Social Studies Field Trips

Field Trip Checklist

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Identify the instructional objective to be met.
Review the Social Field Trip Data Base.
Select a tentative trip for the trip.
Seek initial administrative approval for the trip.
Contact the appropriate individual at the field trip site to arrange the actual date and obtain appropriate pre-information for the trip.
If possible, visit the site to familiarize yourself with the major features of the field trip.
Contact the bus company to arrange for transportation on the selected date.

Discuss with the school principal school board policies covering the conduct of the field trip, teacher liability, and teacher responsibilities. Follow specified procedures.

Confirm the final date of the trip with the school principal.
Confirm the trip date with the bus company and verify the bus route.
Send a cover letter to the parent/guardian, describing the field trip. Such a letter usually includes some or all of the following:
- Educational purpose of the trip.
- Trip itinerary.
- Bus arrangements.
- Supervisory arrangement.
- Date of the trip.
- Student cost.
- Eating arrangements.
- Whether the child will need prescribed medication administered.
Send the appropriate consent form to the parent/guardian. IF using MCPS buses for the trip, use the MCPS form titled "Parental Permission for Field Trip." If using other modes of transportation, use MCPS Form 56031 titled "Application to Participate in Activities Away From School for Which MCPS Transportation Is Not Provided."
If a child will need medication during the trip, send MCPS Form 525-13, "Authorization to Administer Prescribed Medication," to the parent/guardian to be completed and returned.
Collect the money for the trip and deposit it in your school's account. If required, send the advanced fee to the bus company.
Obtain volunteers for supervision and provide training as appropriate. Provide alternative arrangements for pupils who will not be going on the trip.
Inform the cafeteria staff if students will be away during the lunch hour.
Inform other teachers about the trip if their schedules will be affected.

Discuss with the class the purpose of the field trip and how it relates to the current unit of study.
Prepare a trip booklet with assignment activities for students to complete before, during, and/or after the trip.
Conduct appropriate pre-visit activities to prepare students for the trip. This may include a visit by a representative from the field trip site. You may wish to view and discuss an Electronic School Bus Field Trip Video or the destination's web site.
Have the students develop a set of standards of conduct for the trip.

On the day of the trip:
- Take roll.
- Pass out name tags for young children.
- Divide class into small groups and assign chaperones to groups.
- Take inventory of food, equipment, and other supplies.
During the trip, make sure students have ample time to observe, ask questions, and work on assignments.
On the bus ride back to school, encourage students to complete assignments.

Discuss and evaluate student assignments in the field trip booklet.
Conduct other appropriate follow-up activities and projects. Comparing your visit to the experience mentioned on your destination's web site or an Electronic School Bus Video may be a good start.
Have the class compose and send a thank-you letter to the field trip site host.

Appraise the value of the trip (with students as appropriate) in terms of:
- Educational purpose.
- Strengths.
- Weaknesses.
- Suggestions for improvement.
Share the evaluation with the students, volunteers, host from the field trip site, and school administrator.

Last updated on June 9, 1998
Maintained by Martin M. Creel: Marty_Creel@fc.mcps.k12.md.us