Big yellow school buses are a common sight at The Environmental Nature Center from late September through mid June. They bring groups of children for science and social science field trips. Just the phrase “field trip” makes most students excited about a day outside of school. However, a day out of the classroom does not equal a day without learning.
“Field trips provide students with a window to the real world that they don’t get in the classroom, and they can help students understand real-world applications of seemingly abstract topics in math and science,” says Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. Several research studies have shown that students retain more knowledge through the type of experience-based learning that field trips provide when compared to traditional classroom learning.
ENC field trips are designed to provide hands-on learning experiences that address the state academic standards and enrich the science curriculum, but the thing that the students like best is that they are a lot of FUN! Whether it is a field trip to the ENC, or to a different location, encourage your children’s school to take field trips. These real-world experiences could spark an interest in your child that will last a lifetime.