by Nathan Li
Do you want to take your middle school students on exciting field trips? Field trips are a great way to provide new experiences to your students. These trips also help students learn STEM concepts from a hands-on perspective. Here are three enlightening field trip destinations for middle schoolers.
1. Visit A Zoo
Taking a trip to your local zoo is a great way to teach your kids different types of animals. Zoos have animals of different species such as crocodiles, lions, and emus. Visiting a zoo gives your kids the opportunity to see animals up close and personal. Zoos teach your kids about various animal behaviors as well as the type of habitats they live in. If your kids have any questions, there are zookeepers available to help answer those questions. Another important concept zoos teach is the necessity of conservation. Animals are constantly at risk due to pollution, poaching, and deforestation. Bringing your kids to a zoo will introduce these concepts to them and educate them on the importance of protecting endangered animals. The zoo is a fun place to interact with animals and to learn more about them.
2. Embark on a Nature Walk
Bringing your kids to a local or national park is an engaging way to interact with nature. Nature parks have tons of activities to do such as kayaking, hiking, or birdwatching. These activities are great for getting your kids active and excited to exercise. Depending on the ecosystem in the park, there may be many animals available to be observed. Observing animals is a fun way to develop STEM skills such as recording information, examining a subject, and using critical thinking. Nature parks are useful for giving your students some time to unwind from the traditional school setting. Having your students learn in a different environment will help them feel more engaged with learning new concepts. If nature and exercise interest your students, there is nothing better than visiting a nature park.
If you want to learn more about nature parks, check out this NSTEM resource.
3. Explore a Science Museum
Science Museums are a fun place to learn more about different scientific concepts. The topics covered by science museums range from physics, biology, or astronomy. There are exciting exhibits available at science museums. Kids can interact with the exhibits and have fun with all of them. Science museums are a great way to see if your child has an interest in a certain scientific field. Museum attendants can provide information about each exhibit as well as help to foster an interest in science. Another fun benefit of museums is the programs available. Museum programs are a fun way to get your kids involved with learning STEM concepts. Visiting a science museum will be an engaging and enriching experience for your kids.
For more information about science museums, check out this NSTEM resource.
Do you want more resources on the topic of field trips? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of STEM resources that are searchable by category, school level and state. This comprehensive library includes info on enrichment activities, curricula, internships, scholarships and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list.
Middle School is where students are transformed, entering as children and emerging as young adults. Project-based learning enrichment helps students connect the dots between STEM and real life, making math and science relevant for them, keeping them engaged and interested. With a meaningful middle school experience, students are far more likely to focus on STEM disciplines in high school and beyond. To start your 6-8, middle school chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.
