By the 8th grade, children have already made several field trips to the zoo, every museum in town, and the local amusement park. As they approach high school, teachers search for field trips that will provide them with a look at more serious venues. Field trips to places that emphasize things such as the environment, politics, the law, technology and higher education offer students a look into areas they might want to plan for during their high school years.
Field trip to a Water Treatment Plant
A field trip to what is basically the local sewer headquarters may sound unconventional, but learning how water is purified and how waste is processed can be quite interesting to an 8th grader. (Okay, 8th grade girls will probably go “ewww,” but they’ll get over it.) A generation raised to be environmentally conscious will enjoy taking part in what can be touted as a trendy “green” activity. Spin-off trips to the local gas, electric and telephone utilities will also teach them that the lights, heat, computers and cell phones don’t just “happen” to go on.
Field trip to City Hall
Many schools plan field trips to their local City Hall. These trips instill curiosity and interest in local government, and most towns will gladly work with the school to schedule such a trip. The students can meet with the mayor and City Council members, and put questions to them that they have prepared in advance on subjects concerning issues important to their particular district. After receiving a brief overview of city government, a tour of city hall departments can follow the Q&A; period.
Another idea created by one city is called “Student in Government Day.” This is a more “hands-on” program, whereby a certain number of students are chosen to play the “role” of Mayor, City Manager, Council Member, City Clerk or a department head. They spend part of the day “shadowing” their role model, and later a mock Council session is held where a budget is discussed. Both the participating mock officials and students who just observe will get an inside view as to how their city government runs.
Field trip to a Criminal Justice System
Teens today are at grave risk of becoming involved with gangs, drugs or just plain dangerous mischief. Both city and rural teens would benefit from a field trip to a local criminal justice arena. Seeing first hand the consequences of bad behavior by visiting a prison, courthouse or police station could prove a deterrent to falling into the path of least resistance. It may also influence some of them to consider entering the law enforcement field as a policeman, prison guard, lawyer or community liaison.
Field trip to a Computer Technology Firm
Today’s kids are almost born with computer mouses in their hands, and computers are part of their everyday lives. Eighth grade is not too young for a field trip to a local computer technology firm. A software or web hosting demonstration, or a class on how to create a computer game will pique their interest.
Field trip to a TV News Studio
Computers have not yet knocked TV off the radar for 8th graders. A field trip to a local TV station can provide an inside view of technology and journalism. Observing how familiar local news and sports correspondents assemble a newscast or sportscast could inspire a budding Walter Cronkite or sports reporter. Others students may be more interested in the technical aspects, others by the editing, cameras or weather forecasting mechanisms. And, of course, meeting local news, sports and weather celebrities is a bonus.
Field trip to a College or University
High school classes prepare students for college, and 8th grade is when they will have to start thinking about what curricula they will need to take in high school to achieve their goals. Taking 8th graders on a field trip to a college campus and introducing them to the workings of the halls of higher education will spur college-bound students to plan their high school years as springboards to their ultimate goals. Aspiring teachers, scientists, drama students, artists, doctors and lawyers can learn what prerequisites and curricula are required. Those who hope to win academic or sports scholarships will learn what scholarships are available, and what requirements must be met to win them.
Sources: Travel.com; Student in Government Day;
Suggested sites for additional information: Trips for Homeschoolers; Free Field trips
