Trip Planner 2018-19 Trip Planner for Student Travel | Page 42

Curriculum Make time for play time in Rochester Pinball machines at The Strong Museum of Play A R S TO NEW HEIGHTS PITAL WHEEL! ON THE CA Take your students for a spin 180’ above the historic Potomac River! Available for as low as 10 per student, $ *plus tax plus – for every 10 students, 1 adult rides FREE! Contact Melissa Norris for Special Group Rates: [email protected] · (301) 857-0145 TheCapitalWheel.com • 116 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745 • 40 NTA Trip Planner for Student Travel fit “The Strong Museum welcomes hundreds of student groups each year from all over the world,” says Karen Dodson, tourism sales associate for the Rochester, New York, attraction. “It’s a one-of- a-kind museum dedicated to the study of play, and it houses the world’s largest collection of toys, dolls, games and electronic games.” The museum’s exhibits explore the role of play in learning and development, and they encourage active participation. The Strong’s permanent collection draws from its International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame and the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play. Together, these exhibits cover a spectrum of artifacts ranging from comic books and character merchandise to pinball machines and video game consoles—among many others. Groups can take guided tours that highlight some of the museum’s rare artifacts: early LEGO sets, handmade Monopoly games, a Thomas Edison talking doll and original Barbie dolls. “In the performance itinerary, students can take a master class at the renowned Eastman School of Music and then visit the museum to perform in one of its many performance spaces,” she says. “The Back to the Future itinerary features an exclusive tour through the museum’s world- class electronic games collections and a video game design class at Rochester Institute of Technology.” Tour groups are welcomed on a first-come, first-served basis for the museum’s annual special events, too. “The Strong hosts induction ceremonies for the World Video Game Hall of Fame (May) and National Toy Hall of Fame (November). These special events, which honor the best toys and games of all time, receive worldwide attention each year,” Dodson adds. To find out more about group tour options, contact Dodson at [email protected] or go to museumofplay.org.