Field trips allow students unique access to resources not available in the classroom. Field experiences enhance students' understanding, are a factor in retention, can be motivational, and are essential for the acquisition of basic science skills. Students learn, in a meaningful way, the procedures of setting goals, observing and recording data, and returning to interpret data. Planning a field trip begins with a preparation of objectives linking classroom study to the field experience. Trips need not be long. Many educationally sound trips are possible within the school grounds or within walking distance of the school, and these sorts of trips have the advantages of allowing follow-up visits for extended observation or projects. Such trips also minimize the scheduling and transportation problems associated with other sorts of field trips. The success of most field trips depends on leadership rather than location. Longer field trips require additional planning for educational objectives and for transportation, parental permission, and liability insurance. One adult should accompany each six to eight children. If a tour guide is not hired, the instructor should visit the site in advance. The report includes 10 references, and checklists to decide if the trip is appropriate, to plan the trip, and to follow up and evaluate the experience. (SV)