#sschat is a network of educators, resources, and ideas that started on Twitter, but has expanded to Facebook, an annual NCSS unconference, and more. Join us to chat asynchronously on Twitter or Facebook, or chat with us live on Mondays from 7-8pm EST.
Hi, guys! Mary-Owen from Tennessee. 7th grade world history and part of the #sschat board. So excited for my friend @ChattanoogaChat to lead tonight's chat!
Kayla Turner from #Raleigh. I teach wonderful students in #APUSH and #Civics so far my summer has been a bunch of PD and then relaxing by the pool with some good books #sschat
Brianna from St. Louis, MO. I teach 7th grade World Cultures and Geography. My summer is just starting due to summer school. Lazy days, but enjoying. #sschat#lulearns
Chris from Bloomington, IN. Teach world history for private online HS affiliated w/ Indiana Univ. Also one of the #sschat co-leaders. Been teaching online for several years so probably not much to offer about field trips but looking forward to learning from others.
Quick PSA from your #sschat team: We're glad you're here, and remember to keep conversation (and disagreements) professional, productive, and student-focused!
A1) I think just being in a different environment (out of the classroom) opens students up to learning. It also gives them a chance to see & experience content in news ways. #sschat
A1.) Benefits of field trips can give the students a hands on experience and learning opportunity! Sometimes its awesome to show kids first hand what they have been learning! Also gets them out of the classroom! #sschat#LULearns
Jamie from Chattanooga, 6th grade World History. Enjoying travel, family and Twitter time this summer. Currently at my son's dance class. Just heard Flashdance! #sschat
A1) Field trips can be such a great opportunity for students to see/participate in their communities! There’s a lot to be said for seeing concepts in action and making real-world connections #sschat
A1: depending on the place you choose, the benefits can echo throughout the year!
The past 4 years I've brought students to @oldsturbridge in Sept/Oct, and refer back to places & experiences all year long.
#sschat
I think the main benefit that students receive from field trips is EXPOSURE. Majority of my students have never been out of their neighborhood. #lulearns#sschat
A1) Becky from Delaware. Recently retired from full time teaching to part time. I always see field trips as adding a dimension to learning not possible in the classroom. Here in Delaware we have great opportunities for students. #sschat
A1: I think students learn a lot when they can experience something outside the classroom. History is often thought about as in the past so when you bring students to historic locations it makes it relevant and more real. They can see the history up close #sschat
Hi! Just happened upon this #sschat ~Mary B. from NC~ an Author & hope to make a contribution to Civics Ed~wrote a Civics Handbook ok for Middle & High School. Perhaps of interest to some? I worked for NPS & include section on Parks to inspire field trips~ https://t.co/adler4HXP8
I think the main benefit that students receive from field trips is EXPOSURE. Majority of my students have never been out of their neighborhood. #lulearns#sschat
That's true! Our county hosts a Holocaust Student Awareness Day every year where students can meet survivors and their children-since it's held in December, they don't always have full context in advance-but they definitely add to the class discussion when we get there #sschat
A2: The biggest challenge is cost, esp for a high poverty school district. Others: distance from locations, at the HS level: missing class time from other classes. #sschat
“Organizing” is probably the big part. Collecting money (cuz of course it isn’t in the budget), getting volunteers, grouping students is A LOT of work. #sschat
Modifying the schedule and giving up time from other classes. Also, planning on the front end is essential. Making sure the trip has a clear focus and relevant goals. #sschat
A2) haven’t organized any field trips yet as a pre-service teacher but in a previous role had challenges with finding bus drivers/chaperones, getting permission forms signed & returned, and funding #sschat
A2) One of the challenges we face with organizing a field trip is funding. Many times parents are unable to contribute and our PTC $ usually pays for the bus and that is about it. #sschat
A2: in my opinion the most challenging aspect of field trips are the logistics, getting class coverage, getting students excused from class, getting someone to drive the bus. To me it’s very daunting #sschat
Such a good book - Weird coincidence, but when I was reading it with my book club I was actually taking a trip to San Francisco (not planned at all). #sschat
A2.) A major challenge I find when planning field trips is the funding. I often find that #ss get less (financial) opportunities than other subjects areas #lulearns#sschat
A2: The biggest challenge is cost, esp for a high poverty school district. Others: distance from locations, at the HS level: missing class time from other classes. #sschat
A2- I don’t really blame anyone for not wanting to collect $2.57 from a couple hundred kids. As must as I love them, that may be my worst nightmare 😉 #sschat
A2: For me a big challenge is getting chaperones. Taking 30 students out on a field trip is stressful and tiring and it helps to have a strong parent figure for support. #sschat
The “strong” is important. Every now and then you get a parent who thinks this is going to be a nice day with their kid and doesn’t want to take any responsibility. It’s imp. to be clear about what you expect from them! #sschat
An intact Roman-era inscription thought to date to the reign of Marcus Aurelius, who ruled from A.D. 161 to 180, has been uncovered in the ancient Thracian city of Kabyle, which is located in what is now southeastern Bulgaria.
https://t.co/cg5MrZ3Oii
A3.) Coming home with the same amount of kids you started with! But, having students come back with new knowledge and having meaningful discussion upon return! #sschat
A3: You have to look at the intent and purpose of the trip. What is it going to add to the learning experience to both your classroom and students. #sschat
A3 Essential elements include pre-planning (and being flexible when changes pop up!). Also, making a strong content connection, preparing the students with a clear purpose. Maybe most important- meaningful reflection and learning connections afterwords. #sschat
A3) I would have to say that a "good" field trip is when everyone makes it back without injuries or sicknesses and the students were inspired to learn something. #sschat
A3: Making sure it relates to your content area and that it will achieve the goals you set for your classes. Also that it's interesting enough that your kids will appreciate it! #sschat
What key decisions influence whether a community thrives? Use the Primary Source Set “Buxton: A Lost Utopia” provided by @IowaMuseum to answer this question & learn more about Buxton and Iowa "ghost towns" https://t.co/7lHP7sktkV#iasocialstudies@GeogAllianceIA
A3) hopefully chatter on the bus about what students did/saw/heard on the return trip! That’s made previous trips rewarding for me esp. after a long day #sschat
A3: A "good" field trip is one where students make their own connections. In 2nd grade Ss learn about goods and services - along with the sequence of production to delivery. On a trip to the local "farm" Ss were using the academic language from our unit. #sschat
A3: The ultimate sign of a good field trip is when years later students bring it up when learning a skill in another grade because the knowledge stuck! #sschat
A3 The best field trips are the ones that the next yeas Ss can't wait to go on. The ones where the Ss have some freedom, some choice, an opportunity to expereinece and explore in their own way. Seeing it, hearing it, doing it live is way better than any book or video #sschat.
A3 The best field trips are the ones that the next yeas Ss can't wait to go on. The ones where the Ss have some freedom, some choice, an opportunity to expereinece and explore in their own way. Seeing it, hearing it, doing it live is way better than any book or video #sschat.
A3: Some aspects of a field trip are based on luck: quality of the weather, how many other school groups are there, etc.
As others like @jk_coffee and @history_hoffman have said, connecting it with other curricular items before & after the trip makes a good experience #sschat
A1.) Just an addendum...Field trips were instrumental as a student in my loving history to this day...especially historic places, sites. That interest continues today ~so much so that I wrote my Civics Book~to hopefully Inspire other students. #sschat
A3.) Coming home with the same amount of kids you started with! But, having students come back with new knowledge and having meaningful discussion upon return! #sschat
A3. I can't emphasize enough a meaningful and engaging reflection activity. Students should be able to explain what they learned and the value of the trip. I'm lucky to get to have many trips at my school and we call them "learning expeditions" instead of field trips. #sschat
A1. Being a homescholer I have found that field trips help in on putting what we learn at the kitchen table in action. It also allows, for us, the socialization skills that are sometimes missing when you homeschool. #sschat#LUlearns
A3. I can't emphasize enough a meaningful and engaging reflection activity. Students should be able to explain what they learned and the value of the trip. I'm lucky to get to have many trips at my school and we call them "learning expeditions" instead of field trips. #sschat
A3: The ultimate sign of a good field trip is when years later students bring it up when learning a skill in another grade because the knowledge stuck! #sschat
A3. I can't emphasize enough a meaningful and engaging reflection activity. Students should be able to explain what they learned and the value of the trip. I'm lucky to get to have many trips at my school and we call them "learning expeditions" instead of field trips. #sschat
😊aaahhh...THANK YOU - I couldn't resist (if You are a part of it then it has to be amazing)!! What a great topic and so many great comments/ideas. #sschat
A3: We choose field trips that go hand in hand with what we are studying that week, so we want them to utilize that knowledge and model understanding. #sschat#LUlearns
A4: This is kind of a work-around for cost -- but using public transportation is generally cheaper AND it even makes the trip there and back part of the field trip! #sschat
A4: This year, we took our third grade group into the Chicago Loop to see historically significant sites that aligned with our study of Chicago History. We took the train down, which added so much to the trip! #sschat
A4: This is kind of a work-around for cost -- but using public transportation is generally cheaper AND it even makes the trip there and back part of the field trip! #sschat
Hi guys! Joining in a little late... A1: Field trips bring history to life for students. They support students exploration of the past and provide authentic learning experiences #sschat
The sixth graders at my daughter's school did this in the spring to go to the public library to do research for their exhibition projects (IB PYP). Worked well. #sschat
A4: This is kind of a work-around for cost -- but using public transportation is generally cheaper AND it even makes the trip there and back part of the field trip! #sschat
A4 Kids bring their own lunch, instead of wasting time in a food court, etc.
If you ask the cafeteria staff a few days ahead of time, they will likely be able to provide brown bag lunches for any Ss that didn't bring their own food.
#sschat
A4: This year, we took our third grade group into the Chicago Loop to see historically significant sites that aligned with our study of Chicago History. We took the train down, which added so much to the trip! #sschat
heehee - with the little guys there needs to be at least 1adult/10Ss (it's a bit stressful being responsible for 30 8 year olds) #sschat My husband actually helped me take my kiddos on a walking field trip to the nearest library/park at the end of the school year 😆
In reply to
@flipping_A_tchr, @Historywmoses, @ChattanoogaChat
A4: Fundraising in my district is tricky and heavily regulated by the county. But clubs which have boosters usually sell chocolate, cookie dough, or selling T-shirt’s during performances or events. #sschat
A4: Target has a field trip grant! I haven't applied yet, but it opens every year. Like others have said too-asking PTSO, fundraising by selling food, etc. #sschat
Kevin from Chicago burbs (currently looking for a teaching gig). A3: a good field trip is one where Ss apply what they learn in class. Have the “do history.” Don’t teach it in a vacuum. #sschat
Research Jamie’s school, Normal Park Museum Magnet, here in Chatty to learn how vital (and successful) field trips are to the learning experience! #sschat
A3. I can't emphasize enough a meaningful and engaging reflection activity. Students should be able to explain what they learned and the value of the trip. I'm lucky to get to have many trips at my school and we call them "learning expeditions" instead of field trips. #sschat
A4: My kids have collected cans and sold candy bars. The one idea that I was most proud of is the coupon books. They developed coupon books with task such as mowing grass, shoveling snow, etc. to sell to family and friends. #sschat#LUlearns
A4) we have also had a couple of days that students could pay $1 to wear a hat for the day at school and that money was used for fieldtrip costs. #sschat
A4.2: for my Europe trips, we don't fundraise *gasp* but I tell the students to be entrepreneurial and do a task/chore/job and have the funds go to their trip. #sschat
A4 For recurring trips with strong curricular connections, perhaps see if the site is willing to partner with the school or even help sponsor the trip, perhaps with a little good PR as an incentive #sschat
no...it's the community in which I work - many parents don't have the luxury of taking off work or they are a single parent or they are at home watching their non-school aged children #sschat
In reply to
@BusbinsClassAHS, @Historywmoses, @ChattanoogaChat
A4.) Never done a fundraiser for field trip purposes. However, at the middle school level, selling anything sweet, sugary, or with the word 'flamin' in it is bound to generate some money. #sschat#lulearns
A3: A good field trip is one that prompts student learning beyond the trip itself. It connects to what students have learned prior to trip and to the learning that will occur after #sschat
A4: Target has a field trip grant! I haven't applied yet, but it opens every year. Like others have said too-asking PTSO, fundraising by selling food, etc. #sschat
A5.) I have used Google Cardboard in my class! When I taught world history we would go look at historical monuments and place around the world. Example: Great Wall of China. Students loved it! #sschat#LULearns
This year, we took a tour of different neighborhoods in Chicago using QR codes that linked to locations on Google Maps. Students used #GoogleEarth to "walk the streets" and do a See-Think-Wonder about the neighborhoods #sschat
A5 An in school field trip where students get out of whatever class they are in to go to a local election candidate forum/debate can be quite exciting. #sschat
To learn about Chicago neighborhoods this year, we also invited neighborhood residents in for interviews. Not a field trip, but still meaningful! #sschat
A5: We learned about Skype for Business and all the different places/people you can interact with! I've heard @nearpod is pretty awesome too, and they have 3D versions! #sschat
Arts and culture seems to be moving more into expeditions. I can’t speak highly enough about it. The tours are usually short enough but still meaningful, they give insightful info for the teacher to narrate, and students really connect to the visuals #sschat
A5: one our parents use Discovery Education for her virtual field trips. I also know that Scholastic over field trips and teachers guide. #sschat#LUlearns
A5- if you can’t find an expedition that you like (and there are HUNDREDS) you can also now make your own in tour builder or have kids make one through storyspheres- all from google #sschat
Thanks! It was really awesome. We incorporated in population data and income data to start talking about segregation in the city. Really valuable and rich. #sschat
A5- along with mystery Skypes, Microsoft also sets up Skype field trips to locations. We did a great one with a Wyoming museum during our westward expansion unit. https://t.co/FoIEAVukpC#sschat
My class did a walking field trip to the local library right before school let out - They all received a library card and were able to check out two books. #sschat
A6 I think first it's important to make sure it's written into the unit plan. Field trips are pretty useless if there are not learning objectives tied to them. #sschat
Ss need to discuss and reflect on what they've learned. Seminars and journaling are great. Also, students can construct something to represent what they've learned on the trip. #sschat
I know several places that will lend out historical trunks. @CarverMuseumATX provided a packed trunk to enhance our summer reading camps for K-5. I know other places too that do this. #sschat
A6) We toured Civil Rights museums this spring and then students had to design their own exhibit representing our local experiences, which went on display at local library #sschat
Oooh, I really like that Flipgrid idea!
For shy students, I let them hold up a visual aid to the camera so we only hear their voice without seeing the child's face.
#sschat
A6: Continue to bring the knowledge and skills back into discussion as new learning takes place through out the class. Have a plan to address the "success criteria" from the field trip in future content and lesson PRIOR to going on the trip! #sschat
Would love to do something along these lines! I hear @DurhamHistory is collecting oral histories from Durham residents...maybe students could help? #sschat
A6: Our school is near the @ChicagoMuseum so we bookended our unit with trips to see them. Our first trip was to see some exhibits and have the kids generate questions to structure the unit. On our last visit, we reflected on what we learned and asked more questions. #sschat
A6) We toured Civil Rights museums this spring and then students had to design their own exhibit representing our local experiences, which went on display at local library #sschat
A5: We learned about Skype for Business and all the different places/people you can interact with! I've heard @nearpod is pretty awesome too, and they have 3D versions! #sschat
A6: Use field trips as opportunities for asking questions. When you return, do a thinking routine from @ProjectZeroHGSE to reflect. I love See-Think-Wonder, but also think that a lot of the would fit depending on the field trip's objective. #sschat
We interviewed family members and community members to create oral histories when studying griots of West Africa. So cool to hear the stories around us! #sschat
In reply to
@AveryKeese, @paul_emerich, @DurhamHistory
A6) I like to have students collaborate in small groups to create a presentation about what they were able to learn on the field trip and share with the class. #sschat
A6: have students create a vlog or podcast explaining what they learned to their audience. You could use it as a PBL product or share with parents what their student is doing in your class #sschat
A6 #sschat I like to have kids take a picture/selfie in front of something that stands out to them on the trip, then write about the picture; they could also use a class blog to share the photo with meaningful quote.
I know several places that will lend out historical trunks. @CarverMuseumATX provided a packed trunk to enhance our summer reading camps for K-5. I know other places too that do this. #sschat
I did something like this last year!
We went to a museum with several interactive exhibits in September.... then in January I assigned small groups to make their own interactive exhibit (about the Constitution), based on what they had seen/done/enjoyed at @oldsturbridge#sschat
A6) We toured Civil Rights museums this spring and then students had to design their own exhibit representing our local experiences, which went on display at local library #sschat
A6: Like @BusbinsClassAHS said, if the field trip is used as a hook-it will spark student interest in the content later on. If it's during/after the unit, the kids can ask questions and go more in depth into the location! #sschat
A6) I have not done this, but I think it would be interesting to have students create their own artifacts from the field trip to express their learning. #sschat
A6) One year we met w/ veterans on our field trip at @infantrymuseum and conducted oral history interviews while there + toured the Vietnam exhibits alongside those who served #sschat
BTW, there will be a @wakelet archive available of tonight's #sschat as soon as possible, so you can see all the other cool tweets that flew past your screen this evening!
A5: We learned about Skype for Business and all the different places/people you can interact with! I've heard @nearpod is pretty awesome too, and they have 3D versions! #sschat
if anyone is interested in seeing what our in class field trip looked like (to the different chicago neighborhoods) there are some pics in this blog post #sschathttps://t.co/NKFsWVOzxr
Thanks for all of the great responses tonight, #sschat friends! I enjoyed learning from you all! Remember to join the next #sschat next Monday at 7EST/6CST!
If you're in Kentucky, check with the Kentucky Derby Museum as they have a similar program though I think they send someone from the museum with the trunk to work with students. #sschat
I know several places that will lend out historical trunks. @CarverMuseumATX provided a packed trunk to enhance our summer reading camps for K-5. I know other places too that do this. #sschat
BTW, there will be a @wakelet archive available of tonight's #sschat as soon as possible, so you can see all the other cool tweets that flew past your screen this evening!
A5: We learned about Skype for Business and all the different places/people you can interact with! I've heard @nearpod is pretty awesome too, and they have 3D versions! #sschat
A6 #sschat I like to have kids take a picture/selfie in front of something that stands out to them on the trip, then write about the picture; they could also use a class blog to share the photo with meaningful quote.
Depending on age, assign students a hashtag for the trip and have students tweet out objects, etc. (maybe a scavenger hunt-ish) and then you can discuss back in class #sschat
Yes. And if you'd like to host a future chat, we'll be opening up our proposal form toward the end of the month for the fall semester. That will be available at https://t.co/LZj0sIdWUB#sschat
Everything 😉 I have 30 Ss and I teach ELA/ELD, SS, Science, Math and we have PE and art when I can...hhhmmm seems like I'm missing something lol #sschat
Please join @JennBinis and your #sschat PLN next Monday to discuss why we do what we do in schools. Same bat time, same bat channel (Monday, 7pm Eastern).
A2) Challenges include. If location or museum is not familiar with students (lack of or misdirected) attention spans. Travel time (to and from) shortens day trips #sschat
