English Learners (EL) Modern World History classes took a field trip to Medieval Times, a dinner and tournament venue, on April 16 to help students relate social studies topics to modern-day times.

Medieval Times planned out different activities to show students how some aspects of the feudal period in Medieval Europe are still present nowadays through new technologies.

“At the start of the experience, students engaged in role-playing activities that used modern technology, like cell phones, to discuss how bullying can occur today and how behaving with chivalry can prevent it,” social studies teacher Eric Oddo said.

The purpose of the field trip was to help students better understand what life was like during the feudal era and how it relates to modern times. Oddo believes that the trip helped his students better comprehend the feudal era.

“The students gained a better understanding of vassalage, feudalism and serfdom. They also learned how practicing politeness and chivalry can help prevent bullying in both historical and modern contexts,” Oddo said.

Students who attended the trip found it to be both exciting and educational. Junior Aaya Mahmood enjoyed every aspect of the trip, but her favorite part was how immersive the entire experience was.

“I really liked how realistic it was and how realistic it felt. It really made me feel that I’m really living in the Middle Ages, but I liked everything,” Mahmood said.

At the end of the trip, there was a performance that replicated what life was like during the medieval period. Junior Yuliia Valko enjoyed this performance the most, as the performers interacted with the crowd and represented feudalism.

“We saw their clothes, and how it related [to feudalism]…there were pictures on the wall, and you could look at all the people and see them at this time. It was really nice. [My favorite] part was the main soldier throwing flowers, and I got two flowers,” Valko said.

The trip took a lot of planning, and Oddo spent a lot of time collaborating with multiple people to ensure that everything went smoothly. Oddo believes that all the work put into planning the field trip was worth it.

“I believe the trip was a great success. We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who helped make it happen,” Oddo said.

Students believed that the trip was a great success as well and are grateful for being able to go on the field trip.

“I really want to thank [Oddo and Scott Ackman] for this great experience…they did a great job combining fun and education,” Mahmood said.