KLEIN's
GUIDE TO
SCIENCE EDUCATION
PHOTO CREDIT: Nadene Klein at Tuolumne Meadows Yosemite National Park
Field trips are a great learning experience for students bringing them out of the classroom and into the real world. When most teachers think of field trips, behind the benefits, we see the incredible work that goes into the planning. We plan the learning outcomes for the field trip. We plan the logistics. We plan the pre and post lessons. And...let's not forget...we have to plan what to do for the students who don't go on the field trip. This includes where they will physically be and what they will be doing. It is my opinion that those not on the trip should engage in a learning activity with the same outcomes as the trip and with as close to an approximation as the being on the trip. Here are two examples... Zoology--Zoo Field Trip Learning outcomes: While at the zoo students will explore the purpose of the zoo in terms of entertainment, education, and conservation/saving endangered species. In addition, students will observe and make connections to a variety of animal behaviors including interactions with humans, other animals (same and different species), and environmental stimuli. Students not on the zoo will use the links within the document to access Zoocams/Animalcams and the zoo website to complete the questions about the same outcomes listed above. See document linked HERE. Physics--IFly Indoor Skydiving Field Trip Learning outcomes: Students will apply classroom learning of terminal velocity and how to calculate it to the experience of flying in the wind tunnel. They will compare and contrast the different terminal velocities of different shaped objects. Students will also learn the mechanics of how the indoor vertical wind tunnel works to simulate the sensation of skydiving. Students not on the field trip will use selected YouTube videos to answer questions and label free body diagrams to meet the same learning objectives as those on the field trip. See document linked HERE. I have had great success with plans like these. Students staying behind don't feel like they have a punitive assignment. While they know they are missing out on some of the fun that comes with going to a destination to learn, they know they aren't missing out on the learning. This is especially true for those who miss the trip for circumstances beyond their control. The teachers/admin/staff who supervise the students staying behind appreciate that the students have an actual learning experience to follow through with while in their care. Yes, it is a lot of work. The benefits make it worth while. I'd love to know how you plan for the students not going on a field trip. Share your ideas in the comments below. Then, enjoy your next field trip!!!
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AuthorNadene Klein, M.Ed. has been an educator for over 25 years. She brings a passion and love for science to the classroom and through this blog to you. Archives
March 2024
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