field trips By Julianne

1. Look for the large model of earth. How are the major cities marked? (Answer for our planetarium - with little red lights!)

Students should be encouraged to explore in small groups, answering questions randomly. This will keep them from bunching up and running from place to place. You can also give extra credit for the most thoughtful answers to some of your questions.

The one drawback to an activity sheet is that completing the assignment can be a detriment to in-depth learning. Just get the right answer and move on. So be careful if you use one that it allows students to explore and learn. That's what you're taking them for. Some planetariums and museums provide their own activity sheet for visiting classrooms. Be sure to ask during your pre-visit.