How to Plan an Educational Field Trip

Field trips are a part of growing up in much the same way as learning to ride a bike. The field trip is typically anxiously awaited as part of the school year or summer as a time for learning in an environment outside of the classroom. Educational field trips are fun, provide a tremendous opportunity for hands-on learning, and often times expose participants to things which they may never have the opportunity to do so other wise.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Itinerary
Itinerary

Step 1

Determine the amount of time and money which is available for the educational field trip. Since the two often times go hand in hand, consider the amount of time available whether it is a half-day, full-day or even overnight trip. Take into consideration the budget for the trip which may impact the length of stay as well as the target destination all together.

Step 2

Choose a destination or theme for the trip. Often times a teacher will choose the field trip location partially based on how the destination will tie into a subject being studied. For example, if a class is studying the human body, then a field trip to a hands-on children's museum which features interactive activities for learning about the human body would be a good destination.

Step 3

Request information either by mail, through conversation, or by online research to determine what exactly the destination of the trip has to offer. There must be enough to hold the interest of those on the trip as well as provide instructional and educational opportunities.

Step 4

Make an itinerary for the trip, and take into consideration as many events and potential issues as possible. Allow travel time for traffic, make preparations for sick children, consider weather, and any other possibilities which may affect the trip.

Step 5

Gather information on those attending the field trip. Personal information such as contact numbers, any allergies, medications being taken, insurance information, as well as emergency contact information should always accompany a field trip.

Tips & Warnings

Talk with others who may have either planned or participated in a field trip to the destination planned. For example, if traveling to the Biltmore House and Gardens in Asheville, North Carolina, then talk with someone who has not only been but has either planned or helped lead a trip there.

There is always the possibility of something unforeseen happening on a field trip. Even with the best of planning, things can go wrong. Stay cool, rely on the others also helping lead the trip, and use common sense to work through any issues.

Article Written By Tara Dooley

Tara Dooley has written for various websites since 2008. She has worked as an accountant, after-school director and retail manager in various locations. Dooley holds a Bachelor of Science in business management and finance.

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