the engineering and math that was used in building this behemoth. Few guests realize that one of the most important tools used in the building of this bridge was a slide rule. Most of the students that take the tour don’t even know what a slide rule is. Bridge Walk embraces the STEM educational discipline as a focus on their educational tours. STEM is an acronym that stands for science, technology, engineering and math. But this is nowhere near the limit of what can be learned during a Bridge Walk outing. The history that this area has to offer is phenomenal. From the coal mines to the civil war to the New River Gorge Bridge itself, the catwalk tour is filled with lots of interesting pieces of history that captivate the mind of young and old. From grade school to college, students from all ages come to experience a trip tailored to topics on which the teacher or group leader wants to focus. The educational tours range from two to three hours in length and can accommodate up to 80 people.The learning environment for Bridge Walk is special
and seems to command the attention of its participants. One quote from an educator who brought a group of kids for a tour seems to reiterate this.“You know you have something when the kids stop and wait for you to tell them something; walk a few steps and they stop again and await your information.” Bridge Walk is making its mark as one of the premier outdoor activities in an area filled with many great adventure opportunities. Not only is the tour available year round, but the view from the catwalk changes with each season. So far Bridge Walk has hosted guests from all 50 states and 42 countries overall.They have had deaf and blind participants along with guests in wheelchairs and ones with prosthetic limbs. Groups have even braved Bridge Walk with three feet of snow and a day where the temperature was minus two degrees with the wind chill. Bridge Walk is connecting education with adventure and by spanning this gap is becoming a “destination” activity.
Travel light
but never hungry Customized Solutions with Students in Mind Piccadilly Food Service Offers Customized Solutions for: Full Cafeteria Management Back-of-the-House Operations Specialty Catering Events and Functions
To schedule a meeting or request more information:
Call 1.800.742.2304 Visit piccadilly.com/foodservice
www.seenmagazine.us
Even on a field trip, you’re never far from home at Piccadilly. With so many homestyle classics, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Plus, bus drivers and tour coordinators eat free with groups of 20 or more. How’s that for extra credit? To make your tour group reservation, contact Fiona James at (800) 535-9974 ext. 8330, email groupreservations@piccadilly.com or visit piccadilly.com for booking and meal packages.
SouthEast Education Network FALL 2013
153