If you’ve ever taken students on a field trip you know what a valuable learning experience it can provide. My favorite memories of teaching high school history come from taking a group of World History I students to the Chrysler Museum to compete in an ancient history photo scavenger hunt. There were prizes. There were snacks. But even more importantly, everyone had fun learning!
Unfortunately, more and more demands are placed on both teachers and students, making it nearly impossible to escape the four walls of the classroom.Technology has the power to harness unique learning experiences that would otherwise be impossible.
That’s where FieldTripZoom can help! Earlier this year, I included FieldTripZoom in The Top 16 Tech Tools to Try in 2016. FieldTripZoom offers K-12 educational programs that are broadcasted through video conferencing. They offer a wide range of programs from elementary science to high school history.
When I recommended FieldTripZoom in The Top 16 Tech Tools to Try in 2016, I admit, I hand’t personally tried it (yet) but I was intrigued!
This past week, I was able to attend a field trip to the National Churchill Museum with FieldTripZoom and an eighth grade US History class. I will also admit, I thought the program was going to be run by THE Churchill Museum in London, which I visited in 2009. The FieldTripZoom was scheduled for 11:00am EST so I thought, “Hey, London is 6 hours ahead, they must be doing it after hours!”
Nope. There is a National Churchill Museum in Fulton, Missouri. I had no idea! I am a former history teacher and forever history nerd…how did I not know that Churchill’s “Iron Curtain Speech” was given at Westminster College in Missouri? Furthermore, how did I not know that they moved a church from London to Missouri for the museum AND they also have eight pieces of the Berlin Wall?!
Ok. I digress.
I consider myself to be historically savvy (if that’s a thing) and I gained a new perspective on World War II by focusing on the change the war had on the home front and Churchill’s “Iron Curtain Speech,” which predicted the Cold War.
During the virtual field trip to the National Churchill Museum, students were tasked with understanding how rationing changed the dinner plate of Americans during war time.
Other topics covered during the FieldTripZoom to the National Churchill Museum include:
- Overall effect of war on the US home front during WWII.
- Rationing and price controls
- Changing to manufacturing during wartime
- Victory gardens
My favorite part of the presentation were the primary sources shared, particularly the ration books and propaganda posters.
What can you expect if you decide to give FieldTripZoom a try?
- Very easy set up
- Engaging content
- Knowledgeable hosts
- A set calendar (which may/may not align with your pacing guide)
- Expose your students to video conferencing
- Visit a location that would otherwise be impossible!
Currently, FieldTripZoom is offering free field trips to schools so check it out while you can!
Please note I was not paid for this blog post nor am I an affiliate of FieldTripZoom.
Have you used FieldTripZoom with your students? Let me hear about your experience in the comments below!