4 Ideas for Educational and Fun Field Trips

Even though there is nothing wrong with study programs in primary schools, it is healthy to organize incursions from time to time. They don’t even have to take several days in order to achieve the planned goals. In most cases, a simple field trap can suffice. Field trips can be that spark, something different and unique that doesn’t involve books, paper and pencils; but that can still serve certain educational purposes.

In any modern schooling system, field trips are recognized as important moments in the learning process. Even professional organizations such as the National Science Teachers Association and the National Research Council state that field trips can deepen and enhance classroom studying. The same organizations also assert that a quality science curriculum is one that extends beyond the walls of the classroom.

According to researches, primary school incursions have many benefits for children. New experiences can increase interest and engagement in science, regardless of prior interest. Also, children can experience affective gains such as more positive feelings toward a topic. This is why we have compiled this list of field trip ideas that can help you decide which one to take or to inspire you to plan one of your own.

Educational Wildlife Show

There is no better way to engage youngsters with biology and to raise awareness about our planet and all the endangered species than to take them to a zoo or some interactive and educational wildlife show. Animals have the power to keep all the children and teachers captivated and enthralled. This kind of field trip is an excellent way for children to learn all about the native wildlife of various geographical regions. Children will also have the opportunity to learn to love and care for animals — an important lesion in life no child should ever skip.

You can also check if there are any local farms in your school area, where people raise llamas, ostriches, mini-burros, emus, or any other “unusual” animals. The diversity of animals will cause the students to be more engaged and interested in finding out all about them.

Local Museum

Don’t forget to organize a field trip to a museum. There are certainly at least a few famous museums in the local vicinity of your school. But, try not to forget the small ones that are not that famous. They are also quite interesting to visit and have a lot to offer. Depending on the museum type, or what department you decide to visit, you will have a great opportunity to introduce some very important topics to your students, such as evolution, as well as national and local history.

Be aware though; some art museums may contain displays that may not fit your school standards. That’s why it is important to do a detailed checkup before you choose your field trip destination.

Historical Sites

It is always interesting to prepare and organize a field trip to a historical site. If you don’t know whether there is one near you, make sure to look it up, because most areas have at least one historical site in their nearby vicinity. If you want to engage kids and spark their interest, make sure to do an extensive research about the site you are going to visit.

You should be more focused on interesting events or “stories” that took place there, instead of just stating the facts and important dates. Such content usually quickly bores the children.

Pro tip: visit a local library and find material to learn more about the people of that specific time period.

Local Plant

Local plants can be the perfect destination for a field trip. A field trip designed for youngsters should be focused on food processing and packaging facilities. It can be anything from a place that bottles soda, makes potato chips or candies, to a cannery that processes fruits and vegetables.

The whole process, starting from mixing the ingredients to the final product, is really something to see. All this can be used to start a conversation with the students about healthy food and the importance of making vegetables and fruits part of their diet. The part of this field trip that your students will enjoy the most is probably going to be the end, when they will be allowed to taste a few samples.

These are just some of the ideas that have crossed my mind. I’m sure that there is an abundance of opportunities for field trips that you can tailor on your own. In case you lack inspiration, take your time and go through the many articles found online that cover the same topic.