The National Education Association, in a survey of 400 adults, found that field trips “boost student’s lifelong success.” Students who take field trips were more likely to achieve better grades, have higher graduation rates from high school and college, and earn a better salary.
 
This year, many schools are eliminating field trips due to COVID-19 safety concerns, instead opting for digital field trips where students watch YouTube videos of a location. But, a 2014 study found that passively watching these videos does not provide the same benefit to students because “students do not encounter a multidimensional activity in which all their senses are fully involved.”
 
Unexpected Virtual Tours took all of this research to develop unique Virtual Field Trips that fully engage and immerse all of the students’ senses. The goal was to create a Virtual Field Trip that provided comparable benefits to a physical field trip at a much lower price point.
 
For example, on the Civil War Virtual Field Trip, the company’s passionate guides teach students how to break Civil War-era codes while explaining the overarching history of the War from slavery to surrender. The Virtual Field Trip integrates videography and photography of important Civil War locations, plus the company’s stage combat choreographer teaches students the basics of wielding a Civil War-era sabre. At the elementary level, the guides include thematic songs and movement; at middle school, guides incorporate thematic quizzes and puzzles; and at high school, students participate in a live trivia game.
 
Every Virtual Field Trip is designed by the company’s award-winning historian using all original source documentation, and aligned to Georgia Social Studies Standards of Excellence by the company’s curriculum consultant. The company also provides optional Treat Boxes that feature delicious treats from local entrepreneurs, hands-on activities, and free shipping nationwide.
 
Unexpected Atlanta Tours & Stories is Atlanta’s #1 rated food and history tour company which has created insightful experiences for over 12,000 delighted customers. Forbes magazine called its virtual tour experience “a wonderful journey to the South.” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution called its Virtual Tours “immersive, interactive and educational streaming events” and one of the top four Atlanta-produced food series to watch at home.