Effective field trip strategies for elementary science classes

I researched some effective field trip to do for elementary science classes. Most of these can do done with different ages and ability levels (the teacher may have to adjust the content accompanied with it) and these work great for ELLs. Some suggestions I found were:
the zoo

• a wildlife sanctuary
• a local park or wooded area
• an aquatic center
• a museum
• the library
• a national or state park
• around the school

I also researched some safety tips for taking a fieldtrip. I found a few that seemed important for all field trips at all ages:

• Explicitly discuss field trip behavior rules with your students beforehand
• Give your students a learning task ahead of time (keep them on task)
• Choose parent volunteers/chaperones wisely!
• Make sure you have all necessary medications
• Arrive at school early on field trip days
• Give your chaperones the tools they need to succeed
• Be proactive and think ahead when dealing with challenging students
• Count all day
• Do a "debriefing" with students when you return to the classroom
• Write "thank-you" notes after the field trip- chaperones and hosts

I think field trips can be a lot of fun! I remember going on field trips when I was in school and looking forward to going to the pumpkin patch, a local museum, the zoo, etc. And field trips can provide a source of realia and knowledge that cannot be acquired through a textbook. However, teachers need to make sure that they are prepared for them.. Although they aren't going to be teaching in the classroom that day, they need to keep certain things in mind. First of all, teachers are always teaching; although students are having fun on a field trip, they should still be learning content and this trip should tie into the standards. In addition, a well thought-out and prepared field trip will run much more smooth. The chaperones and teacher will have an easier time controlling the students and staying on task.

http://k6educators.about.com/library/weekly/aa040101b.htm

http://k6educators.about.com/od/classroomorganization/a/fieldtrips.htm

How do I keep my students engaged in a topic they don't care about?

I started to try to find 'tips' on how to engage students by doing a Google search engine, it was amazing the plethora of knowledge I could find on just tips alone. Most came to the consensus that students need to be moving around, manipulating the information physically and mentally. Items such as reading, taking notes and lecturing are all passive learning activities which not only bore students (no surprise) but also affects classroom management as once students are bored, some start to misbehave.

For younger students I saw a lot of mention for mobile activities, putting important events in sequence by using strip cards, retelling sections of a short story, using artifacts and scavenger hunts. Some of these activities could be modified for middle school ages, but I didn't see a lot of suggestions for older students (high school).

When dealing with elementary science, I found a few suggestions that look like they may be interesting and a worthwhile attempt, or things we already know based on our classroom readings; i.e. Collecting their own data. Other examples are Weekly science problems where class begins with a problem that students must answer related current concepts being studied. I saw suggestions for interactive science websites, webquests, using tradebooks, hands-on and minds-on (Hands on activities with critical thinking) and using multimedia presentations.

Lindsay's Intro

My name is Lindsay and I attend Drake University working toward my Master of Science in Teaching degree (elementary education) with a Reading endorsement.  I received my B.A. in Dance and Communication Studies from the University of Iowa in 2006.  I'm very excited to student teach in the Spring and hopefully get a job in the Des Moines area the following year.   I'm getting married this coming June and have a energetic dog named Benson.

I am very inspired by William's story and think our team was named after him because of his perseverance, which is something that teachers should have.  William continued down his path to create electricity even though most people around him thought he was crazy.  He believed in himself, committed and the result was astounding.  I think that teaching is similar. We want our students to learn the nature of Science and all content for that matter, instead of memorizing terms and following laid out procedures.  Teaching this way is hard and some people may think it's crazy, but I believe with perseverance and commitment students will learn more. 

Rabihah's Intro

Hello everyone! My name is Rabihah, and I am currently a junior at Drake University. I am majoring in Elementary Education and receiving endorsements in Special Education and Reading. I plan to work with students with disabilities either as a special educator or speech language pathologist sometime in the near future. I am from the city of Chicago, but am really enjoying my time outside of the big city. The simplicity of life in Iowa has really grown on me, especially the lack of traffic delays! Also, I enjoy drawing, making arts and crafts, and reading.

I think that our team was named after William Kamkwamba because his story illustrates the nature of science. Armed with curiosity, ingenuity, and a driven mindset, Kamkwamba was able to invent a machine that changed the environment of his community. Despite his lack of materials and formal education, Kamkwamba experimented with the resources available to him using diagrams and pictures to help him make sense of the physics of windmill energy. With this knowledge, he created a functional windmill using simplistic materials. Kamkwamba’s experience mirrors a process of science in that through experimentation and inventive thinking, creations can be developed that can be resourceful to society.

Susan's Intro

Hi All. My name is Susan. I am a graduate student in elementary and middle school teaching at Drake University. I have a B.F.A. in music theater and was a professional musician and actor in Chicago and New York until my mid-thirties. I quit theater to raise a family and went back to school in horticulture. I ended up with a focus on organic and sustainable growing. Before I went back to school to get my teaching degree I did a variety of jobs in horticulture: hort therapy, taught organic growing methods, and created eco-art programs. My husband and I have one daughter, Leah, age almost seven.

My background gives me a perspective on science that leads to the creative side of the subject. I think Mr. Kamkwamba was thinking outside the box in his pursuit to find what would save his family. He created something new by gaining every kind of knowledge about the subject, much like a good actor does.

Brad's Intro

Hello,

My name is Brad and I'm currently a student in the act! program at UW Oshkosh. I have a BS in Natural Science and minors in earth science and geology - UW Stevens Point. After UWSP I began graduate studies at Colorado State University. I didn't complete my masters, but rather, after three semester I decided it was time to get a job. I worked for 7 years in the photogrammetry field (computer mapping). This was actually a very interesting career, and allowed me to apply some of my background knowledge to my work. We did the ground control (surveying), aerial photography, and compilation for some very big projects, including Denver International Airport, the I-70/I-25 corridor, city of Denver, and several major ski resorts.
In 1992 my wife and I moved back to Wisconsin to take over a small family business. We're a wholesale manufacturer and distributor (and retailer) in the home furnishing industry. My wife has an education degree and decided to go back into teaching, and I decided that's what I'd like to do as well. We have two daughters, ages 13 and 7, and live in the Village of Kohler. My interests include biking, tennis, and travelling.

Crystal's Intro

Hello everyone! My name is Crystal Galica and I am a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, majoring in Elementary Education with minors in mathematics and spanish. I live with my three year old son Carson and enjoy doing just about everything with him, he's so funny! I have traveled to Peru and Spain in the last two years study math (in Peru) and spanish (in spain). Both experiences were amazing and make me want to study abroad even more! Aside from school and my son I also have two jobs. I work at a daycare here in Oshkosh called Arts for Kids where I teach Spanish to three, four, and five year olds. I also waitress at Fratellos, also in Oshkosh.
I think our team is named after William Kamkwamba because his story in a way defines how we should view our opportunities and learning as teachers. First of all, he knew he wanted to learn and he did everything in his power to make sure that that happened for himself, no one handed anything to him. Also, when things were difficult for him to learn he pushed himself harder and used the resources around him to help him learn what he needed to. This shows his commitment to being a life-long learner. As teachers I think things are often going to be difficult for us with no one handing us the answers or the things we need. We are going to have to commit to learning and learn to use the resources around us to accomplish what we want to.

Nicole's Intro

Hello. My name is Nicole Stern and this is my third year at UW Oshkosh. I previously attended UW Washington County for two years before transferring here. I am majoring in Elementary Education (1-8) with a minor in mathematics. I am very excited for student teaching next semester, and hopefully I'll be graduating this spring. I currently live in Kewaskum with my parents and younger sister, April. I commute to school every day, which can feel extremely long at times.

I think that our team was named after William Kamkwamba because this young man showed perseverance and a willingness to learn, even when it wasn't available to him. I feel that every person should hear the message he has to give! If you trust and believe in yourself and you don't give up, you can do anything you set your mind to.

Anna's Intro

Hi everyone, my name is Anna.  I am a graduate student at Drake University obtaining my Master of Science in Teaching degree (elementary education) with endorsements in reading and ELL education.  Prior to attending Drake, I received my undergraduate degree at the University of Iowa in Communications and Spanish.  After graduation, I worked for an Iowa-based community bank in marketing and investor relations in both Naples, FL and West Des Moines, IA for five years.  Eventually I hope to teach at a Spanish immersion or bilingual elementary school.  I am married and have a 1-year- old son, Jake, as well as a Golden Retriever named Charley.

I was very inspired by the video about William Kamkwamba.  I had to watch it a second time to process everything he was saying and fully grasp the power of his actions.  I am amazed by how young he is and what he has accomplished both for himself and his country.  I think our group is named after him because of his strong sense of curiosity to learn and determination to succeed- even against all odds.  As teachers, one of our goals should be to instill this same sense of motivation and curiosity in our students, and to help them realize the potential of their own learning. 

Megan's Intro

Hello, my name is Megan Ross. I am a senior at Grand View University. I am majoring in Elementary Education and receiving endorsements for reading, language arts, and science. I hope to become a upper elementary or middle school language arts or science teacher. I am currently in a fourth grade classroom earning hours for my reading endorsement. Last year, I was placed in a kindergarten and third grade classroom. I live in Newton, Iowa and have lived there for ten years. I love Iowa. I enjoy reading, being outside, and traveling. I have a bubbly personality and I love to make people laugh. I student teach next semester and I am excited to receive my teaching license!!

I think our team was named after Kamkwamba because of what he did to help his community. He is very young and it shows that anyone can become a scientist. I think it is amazing that he was able to create a windmill from supplies that were available to him. As future teachers, I think we will be able to show students that anyone can be a scientist and can help better a community, a country, or the world.

Emily's Intro

Hello all! My name is Emily. I am a fifth year student at UW-Oshkosh majoring in Elementary Education (PK-6) with a minor in ESL. For my clinical experience, I am currently placed in a kindergarten-1st grade mix classroom with 43 students! Once I graduate, I hope to teach in the Fox Valley area. I am from Algoma, WI, a small town along Lake Michigan. I visit my parents on the weekends and have 1 brother and 5 pets back at home. Some of my "favorites" include: the Brewers, walking/rollerblading, Desperate Housewives, and baking.

I think Kamkwamba was chosen for our team name because he seems to be a great role model. He talked about how he pushed himself out of his comfort zone, being the "black" person in a group of "white" people. He also showed us that it doesn't matter where you come from. Although he grew up with very little, he was able to make something of himself. This is a great lesson for people of all ages; your past and upbringing can affect a person, but it doesn't have to mold them. In addition to these triats, Kamkwamba is also very intelligent. The fact that he constructed the objects he did with the materials available is incredible! He is a fascinating person and a great role model for people alike today.

Ally's Intro

       Hi! My name is Ally Shinar and I am currently a Junior at Drake University. I am majoring in Eduction with an endorsement in Special Education. I am also minoring in psychology. I hope to become a speech pathologist or a counselor of some sort one day! My home town is St. Paul, Minnesota! Even though it can get extremely cold in Minnesota, I absolutely love it there! I currently am a nanny for two wonderful families. One family has a child with autism and the other family has a child with brain cancer. My experiences with these families has really taught me a lot so far!  A couple random things about me... I love to dance, I was born in Houston, Texas, and I have a golden retriever named Phoebe! 

       I believe that our team name is Kamkwamba because of the inspiration this man has given to people with hopes and dreams that haven't been acquired or fulfilled yet in their life. In his speech, he makes some powerful statements that can relate to us as teachers. I really liked when he said to trust in yourself. I find this to be so important because having confidence in yourself will reflect in your teaching. Innovation is a another important concept that Kamkwamba brings to reality. He was creative with his thinking and used his knowledge in a productive way. As teachers, we need to encourage our students be creative and productive with their thinking. 

Jessica's Intro

Hi everyone!
My name is Jessica and I am a 5th year at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. I will be graduating in the spring of 2011 with a degree in Elementary Education, and I will be licensed to teach grades Pk-6th. I currently live in Oshkosh, WI; however I was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. I am very much a city girl :) I love the fast paced life of living in the city and always having something to do.I love working with kids, especially little ones. I admire how much they truly look up to you and want to be just like you. I was involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization for 2 years at Lincoln Elementary School, the after school tutoring program at Lincoln, I coached for 2 years with the Oshkosh Youth Softball Organization, and I've volunteered and observed in various classrooms throughout various classrooms in the Milwaukee/Oshkosh area. In my free time I love lounging around, going shopping, taking my daily Starbucks trips, going on walks, and meeting new people. I am a very laid back person and I consider myself to be a social butterfly because I love meeting and talking to new people. One day I hope to teach out of state or join the Peace Corps for a year or two and gain experience around the world, so I can bring those findings to my own classroom someday.

I think our team name was named after William Kakwamba because he is a very good motivational speaker. At this point in our life as we transition into student teaching and graduating, we need those encouraging words. One thing that stuck out to me what he said was, "Trust yourself and believe, what ever happened, don't give up." When I heard him say that I immediately thought of applying for teaching jobs after graduation. Statistically, a good portion of the people in the class will not find a teaching job right away, but we should not give up. We truly need to believe in our self and we can do it. We cant let one bad interview bring us down, we have to learn from it and better it for the next interview that we come across.

Natalie's Intro

Hi, I'm Natalie and I am an attending UW Oshkosh for Elementary Education. I have a minor in history, and enjoy learning random facts about history and just about anything else. I am currently in Block B and am looking forward to student teaching next semester. I have a very busy year ahead of me because while I am finishing up school this year, I am planning my July 2nd, 2011 wedding. I have moved to Oshkosh about 5 years ago from Wisconsin Rapids, and really enjoy the area. I plan on living around the Neenah/Menasha area after I graduate because it is a almost right in the middle of my parents house in Wisconsin Rapids, and my fiance Brandon's parents house in Green Bay. I hope that I can find a teaching job somewhere in the area after graduation.



I think our team was named after Kamkwamba because he is very inspirational, and could encourage both ourselves as clinitions and our future students to persue their dreams and realized that they can do something if they really put their mind to it. He shows that he and his family had nothing, yet he strived to give himself and education when he couldn't afford to go to school, and worked on his own to move up in the world. It shows how important school is and that inspires me to be a good teacher, and encourage all of my students to try their hardest and understand that when they think something is impossible, they just have to remember that whatever you put your mind to and dedicate your time to, you can accomplish. It might not always be the first time, in fact, many times you will fail before you succeed, and that is a very important lesson to learn.

Amanda's Intro

Hi, I am Amanda and I am currently going to school at UW Oshkosh for Elementary Education grades 1-8 with a minor in Mathematics. I was born in St. Charles Illinois but have lived in Wisconsin for 16 years of my life. I enjoy outdoor activities as well as any type of sport. For the little free time I have I enjoy spending time with family and friends and playing with my little dog Chewy. I have an older brother, younger brother, and younger sister as well as 5 loving dogs in my family. I have worked for 4 years through the YMCA aftercare program and have gained lots of experience with many types of children. I currently reception at a salon on the days I don't have class, which is very little!! I will be graduating in Fall 2011 if my plan carries out correctly! I hope to find a teaching job in the area if possible after graduation.



I think that the team name was chosen because Kamkwamba was an inspiration to everyone. He was able to create this machine out of basically nothing and did what he could to succeed. He helped his family and did what he could to expand his knowledge and be able to get back in school and be educated. Sometimes we need to be think about what we have and be greatful.

Hello there!

Hello!

My name is Rebecca, but I like to go by Becky. I am a nontraditional student at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. I was working on my nursing degree for becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse and changed my major four years ago to education. Currently I am in Block B and will be student teaching next semester. My major is elementary education (1-8) with a minor in Language Arts.

I believe our team name was chosen because of one of his last statements in the video. "We might struggle, trust yourself and believe." I think this holds true for clinicians, student teachers and even teachers in the field right now because at times we might lose belief in ourselves (given content area we might not know a lot about or any other areas that are not our strong point), but believing in yourself and looking within will help us find our way again.

Brandon's Intro

Hi.

My name is Brandon. I graduated from UW-Green Bay in 2004 with an Environmental Science degree and now I am in the act! program to get my broadfield science certification 6-12. For the past 6 years I have worked for an AudioVisual Integrator in Milwaukee. About 2 years into my job I left and worked at an Environmental Consulting Firm, however, that wasn't a good fit for me and I had a great opportunity to return back to my current place of employment where I am today. I still have been passionate about science and through great opportunities of working with kids, I've come to the conclusion that teaching would be a perfect fit for me!

I have taught 4th and 5th graders in Sunday school for 3 years; I have coached 5th-6th grade boys basketball for 4 years, and I have coached 7th-8th grade and U15 boys volleyball as well. I continue to get myself involved in role model situations and love setting good examples.

Currently I am living in Menomonee Falls (I'm originally from Appleton--Appleton West graduate '00) and still putting in full-time hours at my job while carrying two classes, one of which is from Virginia Community College!! I am very happy with the act! program as it is totally geared for the working adult... I hope to be student teaching in the spring semester of 2012....

I watched the video clip of Kamkwamba and think the team blog was named after that gentleman because of his ingenuity to create something no one has seen in his region.