FIELD TRIPS
Friday, July 26 Field Trips
We are pleased to offer field trips in addition to our main conference programming. Details below.
- Great Falls National Park (9 am - 1 pm)
- Goddard Space Flight Center (9 am - 3 pm)
- Smithsonian Museum of Natural History (9 am - 1 pm)
- Museum of the Bible (1:30 - 4:30 pm)
1. Great Falls National Park
When & Where
9 am - 1 pm (4 hours)
Description
At the Great Falls, the Potomac River rushes through a narrow gorge and tumbles over rocks in a dramatic series of falls. Overlooks at this national park provide close-up views. There are trails through woods, and picnic tables in the shade. Our 2-mile walking tour will explore the falls and other features of geological interest, with discussion of the geological history of the region. Human history is also evident with the remains of the old “Potawmack Canal,” a pet project of George Washington which allowed small cargo boats to bypass the Falls in the early 1800s.
This field trip will be capped at 28 people and includes bus transportation and a boxed lunch.
Price
$75 USD
2. Goddard Space Flight Center
UPDATE
We've received important additional information for those attending the Goddard Space Center field trip. Please read carefully.
Note that everyone who comes must wear CLOSED-TOED shoes, and comfortable clothes and shoes for walking and standing (shorts/jeans OK, no sandals, no open-toed shoes). Photography OK most places.
Everyone MUST bring a valid government photo-ID/REAL-ID — for most U.S. citizens that is a valid U.S. Driver's License. (U.S. Passport also works.). For U.S. citizens living abroad, bring proof of U.S. citizenship.
Non-U.S. citizens MUST bring their Passport and any VISA (if applicable) and related permits they have for being in the U.S.
You should have received some instructions via email from our Badging/Protective Services office.
When & Where
9 am - 3 pm (6 hours)
Description
The Goddard Space Flight Center houses one of the largest groups of space scientists in the world. The teams here develop advanced spacecraft for observing the Earth and objects in the solar system and beyond. They also manage many ongoing NASA missions, such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope. The Visitor Center has interactive exhibits on the Sun, the solar system, and space travel. Several full-sized rockets are outside. NASA scientist and ASA member Jennifer Wiseman will give us a special behind-the-scenes tour of satellite construction, testing, and operations areas; includes a guided presentation in the visitor center theater.
This field trip will be capped at 28 people and includes bus transportation and a boxed lunch.
Please note: If attendee is not a US Citizen, security regulations require that the full names, dates of birth, country of origin, passport numbers and passport expiration dates for each foreign national be submitted at least two weeks prior to the visit.
Price
$75 USD (SOLD OUT)
3. Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
When & Where
9 am - 1 pm (4 hours)
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
Description
The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex, with 19 museums and 9 research centers, housing over 150 million items. The Museum of Natural History displays the diversity and the story of our planet and its living things, reaching back billions of years. A guided tour will be provided for the Museum’s Hall of Human Origins, which focuses on the evidence regarding the evolutionary development of humanity, including fossil skeletons, artifacts such as paintings and stone tools, and genetics.
Transportation to and from Catholic University of America will be by subway and tokens will be provided. Lunch is not provided.
Price
$25 USD
4. Museum of the Bible
When & Where
1:30 - 4:30 pm (3 hours)
Description
Museum of the Bible is a global, innovative, educational institution whose purpose is to invite all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible. Through interactive exhibits and cutting-edge technology, it brings guests an immersive, personal experience with the impact, narrative, and history of the Bible. The 430,000-square-foot building houses permanent and travelling exhibits on its six floors. The glass-enclosed rooftop provides views of the United States Capitol, the Washington Monument, and several Smithsonian museums. The history of the Bible is brought to life with hundreds of artifacts, multimedia presentations, and a recreation of a Galilean village of Jesus’s day. Find out how the text has been translated and shared, and its influence on the world. A guided tour will be provided.
Transportation to and from Catholic University of America will be by subway and tokens will be provided.
Price
$50 USD