Virtual Field Trip
Zoo Virtual Field Trip
Katherine A. Cottrell
Liberty University
EDUC 500
Zoo Virtual Field Trip In today’s technology age, virtual field trips can provide cognitive and affective gains similar to those of a real-life study trip. Field trips taken online can transport students to locations too far away to travel and are cost effective for the school district and parents as well.
Teachers can guide and interact with all students in the class for the duration of the virtual field trip, which is often nearly impossible when participating in real-life field trips. In the following example of a science virtual trip, a second grade class will take a virtual trip to several zoos to investigate the habitats certain animals live in and what needs they have. The planning of the unit lessons reflect Slavin’s QAIT model (Slavin, 1995b).
Standards
The DODEA standards for grade two Science that will be addressed in this virtual field trip are: 2Sb.1: Recall the basic needs of animals (including air, water, food, and shelter) for energy, growth, and protection and 2Sb.3: Explain how distinct environments throughout the world support the life of different types of animals (DODEA, n.d.).
Objective
The objective of the zoo virtual field trip is for the students to demonstrate an understanding of the needs and characteristics of animals as they interact in their own distinct environments. The students will have a clear understanding of why the lesson is being taught and why learning the material is important (Slavin, 2012). The objectives will be placed on the board and remain visible throughout the duration of the lesson.
Materials
The materials necessary to facilitate the virtual field trip to the zoo and the activities involved are numerous yet not time consuming. The teacher and students will need computers with internet access. The teacher computer will be used to facilitate the instructional set, the guided practice and the independent practice activities.
Katherine A. Cottrell
Liberty University
EDUC 500
Zoo Virtual Field Trip In today’s technology age, virtual field trips can provide cognitive and affective gains similar to those of a real-life study trip. Field trips taken online can transport students to locations too far away to travel and are cost effective for the school district and parents as well.
Teachers can guide and interact with all students in the class for the duration of the virtual field trip, which is often nearly impossible when participating in real-life field trips. In the following example of a science virtual trip, a second grade class will take a virtual trip to several zoos to investigate the habitats certain animals live in and what needs they have. The planning of the unit lessons reflect Slavin’s QAIT model (Slavin, 1995b).
Standards
The DODEA standards for grade two Science that will be addressed in this virtual field trip are: 2Sb.1: Recall the basic needs of animals (including air, water, food, and shelter) for energy, growth, and protection and 2Sb.3: Explain how distinct environments throughout the world support the life of different types of animals (DODEA, n.d.).
Objective
The objective of the zoo virtual field trip is for the students to demonstrate an understanding of the needs and characteristics of animals as they interact in their own distinct environments. The students will have a clear understanding of why the lesson is being taught and why learning the material is important (Slavin, 2012). The objectives will be placed on the board and remain visible throughout the duration of the lesson.
Materials
The materials necessary to facilitate the virtual field trip to the zoo and the activities involved are numerous yet not time consuming. The teacher and students will need computers with internet access. The teacher computer will be used to facilitate the instructional set, the guided practice and the independent practice activities.
References: Slavin, R. E. (1995b). Cooperative learning and intergroup relations. In J. Banks (Ed.), Handbook of research on multicultural education. New York: Macmillan. Slavin, R. E. (2012). Educational psychology, theory and practice. (10 ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. Van Brummelen, H. (2009). Walking with god in the classroom: Christian approaches to teaching and learning. (Third ed.). Colorado Springs, CO: Purposeful Design Publications. Brain Pop Jr., (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2013 from http://www.brainpopjr.com/ DODEA Standads, (n.d.) National Zoo, (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2013 from http://www.nationwide.com/cps/nw-your-zoo-view.htm Pittsburgh Zoo, (n.d.) San Diego Zoo, (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2013 from http://www.sandiegozoo.org/videos/ Toledo Zoo, (n.d.)