ERIC Number: EJ977255
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Jan
Pages: 6
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0887-2376
EISSN: N/A
Transforming a Field Trip into an Expedition: Supporting Active Research and Science Content through a Museum Visit
Morris, Rebecca
Science Scope, v35 n5 p68-73 Jan 2012
Students love field trips, and why shouldn't they? Field trips provide a break from the routine of the school day and an opportunity to learn from the world outside the classroom. Science and natural history museums are popular field-trip destinations, filled with a dizzying array of displays, and hands-on learning opportunities. The author developed a museum field trip into a short-term, active research project assignment. This approach has transformed the field trip from a casual museum visit into a focused and productive learning experience. The museum research project has confirmed for the author that young adolescents can develop focused research questions, make meaning from a variety of sources, and contribute their learning in a collaborative classroom. As students prepare for their trip and synthesize their learning afterward, they are doing some of their most impressive and sophisticated work. (Contains 2 figures and 3 online resources.)
Descriptors: Field Trips, Research Projects, Museums, Learning Experience, Active Learning, Science Education, Grade 6, Cooperation, Science Activities, Student Projects, Science Instruction, Earth Science, Middle School Students
National Science Teachers Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: http://www.nsta.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Grade 6; Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: District of Columbia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A