School Design and Technology Trip to New York
A design and technology school trip to New York works so well because design and technology is simple everywhere in the city – from the bright lights and billboards of Times Square, to the skyscrapers that surround you in every direction!
Explore the city streets and its many attractions that tie in with the curriculum. Visit the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, which includes both historic and contemporary design and extends from one-of-a-kind to mass produced items. Or Samsung 837, where technology comes to life. And visit Parsons the New School for Design, where famous fashion designers Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui and Donna Karan all received their education.
Thinking about making yours a cross-curricular trip to give more students the opportunity to experience New York? The great news is there's options here for many subjects including politics, art, business studies, performing arts, media studies, fashion, food technology, maths and religious studies!
Suggested Itinerary (5 days, 3 nights)
Visit the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
The Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum is the only museum in the US dedicated to historical and contemporary design, which makes it a must-visit on a design and technology school trip to New York.
The museum’s collection consists of more than 210,000 design objects which span almost 30 centuries, from ancient textiles to modern, cutting-edge designs. There are handmade, unique pieces here, as well as mass-produced items.
The focus here is on showing the important role of design in the evolution of society, making this a really inspiring visit for your students.
Did you know?
The Cooper-Hewitt funds, awards and hosts the National Design Awards. The awards recognise American design in order to educate and promote excellence, innovation and lasting achievement in seven categories – architecture design, communication design, fashion design, interior design, interaction design, landscape design and product design.
Visit Parsons the New School for Design
Parsons the New School for Design is one of the most prestigious design schools in the world.
The school was founded by renowned American Impressionist William Merritt Chase in 1896. Originally known as the Chase School, the name was changed to its current one in 1941, to recognise the profound impact on American life of former director Frank Alvah Parsons.
With alumni including Tom Ford, Anna Sui and Donna Karan, this is a really inspiring visit for any young designer!
Did you know?
Frank Alvah Parsons, who joined the school in 1904 and later went on to become its sole director essentially created the modern concept of design, by focusing on the beauty in ordinary things and the ordinary spaces people inhabit.
Visit Samsung 837
Samsung 837 is an experience of art, fashion, technology and sport, where you can experience augmented reality, interactive art installations and musical performances.
In the heart of New York’s trendy Meatpacking District, this flagship store isn’t really a store, instead it offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Samsung brand.
Colour in on a giant screen using the S Pen, doodle in AR and design your own phone case – there’s so much to do here that it’s the perfect choice for a design and technology school trip to New York!
Did you know?
Samsung was founded as a trading company in 1938 and only entered the electronics industry in the late 1960s.
Day 1
Morning
Flight from the UK to New York
Afternoon
Transfer to accommodation on arrival
Evening
Optional evening meal at local restaurant
Day 2
Morning
Visit the Parsons School for Design
Afternoon
Visit the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Explore Central Park
Evening
Visit the Empire State Building for evening views across the city
Optional evening meal at local restaurant
Day 3
Morning
Take the free Staten Island ferry for views over the Hudson and the Manhattan skyline
Visit the 9/11 memorial
Afternoon
Visit the Skyscraper Museum
Evening
Optional evening meal at a Times Square restaurant
Chance to enjoy a Broadway show
Day 4
Morning
Visit Samsung 837 to see the latest technological ideas, followed by some retail therapy
Afternoon
Transfer to the airport
Evening
Overnight flight back to the UK
Day 5
Morning
Arrive back in the UK
Afternoon
N/A
Evening
N/A
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3 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation
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Airport transfers in resort
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All flights including tax
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Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
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Detailed information pack
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Free staff place ratio 1:10
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Itinerary planning service
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VAT
Curriculum Links
GCSE
- Impact of new and emerging technologies
- Design and organisation of the workplace
- The impact of resource consumption on the planet
- Designing products for positive impacts
- Role of automation and manufacturing systems
- Electronic design systems
- Developments of new materials
- Specialist techniques and processes
- The work of designers and design companies
- Meeting customer needs
Key Stage 3
- Properties of different materials
- Use of media in the design process
- Digital technologies in design and manufacture
- Importance of user-centred design
- Key design movements and designers
- Common features of manufacturing industries
- Designing for the cleaner environment
Educational activities and visits
Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
The Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum’s collection is international in scope and includes both historic and contemporary design,extending from one-of-a-kind to mass-produced.… Read More
Empire State Building
Reaching more than a quarter of a mile into the Manhattan sky, the Empire State Building was the world's tallest… Read More
Parsons the New School for Design
If you’re a Project Runway fan, you must pay a visit to Parsons School of Design on the west side… Read More
Samsung 837
Located in the heart of the Meatpacking district in NYC, Samsung 837 combines art, fashion, technology, and sport in unprecedented… Read More
The Skyscraper Museum
Located in New York City, the world's first and foremost vertical metropolis, the Skyscraper Museum celebrates the city's rich architectural… Read More
Cultural activities and visits
Macy's Department Store
Shopping in New York is not complete without a trip to Macy's, not only can you stop by and pick… Read More
Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry exists predominantly for the purpose of getting commuters to and from Manhattan, but outside rush hour… Read More
Statue of Liberty
No trip to New York would be complete without a visit to the Statue of Liberty; the city’s iconic symbol.… Read More
Accommodation
HI New York is Manhattan’s premier hostel, and is located in a landmark building on the Upper West Side. The building was built in 1883 to help widows of both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 and re-opened as HI New York in 1990.The hostel offers clean, modern, mixed and separate male/female dormitory-style accommodation (4 - 12 bedded rooms) with shared bathrooms in the hallways. Linen, towels and a housekeeping service are provided.Private rooms with and without baths are also available (subject to availability).
The hostel is situated just one block from Broadway Avenue and a main subway line, and only minutes from Central Park.
Supporting you every step of the way
1 Creating Your Perfect Trip
We'll tailor make your school trip to meet your specific requirements
2 Launching your trip to parents and students
Head to our resources section for FREE promotional materials
3 After you've booked
Your dedicated Itinerary Coordinator will work with you on the finer details of your trip
4 While you're away
You'll be able to reach us 24/7 during your trip if you need our help
5 After your trip
Head back to our resources section to continue the learning
Need help?
Zoe Campbell — Tour Advisor
Don’t hesitate to contact me for any advice or further information on how your school trip can be tailored to your requirements.
Salamanca is a fantastic location. It is an intimate city where students feel confident to explore – our students made lots of progress and enjoyed the freedom that the trip allowed them.— Roseberry School
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