They’re fun, relaxed, and offer a unique experience that differs from any classroom lecture or activity: Field trips.
Field trips can be a great way to further your knowledge in a hands-on environment with your peers. Read on to learn if you, or your class, could participate in a class field trip this school year.
Everything that happens within the school, especially field trips, has a cost associated with it. The increasing cost of transportation, admission tickets, and the organization of trips have a high impact on field trip procedures. Mr. Herr said, “The policies haven’t drastically changed, but the dollar amount has. What was allocated for field trips 5 years ago allowed for more trips then today, which puts on more scrutiny for every field trip.” As a result, the school’s tight budget has caused some students to become financially responsible for aspects, such as bus fare.
Although cost is the determining factor of many school trips, Mr. Herr agreed that they’re “a critical component to the curriculum.” Additionally, he explained that science courses, like Marine and Environmental, “lend themselves to field trips more than other [classes],” because they require active learning, which is offered by experiencing elements of nature, on school sponsored trips.
Generally, field trips taken by certain classes are determined by the value and benefits the trip will offer to students. Students who are struggling or failing classes are able to attend school trips only if their teacher, as well as administration, review the benefits it will pose for the individual student.
Field trips are meant to enrich classroom lessons for students who are actively involved in learning, participation and productivity. The opportunity to go on a school-sponsored trip is awarded to many science-related classes, however all students could have this experience during their high school career.
If the class your taking doesn’t currently offer any field trips, discuss the matter with your teacher or Mr. Herr. If it’s “a critical component of the course,” as Mr. Herr described, relatable, benefits learning, and within the budget, it could be possible!