Experiential learning expands as Arizona schools tap live, standards-aligned programs

By Stacy Mantle
Mail

Medieval Times Scottsdale is expanding its connection to classroom learning with the debut of "Life in the Middle Ages," an educational show that launched Nov. 7 and marks the attraction’s first new academic program in a decade. 

During a recent preview, more than 300 students from Queen Creek and Legacy schools excitedly filled the arena. From the parking lot to the entryway, many arrived dressed in medieval-inspired costumes, wearing ribbons and carrying playful foam weapons as they embraced the theme.

The energy only grew inside, as each school enthusiastically cheered for its assigned knight and banner, creating an atmosphere that blended historical learning with spirited fun. 

“We tell the chaperones to come in, turn the kids loose and let us manage them for a couple of hours,” said Debbie Teixeira, sales manager for Medieval Times. “The castle hall is open an hour prior to the event. The kids are free to wander around, meet the royalty and ask questions, and explore life in an 11th century Spanish castle. We make sure the kids are full, happy and tired for a much quieter ride home.” 

Interactive play becomes experiential learning

Each school was assigned a color-coded section of the arena, rallying behind its designated knight with chants and cheers. The competition quickly sparked friendly rivalries, but not before students were introduced to the principles of chivalry, traditional medieval fare and the realities of life in the Middle Ages.

Arizona educators who used Medieval Times in Scottsdale as a hands-on extension of the school day with posts emphasizing engagement, student conduct and academic connections.

In a Feb. 7, 2026 post, Cherokee Elementary in the Scottsdale Unified School District wrote that second grade, “...traveled back in time” and that students showed “outstanding CARES expectations while cheering,” while also “making connections to what they’ve learned in CKLA.” 

An experiential field trip 

Designed for K-12 school groups, camps and youth organizations, the weekday educational matinee combines a 70-minute live-action tournament with structured academic content tied to Arizona standards. The show integrates core social studies concepts — including heraldry, the feudal system and the code of chivalry — through performance, storytelling and skill demonstrations.

The Medieval Times castle in Scottsdale is modeled on a medieval Spanish fortress, reflecting architecture and culture from roughly the 11th to 15th centuries.

Following the owner’s own heritage, the design draws inspiration from the period when castles were central to daily life in Spain — serving as fortified residences for nobility and hubs for tournaments, feasts and royal gatherings. Inside, the show and setting reflect elements of the High Middle Ages, including chivalry, heraldry and courtly traditions associated with that era.

“Life in the Middle Ages marks the first new educational show in 10 years,” said Alexa Sedoff, show cast manager. “It’s a great way to educate students with a glimpse into what life was like in the Middle Ages. By incorporating educational themes with a live-action tournament, students will be engaged and at the edge of their seats the whole time.”

Lesson plans and teacher guides available online

The program was developed with input from educators to ensure alignment with classroom instruction.

“The program was created in partnership with teachers and designed to complement key social studies curriculum,” Sedoff said. “The educational matinee helps students explore topics such as heraldry and the coat of arms, the feudal system and of course, the code of chivalry.”

Students encounter lessons through a staged royal court and tournament featuring the king, queen and knights alongside live horses.

“Students can watch history come to life at our educational performances,” Sedoff said. “Our show features storytelling, games of skill, jousting and swordplay, immersing students into ‘Medieval Times.’”

Teachers receive free downloadable lesson plans and classroom guides to extend learning before and after the visit.

“The lesson plans and Teacher Guides create a hands-on experience for educators and students,” Sedoff said. “Exploring topics from the medieval era to science and technology during the 11th century, these free downloadable plans are a great enhancement to the classroom experience.”

The educational matinees are not open to the general public. Each matinee includes a four-course meal with dietary accommodations, creating what organizers describe as a safe, immersive environment for school groups.

Special accommodations always welcome

“For students who experience anxiety or nervous disorders, we have added a sensory room,” Teixeira said. “Should any of the kids become overstimulated during the show, they are welcome to visit our sensory room where they can eat and watch the show via livestream.” 

With advance notice, the culinary team can adjust menus for specific medical or religious dietary requirements, ensuring students and guests can fully participate in the experience.

Experiential learning on the rise

The Scottsdale business, which opened in 2019, is part of a broader trend across Arizona in which museums, science centers and cultural destinations are building standards-aligned programming to support classroom instruction.

The Arizona Science Center, for example, offers STEM-based field trips and lab experiences aligned with state science standards, along with educator guides and classroom resources designed for pre- and post-visit instruction.

The Desert Botanical Garden provides lesson plans and field studies focused on Sonoran Desert ecology, conservation and Indigenous agricultural practices, helping schools integrate science and social studies with place-based learning.

Meanwhile, the Musical Instrument Museum connects music, geography and world history through guided tours and teacher toolkits aligned with arts and social studies standards.

These partnerships are helping schools balance academic requirements with student engagement, especially as districts look for ways to bring curriculum to life without adding pressure to classroom schedules.

As experiential learning gains traction, programs that combine live performance, structured lesson plans and academic alignment are increasingly viewed not as optional enrichment but as extensions of the classroom — giving Arizona students new ways to see history, science and culture in action.

“Learning can and should be fun,” Sedoff added. “We love that we can create a fun and safe environment for teachers and students to experience a little slice of history and create core memories on their field trips. Authentic experiences create opportunities for development and a break from screen time.”

Neither Queen Creek USD nor Legacy Schools returned  requests for comments. 

Editor’s note: A grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation made this story possible. The foundation awarded 15 newsrooms to pay for solutions-focused education reporters for two years. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.

Stacy Mantle
Education Solutions Reporter

smantle@iniusa.org

Meet Stacy
Stacy Mantle is joining the team at Independent Newsmedia, Inc. as an Education Solutions journalist, thanks to a grant from the Arizona Community Collaborative. She has a long history in education that ranges from teaching junior high and middle school to developing curriculum and standards-based assessments.

Community: A longtime advocate for animal welfare, Stacy is deeply involved in rescue efforts and volunteers with several nonprofit organizations.

Random Fact: Once upon a time, she shared her home with a pet coyote and two wolf hybrids. The experiences were wild enough to become the subject of her first book!

Education: She holds a BA in English with a minor in Political Science, a Post-baccalaureate in Secondary Education, and an MBA with a emphasis on Marketing.

Hobbies: In her spare time, Stacy writes fast-paced urban fantasy novels, crafts small-batch artisan soap, and is always up for hiking or off-roading through the Arizona wilderness with her husband of 23 years.