Using grant funding, students from each of the four Westerville middle schools’ advanced 6th grade Social Studies classes spent a day on Capitol Square, a complex that includes the Ohio Statehouse, Senate Building, and Atrium, providing the opportunity to bring lesson plans to life on such subjects as history, civics, architecture, and art. In addition to viewing and interacting with the museum’s treasures, students participated in active discussions and simulations regarding Ohio government. Some trips included personal visits from Representative Anne Gonzales, who was able to take students onto the House Floor. The visits were made possible thanks to the Capitol Square Foundation, which has created a transportation grant program with generous gifts from the Honda of America Mfg., Inc. and Wal-Mart.
Many pupils also traveled to the Ohio Historical Center, where special access was granted, for example, to view flags from Civil War battles. Other students visited the Federal Courthouse to meet judges and K-9 personnel, along with members of the U.S. Fire Marshal’s office.