How to Plan aField Trip

By: Theresa Chuntz

What do you think planning a field trips

involves?

Benefits of Field Trips· New levels of educational experience· Classroom supplement· Gain new perspectives of the world· Hands-on learning

Components of a Field Trip· Pre-Trip Planning· Costs &

Transportations· Preparing Students· Day of the Trip· Post-Trip Wrap-Up

Pre-Trip Planning· Visit proposed destination· Write a proposal and submit to

administration· Include curriculum goals· Chaperones· Permission Slips

· Emergency list

Costs & Transportation· Costs Outline

· Transportation· Entry fees (if any)· Meal costs

· Transportation· School provided? Or private company?

Prepping Students for the Trip

· Tie in pending trip to multiple lesson plans

· Develop trip-related activities· Give students information about

destination· Discuss field trip expectations

· Behavior, clothing, etc.

Before the Trip· Divide students into groups· Make a schedule for the day· Nametags· Assign chaperones

· Optional: assign a student group leader· Partners· Swap cell phone numbers with chaperones

Day of the Trip· Go over expectations again· Groups & chaperones· At destination

· Scavenger hunt· Observations/Questions notebook

Post-Trip Wrap-Up· Student feedback· Culminating Activity

· Report on favorite part· Bulletin board· Go over field trip assignments· Thanks you notes

Evaluating the Field Trip

· What was the unique educational value of the trip?

· Did the students meet the objectives?· What can be done to improve this trip in the

future?· Any special points or problems to be addressed

next time?

Resources· http://www.suite101.com/content/how-t

o-plan-a-successful-field-trip-a81142· http://www.campsilos.org/excursions/hc

/fieldtrip.htm

Plan a Field Trip:Table 1: Zoo

Table 2: PlanetariumTable 3: MuseumTable 4: Aquarium