much of the year studying; it gave me a far greater appreciation for the art itself,” noted Kika M. ’26.

“Interacting with the people at Homeboy was a highlight of the day,” Mila K. ’26 shared. “I saw connections to my Deep LA course as the trip was very informative about the legal and justice systems in Los Angeles.”

As students returned from their trips, campus was abuzz as they eagerly shared their newfound connections and perspectives with one another. Whether viewing fossils or visiting a Buddhist temple, the day successfully brought their classroom learning to life. This annual, school-wide effort proves that the most memorable lessons and deepest understandings often occur when students are able to step into the community and engage directly with the vibrant history and culture we are lucky enough to find just outside our gates