Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School students in Advanced Placement Human Geography classes recently participated in an immersive field study in New York City, gaining firsthand insight into urban development, transportation infrastructure and the cultural landscape of one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas.

The day began with a ride on the Long Island Rail Road into Grand Central Terminal, where students engaged in a reading activity focused on the history of the railroad and terminal. The journey itself served as a foundation for discussions on suburbanization, infrastructure and the critical role public transit plays in shaping urban environments. Students explored Grand Central’s iconic architecture before walking along East 42nd Street, where they observed the 62-story skyscraper SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, a modern landmark exemplifying contemporary design and the evolving skyline.

A highlight of the trip was a visit to the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, where students were welcomed by a cartography specialist in the Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division. Through curated historical maps and guided inquiry, students traced the development of Midtown Manhattan, comparing past and present landscapes while analyzing patterns of urban growth, density and land use. They examined maps dating back to the 1660s, offering a unique perspective on the city’s transformation over time.

The visit concluded in the library’s Treasures Room, where students viewed rare and significant artifacts, including a Gutenberg Bible and Thomas Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence, among other notable works.