Sophomore students of U.S. history honors from The Hun School of Princeton recently visited Princeton Battlefield State Park to further their understanding of the Battle of Princeton through “experiential learning.”

Experiential learning takes students out of a traditional learning environment and places them, as active participants, in a space that becomes their classroom. Hun students were encouraged to consider the environment of the battle, and to use that information to enhance traditional classroom lessons.

The class utilized the school’s extended fourth period, a two-hour long class that includes a break for lunch. “The extended-period allows us to take advantage of the historically significant spaces around us, and use them as our classroom,” said Ryan Hews, Upper School head and faculty member. “Location learning creates the opportunity for students to further participate in the learning process. And, nothing is more rewarding to me, as a teacher, than to have a student become excited about engaging in history, away from a book.”

Earlier in the semester, members of the class travelled to Massachusetts, where location learning took place in Plymouth, Boston, and Salem. “We are inspiring students to consider the world as their classroom and that learning extends beyond the daily schedule of classes,” said Mr. Hews. A trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is scheduled for February.

Students in the U.S. history honors class left Princeton Battlefield with a heightened awareness and greater context of the events of January 3, 1777, and an appreciation for the importance of historical preservation and protection. Members of the class are planning to return to the State Park and volunteer to help maintain the memorial to the soldiers who fell in battle.

To learn more about Hun, visit www.hunschool.org.