CHICAGO - Does a train use sand to help it stop and go? That's one of the questions Illinois fourth-graders will see when they participate in the "American Journeys: Learn About Illinois" program, sponsored by Amtrak and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). By the way, the answer to the question is "yes."
Developed by Scholastic Marketing Partners, the program includes customized lessons on geography, language arts, science and math focusing on Amtrak routes and services. Students will receive a four-color two-page flyer that includes a Kids Ride Free coupon and in-home activities related to train travel.
In its second year, the program is estimated to reach more than 830,000 teachers, students and parents again this semester at Illinois public and private schools.
"We believe transportation and education are important parts of everyone's lives, and by bringing them together, we can make learning about Illinois more fun for kids and families," said IDOT Secretary Tim Martin. "Our partnership with Amtrak provides families across Illinois with an affordable way to vacation, learn more about their state and get a glimpse of their history by riding the rails."
"Responses to last year's program were overwhelmingly positive," said Barbara Richardson, Amtrak vice president of marketing and sales. "Teachers and students appreciated the valuable material that allows Amtrak to inform them about the wonderful experiences of train travel.
"We look forward to educating another class of 4th grade students about exploring destinations in the 'Land of Lincoln' and across America by rail."
In addition, the fourth-graders can enter Scholastic's American Journey Essay Contest by submitting an essay that describes a conductor's day in a trip across the U.S. Four grand-prize winners receive round-trip coach tickets to the Amtrak destination of their choice and four runners-up will be awarded round-trip tickets for travel in Illinois.
Other prizes, such as educational CD-ROMs and Scholastic publications are also being awarded to the winners.
Service by the Chicago-St. Louis State House, Chicago-Carbondale Illini and Chicago-Quincy Illinois Zephyr trains is made possible in part by funding from IDOT, under a contract with Amtrak. Service by the Chicago-Milwaukee Hiawatha Service trains is made possible in part by funding from IDOT and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation
