Saturday, October 3, 2015

Virtual Field Trips and Tours

The world around us is an amazing place.  There are so many experts to learn from and many wonderful places to visit.  Teaching in a "World Classroom" makes learning relevant and engaging for our students. Breaking down the walls of our classroom helps students develop a respect for different cultures and ideas. Get ready to travel the world!
image courtesy of digitalart - FreeDigitalPhotos.net   

Benefits of Virtual Field Trips
Learning becomes Relevant and Engaging 
Extends Learning Beyond the Walls of our Classroom
Brings the World to Our Classroom
Students Become Global Learners
Learn from the Experts
Supports all Learners 
Can Align and Tie in with District Curriculum and Objectives
Align with State Standards
Cost Efficient
Don't have to be a 1:1 Classroom
No Permission Slip Necessary

Field Trip Opportunities
Finding virtual field trips for your classroom is easier than you may think.

October Hangouts
Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants on Twitter @EBTSOYP
One of my favorite new sites for Virtual Field Trips is +Joe Grabowski site, Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants. In September, my fourth graders had the opportunity to meet Dave and Amy Freeman, National Geographic Adventurers of the Year. What an amazing learning opportunity for my students, and the questions they asked were unbelievable. 

Dave and Amy Freeman















It is a great community to connect with.You can find Virtual Field trips for your classroom to participate in.

Skype in the Classroom
Skype Classroom on Twitter @SkypeClassroom
It is a great platform to connect classrooms with experts from around the world. You can connect students with guest speakers on a variety of topics.
Your students have the opportunity to learn from others from around the world. It is map-based platform where students can answer and ask questions.

Sharks4 Kids - Shark Education
Follow Shark Education on Twitter @Sharks4Kids
All kids seemed to be fascinated by sharks. Learn about facts and myths about sharks. We were fortunate this summer to have a GHO with Rachel Butler,  Assistant Producer for BBC. Rachel is currently working on Shark and Ocean.  We were all fascinated with what we learned. It was awesome to have the opportunity to ask question.



Learn Around the World - Tearing Down Walls One Country at a Time
Learn Around the World on Twitter @learnATW
Virtual field trips are set up from around the world. 
Students can visit real places they have read about in books.  Students can follow along on the journey using Google Earth.

Posted by The Teacher's Guide
The National Zoo is a great opportunity for our students to virtually watch animals live on the web cams.

No need to travel to D.C. to visit the American Museum of National History. Your students can take take a trip from your classroom.

50 Washington Virtual Tours: Explore of Nation's Capital
by Scholastica Travel

Inside the White House
Students can take an interactive tour of the White House and watch videos.  There is historical information and a slide show depicting the presidents. 

Click on the Wonders of the World and you can view an interactive 360 degree panoramas.

Developed by Arizona State University
These Virtual Field Trips are based upon scientists who are on expeditions doing current research. Best viewed using Google Chrome.

Great Barrier Reef
Take your classroom to Australia and explore the Great Barrier Reef.

Want to learn how to make chocolate? You can take a virtual field trip through the Hershey Factory.

I would love to hear how others are using Virtual Field Trips and Tours in their classrooms.

St. Augustine



at No comments: