With much of the country following stay-at-home orders, scheduled field trips have been put on temporary hold. So, why not try a virtual field trip to…anywhere? Virtual field trips are a great way to enhance curriculum and make learning more engaging. They incorporate 21st-century technology in a meaningful way, provide interactive learning experiences, and expose students to places they may never have a chance to visit in person.
What is a virtual field trip?
A virtual field trip is many things. It can be as simple as providing students an opportunity to visit a time or place by examining a collection of photos, videos, or animations at a website. Or, it can be exploring cathedrals, castles, and palaces in medieval Europe through Google Earth Voyager. But it can also be a live videoconference with a curator from a museum or zoo. Virtual field trips can be as simple or as involved as you like.
The links below are examples of virtual field trips or tours that we found engaging, user-friendly, and easy to incorporate right away. Click on one or all of the following links and give them a whirl. The Field Trip Wrap-up sheet can be used with any of these adventures. Bon voyage and safe travels!!
Google Earth
Google Earth Voyager – This link is a MUST SEE. The selection of virtual tours is incredible! Find a time or place you’d like to visit, pack your virtual bags, and go! Here are a few favorites to explore:
- Goodall, Gombe, and Google: Learn more about Dr. Jane Goodall and her research on chimpanzees in Tanzania’s Gombe National Park.
- The Return of the Sea Otter: Enjoy the inspiring survival story of the California sea otter.
- This is School: Experience classrooms around the world on an international expedition.
Tour the United States of America
- Grand Canyon River Archeology Virtual Tour: This site gives 360-degree views of excavation sites throughout the Grand Canyon.
- The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia: Visit all the historic sites of Philadelphia by downloading this virtual field trip.
- The Statue of Liberty: This amazing virtual tour makes you feel like you’re standing right on Liberty Island. There are audio and video links for many of the slides that give you in-depth information about the symbolism of the statue and how it was designed. You can even enjoy the view from the crown windows! (Requires Flash Player)
- The National Museum of the United States Air Force: This fascinating museum near Dayton, Ohio, offers a virtual tour of its entire collection of aircraft, military planes, and weapons.
- George Washington’s Mount Vernon: Take a tour of George Washington’s home as you learn about our first president and what life was like in the 18th century.
- The Smithsonian, National Museum of Natural History: Take a self-guided tour around the museum and access some permanent, current, and past exhibits.
Digital Is Not Always the Answer!
Summer Solutions workbooks allow students to get the practice they need so that they can continue learning all summer long. Ordering is easy and the books are sent directly to your house. Order today!
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