Virtual field trips are a creative way for kids to learn.
With virtual field trips, kids have access to unlimited learning opportunities. Unlike traditional field trips, which are limited by time, location and funding, virtual field trips allow children to travel anywhere--even outer space--without leaving the classroom. For kids who are homeschooled, taking a virtual field trip is a good way to make learning interactive.
In addition to Internet resources that may change or vanish, you can plan your own virtual field trip for kids. Try contacting experts in the subject you're teaching to see if they can provide material. An archaeologist may be willing to take video of his dig for your students or homeschooled child. A marine biologist may be willing to take pictures or shoot footage of marine life. With a little planning, you can create an online field trip that will suit the individual educational needs of your students or children.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
With NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory Virtual Field Trip, students learn the basics of robotics and how it affects space exploration. The animated guide provides students with information about the technology behind unmanned space exploration. Students can also pick up interesting facts about the solar system and various planets.
The British Museum
Kids can take a virtual trip to London with an online tour of the British Museum. The museum's special online section for children provides games and family events. With more than 500 pieces of the actual British Museum collection available, kids can explore ancient Egypt, look at mummies, learn about world cultures and even dig for virtual hidden treasure.
Smithsonian Education
The Smithsonian's education portal is a one-stop spot for kids to learn about history, science, art and culture. The idea labs and games make learning fun for kids, while the activity sheets and well-organized website makes planning a virtual field trip easy for parents and educators.
National Geographic Travel and Culture
From Egypt to Alaska, the Galapagos Islands to Greece, National Geographic offers in-depth guides to countries and cultures around the world. The information provided by National Geographic tends to be more mature. This virtual field trip resource may work best for older elementary and middle school students rather than younger children.
The Holocaust Memorial Museum
With a virtual visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, students young and old can learn about this tragic part of human history. The Holocaust Museum's exhibits bring to vivid life events that can seem unfathomable to kids. Rather than learning numbers and dates, kids are able to learn faces, names and personal stories of Holocaust victims and survivors.
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