Homeschool Travel and Field Trips Take Homeschooling To The Next Level...

Tips For Great Homeschool Field Trips

1. When going to a museum emphasize one area of study. This will prevent overwhelm and increase the absorption of the material. Of course this may mean several trips to your museum, art, or nature center.
2. Take pictures. Be sure to record your experiences. Take pictures, collect brochures and other information. Put together scrapbook pages as an enjoyable review of the subject.
3. Co-op with other families, if you can. It is always more fun sharing the blessings and responsibilities with others. It gives your kids and you a chance to interact as well.
4. Have a "Field Trip Survival Pack." If you are planning on taking many field trips it may be helpful to have a permanent bag already packed. See below for "pack" contents.
5. Scope out your destination well ahead of time. Good planning makes for a great trip. So get online and get as much info as possible. Plan ahead on what you want to do on your trip and how much it's going to cost.

Homeschool Field Trip Ideas

• Zoos, Wildlife Preserves, and State Parks - Most cities and towns have zoos and wildlife preserves and many people live within driving distance of a great State Park. All of these venues give children the opportunity to actually experience natural science first hand. They interact with animals and learn about the ones that live in their area of the world%u2026what they eat, when they sleep, their social habits, and more. These places are also wonderful for learning about different plant species that our local animal life depend on for survival and how human actions may be impacting them. It might be helpful to look online to see what these places offer and then write up a list of questions your kids have. Help them find the answers while they visit.
• Art Galleries - Even if your kids aren't particularly interested in art, most find galleries to be fun and interesting. Many even have exhibits that feature the work of child artists. Take a look around and have your children write down the names of their favorite artists. Afterwards you can research each artist and learn more about their life and their work.
• History and Science Museums - Children of all ages usually love history and science museums. History museums give them a look into mysterious times long ago. What child can resist a dinosaur, caveman, or ancient Egyptian exhibit? Not only can they see how people lived in times past they can see first hand what prehistoric creatures like the Woolly Mammoth or the Saber Tooth Tiger looked like. Science museums usually give children an opportunity to learn about science by seeing different scientific principles in practice. They may be able to about pressure and the effects of gas by launching a bottle rocket or learn about lasers by using mirrors on a grid. These museums also have seasonal exhibits that are sure to delight children of all ages so check with yours often to see what they offer.
• Farms - Homeschoolers can learn about farming and agriculture first hand by visiting local farms. Many even provide an opportunity for tours or for you to pick your own produce. This allows them to connect with their own food chain and perhaps trace their food from farm to plate. The economics of food distribution is another area they can learn about that is practical and valuable to know. Some farms have special days were younger children can get involved in farm chores as well.

Homeschool Field Trip Survival Pack

Want smooth sailing on your field trips

• Small sketch pads. This is so your children can draw what they see. The purpose is not to create a 'work of art' per se, but to train them in observing details. You can find these in craft stores. I like the small spiral kind. It gives good support for drawing. Each person should have one. I even include one for the little ones, as this keeps them occupied and they love copying their older siblings.
• Colored and Regular Pencils. I like these as crayons can melt in a hot car and markers (if you have little ones) can be messy.
• Tissue Paper This is for rubbings.
• Small supplies- like pencil sharpeners, erasers, compass, ruler.
• Baby wipes and hand sanitizer To clean up the inevitable messes.
• Healthy snacks and bottled water. This is important, especially if you have little ones.
• Camera. You'll want to record all your special memories. You may also want to consider bringing along a video recorder as well. And another tip from our travels this summer- a disposable camera for the kids, if they don't have their own.