Field Trips Criteria for implementing field trips Should

Field Trips

Criteria for implementing field trips • Should provide an opportunity for students to explore the concepts discussed in class. • Should be age-appropriate. • Should have a purpose and be engaging for students. • Discuss expectations and prepare students for the experience. • Allow children to be involved in planning.

Virtual vs. “Live” Field Trips LIVE • Permission slips • Secure transportation • Acquire parent volunteers for adequate supervision • Coordinate with site personnel • Bring first-aid kit and food (if necessary) • Create objectives and materials for on-site activites VIRTUAL • Make sure students have necessary skills to perform on-line tasks • Screen websites for appropriateness • Verify availability of computers and server connection • Create purpose and activities to perform while on-line: be specific!

Field Trips for the Sacramento Area K-2 3 -4 Grocery Store Gibson Ranch Indian Grinding Rock (Civil War Reenactment) Fire Station Play at Local High School Old Sacramento & Railroad Museum Sutter’s Fort 5 -6 Tour of the Capitol Mondavi Center (cultural event)

Primary vs. Upper Grade Field Trips Primary § Build experiences through exploration § Enriches the real world § Promotes appropriate social behaviors § Creates connection with community Upper Grades § Extends curriculum through critical thinking § Requires students to make connections to real-life situations and curriculum § Hands-on, Minds-on § Extends beyond immediate community

Technology and Social Studies • Web-Quests allow students to explore primary resources and utilize process skills • Creates opportunities for students to access the world through multi-media resources • Provides options for presenting information in a new and exciting way • Develops critical thinking skills • Students can communicate with people around the world! – Develop cultural awareness – Ask questions

Strengths and Weaknesses of Field Trips Strengths Weaknesses v Students connect classroom experiences to real-life situations v Hands-on, Minds-on v Opportunities for unique experiences and memories v Provides concrete examples and promotes comprehension of curriculum v Takes valuable instruction time v Requires advances planning and organization v Parent involvement necessary v Limited monetary resources v If not connected to the curriculum, can be frivolous