Free field trip activities in the Austin, Texas area should not be dull and boring. They should captivate the student’s interest. In addition to breaking up the monotony of the day, a field trip should provide something to the students day that will expand, inspire and instill a desire in the student by exposing an avenue of creativity or interest. During the school year, a series of field trips should be planned. Free field trips are beneficial for the teacher and students in the educational process. Especially important are trips that broaden the student’s creative side. Taking students on field trips to universities, museums, even to theaters and movies can enhance the educational process. Those in the educational field are very aware of the value of a field trip understanding that trips to museums or even a movie challenge a students creativity and encourages growth or motivates them to reach into their mind and produce works that may otherwise never be born.
Yet, for some reason our country places a very limited amount of value on the education of our children. When athletes and Wall Street CEO’s are paid millions, yet teachers are paid less than $50,000 a year the decline in society is no surprise. Teachers are often left seeking activities that cost the bare minimum or are free when planning events during the school year. But their ideas are not without hope. There are numerous free activities available to select from. The only problem is time, distance and method of travel when choosing.
Blanton Museum of Art : Located at the University of Texas in Austin, the Blanton Museum of Art displays well over 17,000 pieces of valuable art. Recognized worldwide for its comprehensive collection which includes European paintings, modern contemporary American and Latin American art in addition to an encyclopedic collection of prints and drawings, Blanton is listed along with some of the most prestigious creative art centers. When names such as the Michener Center for Writers, The Harry Ransom Center, The University of Texas Press and the Briscoe Center for American History are mentioned, Blanton is almost always included. Blanton is one of UTA’s many gems. Committed to increasing the value, awareness and appreciation of art in American schools, Blanton is providing interesting programs, tours, events and other activities for students, teachers, faculty and the general public. Blanton’s K-12 program provides tours exploring art and ideas, art making activities in addition to teacher workshops on a daily basis.
Austin Nature & Science Center: Austin Nature & Science Center (ANSC) has been providing educational programs, recreation resources, nature exhibits for schools, Administrators, businesses, visitors and all other interested parties since 1960. To increase awareness and appreciation of nature and the environment, ANSC provides everyone entering with a ‘hands-on’ experience. When visiting, students can enjoy activities at the: Dino Pit, Wildlife Exhibits, Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center, Naturalist Workshop and Trade Counter and Nature’s Way Preschool. If interested ANSC always has volunteer opportunities available. When school is out, ANSC also offers summer camps.
Harry Ransom Center: The central mission of Harry Ransom Center is to advance the study of arts and humanities. To satisfy this mission, the center works to preserve and assure accessibility of the numerous creations of our cultural heritage through:
1. Cataloging, conservation, collection and management.
2. Consistently acquiring original cultural material for educational, grant and enjoyment purposes.
3. Provides support to our institutions of learning in the form of fellowships, public service and regular publications.
4. Educates, enriches, exhibits, providing public performances and enlightening lectures.
