Learning Journeys

Learning Journeys are educational field trips for all Milwaukee Public Schools students that are designed to take what students are learning in the classroom out into the real world. 

These annual opportunities aim to expand students’ career awareness (K3–grade 3) and help them explore potential careers (grades 4–8).

 

2025–26 MPS Learning Journeys

K5: Oak Ridge Farm

All K5 students will take a tour of the 200-acre Oak Ridge Farm in Dousman, Wisconsin, to get an up-close experience with farm life. Students will learn why the farm is important to them and the community, which goods and products come from the farm, and how they are produced.

Grade 1: Snackin' on Plants

All first graders will visit Havenwoods State Forest to learn more about plant parts and explore connections to everyday foods.

Grade 2: Survive Alive House

All second graders will visit the Survive Alive House Fire Education Center to learn about fire safety and prevention with City of Milwaukee firefighters!

Grade 3: Exploring Earth and Sky

All third graders will visit the Manfred Olson Planetarium at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee to participate in a simulation that explores seasons, climates, and constellations around the globe—and their cultural relevance. Students will also stargaze at the current Wisconsin night sky with an astronomy educator.

Grade 4: Energy Around Us

All fourth graders will visit Discovery World to immerse themselves in exhibits and experiments on energy and sound. Students will experience sound through music and will also learn about local legend Les Paul.

Grade 5: BizTown

All fifth graders will visit Junior Achievement's BizTown to participate in a simulated community. Students will role-play as citizens, workers, and consumers in their community and will collaborate to make decisions about important elements of adult life.

Grade 8: Finance Park

All eighth graders will visit Junior Achievement's Finance Park and be assigned a life scenario—age, family information, occupation, and income. They will explore careers and apply financial literacy skills to construct a workable household budget.

Partners

MPS is grateful for the partners that make our Learning Journeys possible. 

• MPS Department of Recreation
• MPS Foundation
• Discovery World
• Havenwoods State Forest
• Junior Achievement of Wisconsin
• Oak Ridge Farm
• Survive Alive House Fire Education Center 
• University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee 
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
   

More Information

Teachers: Find Resources in mConnect

If you have any questions, please contact Extended Learning Opportunities at elo@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or (414) 475-8238.