Field Field TripsTripsMichelle 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-2 3-4 5-6

Grocery StoreIndian Grinding Rock

Gibson Ranch (Civil War Reenactment)

Fire StationOld Sacramento & Railroad Museum

Tour of the Capitol

Play at Local High School

Sutter’s FortMondavi 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