![]() ![]() If you have the time to plan further ahead, you may also want to check out schedules for services like Skype a Scientist where live experts make themselves available on particular topics. For example, the Arizona State University School of Life Scientists offers several options as well as an opportunity to submit a written question to a biologist, which will be answered within 72 hours. Some universities offer interesting virtual field trips in specific areas of study. Students will also be able to get more out of interactive games, related discussions and activities, and live discussions. The possibilities are just about endless.īy the time students are in middle school, they are ready for more complex subjects and are beginning to explore potential career options. Incorporate a virtual field trip to a farm as you’re learning about nutrition and healthy eating. Learning about recycling? Take the kids on a virtual tour of how an actual recycling plant works to turn discarded material into new items. For example, if you’re studying space, organizations like NASA and the Smithsonian offer free virtual field trips that include recorded materials and related activities. The challenge is finding the right kind of virtual field trip that supports your lesson plans. For example, you might introduce students to a different animal each day, incorporate a 15- or 20-minute virtual field trip about that specific animal, and then plan crafts or physical activities surrounding the same theme for the remainder of the class.Įlementary Students Ready for Interactive ToursĪs students get older, they will not only be able to pay attention longer, but they will begin developing the capabilities to do the hands-on, interactive options offered as part of many virtual field trips. Instead of spending several hours on a virtual tour one day, it can be a good idea to break up a virtual field trip over the course of a week. Thousands of virtual field trips of zoos, aquariums, and national parks exist. When planning a virtual field trip for preschool or kindergarten students, it’s important to select age-appropriate material as well as to vary the related activities surrounding the virtual field trip. Finally, there may be opportunities to meet with a live expert so students can ask questions.Įven if you have very limited technology capabilities, you can create an engaging virtual field trip that can support your subject matter in new and interesting ways.Īs teachers know, young learners have very short attention spans and lots of energy. Some may require interactive technology like an interactive display or a virtual reality headset for games and activities. Others may have student activities to complete as a class or in small groups. As you search for options, you’ll find many simple ones based on video recordings or live web cam views. Next, consider the technology your school has available the age, ability and attention span of your students and the ideal structure for the field trip itself. Because there are so many amazing opportunities available, it’s easy to get pulled off track to cool-but-not-academically-helpful options. Think about what you want the students to learn, and keep that overarching goal in your mind as you explore your options. First, and most importantly, choose a trip that will support the subject matter you are teaching. To get the most out of a virtual field trip, you’ll want to do some planning. Setting Up an Effective Virtual Field Trip Best of all, virtual field trips can be taken much more frequently during the school year without the massive interruption to regular instruction. They can be a great change-of-pace for students who find a subject difficult, complex (or boring). Virtual field trips can take students to just about anywhere in the world for a few minutes to a few hours. For teachers, they make a perfect addition to your curriculum. Thanks to technology, amazing virtual field trips are now plentiful – and without the headaches and hassles. Remember the days when field trips were a “really big deal”? Planning with the chosen site, endless collection of permission slips, coordination of chaperones, a lost day of instruction, and the stress of taking large groups of students off campus?
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