Field Trips Michelle Maddux, Shara Bachman, Megan Mary, and Valerie Johnson

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 Grocery StoreIndian Grinding Rock Gibson Ranch (Civil War Reenactment) Fire Station Old Sacramento & Railroad Museum Tour of the Capitol Play at Local High School Sutter’s Fort 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  Students connect classroom experiences to real-life situations  Hands-on, Minds-on  Opportunities for unique experiences and memories  Provides concrete examples and promotes comprehension of curriculum Weaknesses  Takes valuable instruction time  Requires advances planning and organization  Parent involvement necessary  Limited monetary resources  If not connected to the curriculum, can be frivolous