Science Safety Planning Field Trips and Field Experiences

Science Safety: Planning Field Trips and Field Experiences

Key Question What safety issues do I need to consider when planning and conducting field trips and field experiences?

Purpose • Field trips and experiences are necessary for effective learning • Outdoor and out of school investigations can strengthen academic learning and reinforce personal responsibility

Planning • Be sure you understand school and district guidelines for field trips • Overnight trips require School Board Approval – See the Superintendent’s Page for the appropriate form • Choose field experiences that connect to content standards – Teach connected content before and after the experience

Planning • Visit and survey field trip sites prior to taking children • Ensure parents are fully informed regarding the trip, planned experiences, appropriate dress, timelines, etc. • Collect and take lists of student medical issues and/or needs

Planning • Prepare a permission form and ensure all students return the form • Process and file all signed forms – Be sure to include contact information for the day of the trip • Arrange for school/district sanctioned transportation and drivers

Planning • Plan for chaperones and additional adult supervision – Be sure to consult with building administration regarding appropriate ratios of adult to students • Be sure to take a cell phone and first aid kit

Planning • Communicate any potential hazards and how they will be avoided with students • Check weather prior to the day of travel and inform students to ensure proper attire

Day of Travel • Ensure students have lunches if required • Ensure student are appropriately dressed • Review expectations of behavior for travel and at the experience site • Reinforce the learning targets/goals

Day of Travel • Group students in teams/buddies • Maintain supervision of students at all times

Sign School Safety Roster • Be sure to understand each of the previous items • Sign the Roster attesting your understanding

Reflection Questions • How do the topics in this presentation impact your classroom? • What is one best practice that relates to this topic that you would share with colleagues or our staff?