Field Trips: A Key Element of Homeschooling Planning!
Check out these top field trip ideas to enrich your homeschool experience!
The Why
Why should field trips be incorporated into your homeschool year? Field trips may offer:
- First hand experience instead of just reading about the topic
- Immersion into the subject which offers immediate benefit
- Retention that will increase for many due to experiencing “hands-on” learning
- Physical activity, that’s always a benefit
- Family time that builds memories by experiencing, learning, the event together.
- Every moment with our kids matters!!
To Quiz or Not to Quiz
Adding structure to the trip can help to bring the “hands on” learning experience back home for future discussion or reference. This could be done through:
- Worksheet(s) filled out during the trip
- Journaling while there. Kids can sketch, take notes at their own pace
- Build a to-do list, or scavenger hunt, to be completed while on the trip
- Kids complete a field trip report once trip is complete
When Scheduling
When scheduling your trip remember:
- Explaining the visit is part of your homeschool studies may open up more options
- Request “behind the scene” tour, you may be surprised how in depth a location is will to share their day to day
- Offer your support to the location however you can - volunteer, monetary donation, survey, social reviews, etc
Ideas for Field Trips
Local Government
•Town/City Government Buildings
• Walking Tour of Town
• Recycling Center
• Fire / EMS Station
• Police Station
• Power Plant
• Water Treatment Plant
• Community College
• Animal Shelter
• Fish Hatchery
Business / Non-Profits
• House of Worship
• Railroad
• Local Factories
• Bank
• Bakery
• Food Pantry
• Cultural Supermarkets
• Senior Care Facility
• Hospital / Dentist
• TV or Radio Station
• Orchestra / Art Museum
• Orchard
• Working Livestock Farm
• Greenhouse
Landmarks
• Planetarium
• Science Museum
• Historical Monuments
• Historical Battlefields
• Caves
• Historical Buildings & Homes
• Geological Interest Sites
• Cemetery
• Zoo / Aquarium
• Native Pow Wow
Virtual Is Another Option
Can’t make a field trip in person? Maybe a visit across the world isn’t an option, don’t let that stop you!
A virtual trip just requires an internet connection. Create your own field trip using websites, webcams, live conferences, recorded videos. Enjoy the exploration with your kids and monitor their learning just as you would in person.
What locations can you add to the list?
Homeschooling allows such a wide reach to learning! Customizable to your children’s needs!!
Thanks for reading!
Nikki
