
My virtual field trips have quickly become one of my most popular resources. It is no wonder teachers and students want fun and safe ways to learn virtually. Now you can take your students to Disney, see how chocolate is made, or even visit Mexico City for Day of the Dead. Using these resources in your classroom is a perfect way to engage students and have some fun. Here are some great ways to incorporate virtual field trips into your schedule.
Fun Friday
If you are fully remote, you can assign virtual field trips as a fun Friday reward. No worries, while your students are visiting the rainforest, exploring the ocean, or storm chasing, they are not only learning about the topic at hand, but reading, writing, and science, and technology are integrated into them as well.
Rewards
Many teachers are using these resources as a behavior management reward. When students are working hard, they get extra technology time to go on a field trip of their choice!
End of Science Unit
Some of my virtual field trips are based on NGSS science standards. You can use these trips as a review of science standards when you are closing out the unit.
Virtual Field Trip: Storm Chasing
ESS2.D: Weather and Climate: Scientists record patterns of the weather across different times and areas so that they can make predictions about what kind of weather might happen next. (3-ESS2-1)
Virtual Field Trip: Dino Dig
LS4.A: Evidence of Common Ancestry and Diversity.
Some kinds of plants and animals that once lived on Earth are no longer found anywhere. (Note: moved from K-2) (3-LS4-1)
Fossils provide evidence about the types of organisms that lived long ago and also about the nature of their environments. (3-LS4-1)
Virtual Field Trip: To The Rain Forest
- Second grade NGSS 2-LS4-1 observe plant and animals to compare the diversity of animals in habitats.
- Third grade 3-LS4-4 make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change.
- Third Grade 3-LS3-2 Animal adaptations and traits
Whole Class Experience
While these trips are designed for students to complete them independently, many teachers are using them for a whole class experience. Take time to explore and have conversations together!
Enrichment
These dynamic resources are very inquiry based and exploratory. This is naturally an excellent enrichment experience for students who love to explore ideas and topics independently. There are many opportunities for students to do even further exploration.
Take a Peek Inside my Virtual Field Trips
Check out this video for an inside look!
I hope these tips help you integrate these dynamic resources into your own classroom. You can check out all of my Virtual Field Trips here.
Send me a note or leave a comment and let me know if there are destinations you would like to see added!