Teaching Environmental Awareness

Taking a hike through a forest, riding bikes on the coast, or observing dolphins in their natural habit are all opportunities to teach about conservation and have a little fun.

Though the concept of conservation may be simple for adults to understand, students benefit from first-hand observation. It is our duty to take what we know and pass this on to our students. By teaching them to protect and manage our natural resources, we encourage them to be good caretakers of their own future. Basic conservation efforts will protect the future of our kids and future generations.

There are many ways to teach kids about conservation. Using a field trip to make it fun and exciting is an excellent mode to accomplish this. Take a bike ride and talk about how riding your bike to the park instead of driving saves fuel and other non-renewable resources. Take a nature hike and observe animals and plant life to help think of the different ways we can protect and nurture them. A picnic is an opportunity to teach about eating sustainable food sources and the importance of picking up litter.

Set a good example. If your kids see you put conservation in action, they’ll be more likely to do it, too. Talk with your children about what recycling is and show your kids how to recycle. Encourage empathy. Most kids take their unlimited supply of clean and available water for granted due to living in the US. Many countries are not fortunate to have such readily available water, so teaching kids the importance of conserving water and doing our part to take care of what we are blessed with can make a big impact.

Get involved and encourage your students to get involved. Help them set up a recycling center at the school. Have a garage sale and donate the proceeds to the local animal shelter. Tap into whatever your child is interested in, and support them as they work toward that cause. Explain to them why you participate in the causes you support. There may even be opportunities for you to volunteer together on a class trip. By participating together in community events that promote conservation, you help your child see the value of his contribution, and how it does make a difference.

Talk about responsibility. Teach them about the importance of taking efforts now as they will be responsible for what happens in the future. Encourage them to act responsibly and do the right thing by taking care of the planet. Repeat as necessary. Kids' attention spans are short. So you may have to repeat the message over and over. Just do it. The earth will thank you, and so will your kids, eventually.

Interested in taking a trip with Appleseed to give back to the community and conserve our environment? Check out our blog to further explore the value in taking field trips or contact Appleseed with inquiries at (877) 889-7150 or by visiting www.AppleseedExpeditions.com.

*Additional Resources for Teachers:

http://www.epa.gov/teachers/conservation.htm

http://www.conservationfund.org/children_nature

Top 10 Field Trips in the Southeast

Are you interested in providing your student with an experience they can partake in and re-visit for years to come? Look no further—your guide to the finest field trips in the Southeast is here! Unlike many experiences our children partake in, field trips have the consistent ability to linger in a students' mind and impact them far beyond the days of their journey. While you may find it difficult to sort through the sea of potential excursions, we are confident the following list will be an excellent aid. Whether you are looking for a man-made or nature-filled experience, something in-state or with a little traveling involved, there is something for everyone. With historical trip ideas as well as hands-on science programs, these suggestions will surely spark some interest for your next class trip!

1. Florida Keys, FL
Discover the fragile ecosystems of Florida's barrier reef. The Florida Keys are a chain of islands, 106 miles long that start at the very southernmost part of Florida. These beautiful islands have spectacular fishing and diving, and provide views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. They have the only living coral reef in the continental US and the third largest barrier reef in the world. The Keys are rich with nature parks and marine life for your students to study. Students will see how European settlements, the U.S. takeover, wreckers, scavengers, writers, and sponges have influenced development in the Florida Keys as well.

2. Everglades, FL
A day trip to the Everglades National Park is an excellent science field trip, particularly for students who are studying biology and ecosystems. Everglades National Park is located in the southwest tip of Florida, and is the only subtropical area in the continental United States. Students will get a first-hand look at one of the United States' most unique and delicate ecosystems. Whether you are taking a guided ride on an airboat, holding a baby alligator at the Everglades Alligator Farm, or taking an adventure tour through Shark Valley, you will not be disappointed. Mote Marine Laboratory is an incredible attraction to the area holding its place as the leader in marine research. It is an independent nonprofit organization, and specializes in programs for all ages. The Everglades has a rich history that will be of special interest to local students and teachers as well.

3. Crystal River Program, FL
Kayak in crystal clear springs and experience Florida's manatees. Crystal River is home to one of the world's largest populations of endangered West Indian manatees, which are under threat due to loss of habitat. Get to know Florida's local wildlife at Homosassa State Park or explore the geological cave system unique to the area.

4. Orlando, FL: Sea World
Sea World offers a variety of day trip programs from Pre-K though college. Whether you are looking to learn what it takes to become a Sea World animal trainer, learn how to conserve our oceans and marine life, or are interested in studying the exclusive curriculum provided for students and teachers, your students will walk away with a thorough understanding of Sea World and all its offerings.

5. St. Augustine, FL
The city is a popular tourist attraction for its Spanish Colonial buildings as well as elite 19th century architecture. The city's historic center is anchored by St. George Street, which is lined with historic homes from various periods. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm is one of the oldest commercial tourist attractions in Florida, as is the Fountain of Youth. The city is one terminus of the Old Spanish Trail, a promotional effort of the 1920s linking St. Augustine to San Diego, California with 3,000 miles of roadways. Students can be transported to several of the city’s most important sites including the Castillo de San Marcos, the St. Augustine History Museum, the Old Jail, and more through Old Town Trolley’s Historical Tours. They are guided by a lively narrator who engages them in activities and discussions that bring classroom history lessons to life. Every tour can be customized to a teacher’s specifications.

6. Jekyll Island, GA
Visit Jekyll Island and enjoy nature-based pursuits like marsh eco-tours, dolphin watching, sea turtle walks, or bird watching. The active visitor can golf, kayak, play tennis or soccer, bike, and play at Summer Waves Water Park. The historian can learn of Jekyll's rich gilded era.

7. Emerald Coast, FL
Experience a little taste of paradise when you discover the deep emerald green color of the northern Gulf of Mexico combined with the crystal quartz beaches in the Panhandle. This is an area that is definitely affected by Global Warming and pollution. Students can participate in preservation of this ecosystem through beach cleanup projects, take a Catamaran ride and swim with wild dolphins or snorkel St. Andrew's State Park.

8. Space Camp, Huntsville, AL
Space Camp is the ultimate experience for your students. During the week, students will be guided through the past, present, and future of space exploration. They will see the first rocket that put an American in space, the massive Saturn V rocket that took us to the Moon, and the capsules the early astronauts used during their missions.

9. Dauphin Island, AL
Standing guard between Mobile Bay and the vast Gulf of Mexico, Dauphin Island is a true barrier island-complete with dunes, maritime forests, salt marshes, tidal flats and two freshwater lakes. Named “barrier” for their role in protecting the mainland from nature’s fury of storm waves, barrier islands also prevent the inflow of salt water from the Gulf into the bays and sounds by forming a physical barrier. This process is essential to maintaining the nursery characteristic of the estuarine ecosystems.

10. Atlanta, GA: Civil Rights Program
A unique mix of urban progression and rich history continues to mark Atlanta as the cultural catalyst of the Civil Rights Movement. The city has seen and been the forefront for many noteworthy events. Whether you're looking to spend an hour or a weekend, Atlanta's rich history is sure to please.

Check out our blog to further explore the value in taking field trips or contact Appleseed with inquiries at (877) 889-7150 or by visiting www.AppleseedExpeditions.com.

Resources for Your Next Field Trip

Interested in planning a field trip but don't know where to begin? Fortunately, you're not alone. Many teachers struggle with the seemingly overwhelming task of planning a trip for their students, but this need not overwhelm you anymore.

Below you will find a compilation of resources for your next class trip:

Books

• "A Guide to Great Field Trips" (Kathleen Carroll)
This guide explores how to use field trips to increase student learning, and practical aspects such as safety, transportation, permissions, and chaperones.

• "Informal Learning and Field Trips" (Leah M. Melber)
The author shows teachers how to incorporate informal learning techniques to off-site learning experiences, and provides guidelines for corresponding classroom activities.

• "Tips for Trips" (Andy Leeder)
This unique guide to school trips is particularly useful to newly qualified teachers as it addresses the school trip from all angles, leaving no subject untouched.

Internet

Do not underestimate the resources the Internet has readily available. With tips for nearly every location you can imagine, the Internet will supply you with an insiders view from those who have lived or vacationed in any particular spot. Though you should be cautious in trusting all the information provided, the majority of posts will be informative and helpful in your planning process.

• http://www.campsilos.org/excursions/hc/fieldtrip.htm
• http://traveltips.usatoday.com/plan-school-field-trip-1462.html
• http://www.ehow.com/how_7574047_prepare-lesson-before-field-trip.html

Along with field trip ideas, there are plenty of resources online to assist you in organizing your own fundraiser, which will significantly cut the costs of the trip. Check out these ideas for some of the most successful fundraisers available for educators.

• http://www.fundraising-ideas.org/DIY/
• http://www.uwsummit.org/misc/studentfundraisingideas.htm

These resources only tap into the enormous database of helpful aid available in planning your next class trip. So eliminate any concerns you may have with organizing a trip and consider a Fall or Spring excursion for your student with Appleseed Expeditions. Contact Appleseed for further ideas on your next trip or allow us to plan your full-service trip by calling us at (877) 889-7150 or by visiting www.AppleseedExpeditions.com.

Planning the Most Affordable Class Trip

Class trips are an excellent way to allow students to connect what they learn in the classroom to the world around them. They expose students to a variety of environments and expand their horizons. The problem comes with the cost. Teachers and parents feel the cost of a field trip may be too great for all students to participate—but this does not have to be the case. There are many opportunities to create an affordable trip and it starts with some good planning prior to your departure. This may include organizing a fundraiser before the trip takes place or cutting down costs throughout the trip.

Some costs to consider involve transportation, accommodations, meals, and activities.

1. Transportation and Accommodations: 

If your destination is within a drivable distance, consider traveling by car. Even with gas prices on the rise, splitting the cost of transportation amongst others traveling with you, will be cost-efficient. If you are flying, book your airfare well in advance of your intended travel date and maintain a flexible travel window. Compare the airfare for flights originating at different airports near you, and search one day before and one day after your ideal departure and return dates. Search prices on travel booking websites that search multiple airlines, letting you see which airline will let you save the most money. Visit the airline's website when you are ready to book your airfare to avoid the booking fee that travel booking websites charge. If you are able to purchase your accommodations with your plane tickets, this will cut down on costs as well. While sleeping in luxury may be nice, it may be unimportant if you're on vacation in an exciting place and planning to spend little time in your hotel.

2. Meals:  

All meals don't have to be extravagant. Limit eating out to a few times during your trip, and consider researching inexpensive dining options on the Internet before you go. Many restaurants have their menus and prices online now, and may even offer coupons for you to use. Often times, restaurants where locals eat on a budget will have the best and most cost-efficient foods. These places are generally a great find, and captivate the heart of the city. If you're eating at a pricier place for the experience, pair it with a cheaper activity and make it the main event of the day. If you can rent a hotel with a kitchen, this will often save you money as it allows you to prepare many of your meals there. Take advantage of your hotel’s free continental breakfast, and pack a cooler with drinks and snacks for the day. You can even plan a picnic to spice up the dullest of meals.

3. Activities: Plan a day with a more expensive activity, followed by a day with a cheaper activity. Consider adjusting the time you spend in an expensive location. If you can make a week-long trip into a couple days, you will save a substantial amount of money. By researching before you go, you may find wonderful locations to take a free walk in a park or free admission days at inexpensive museums. Partaking in a service project will not only be rewarding for all parties involved, but will allow your group to bond without spending money. Also, if you are planning to purchase souvenirs, decide how much money you'll spend before you go.

No matter what the economy is up to, with proper planning, an affordable trip can be planned. Do you have a desire to partner with Appleseed Expeditions for a cost-efficient trip? Through education, service, and adventure groups are able to receive a well-rounded trip full of learning, inspiration, and fun! For more information or to sign up for an educational tour, call Appleseed at (877) 889-7150 or visit www.AppleseedExpeditions.com.

Exploring the Value of Field Trips

Field trips are more than just a break from a routine; they are highly anticipated experiences that allow students to apply their lessons learned in the classroom to the real world. Whether it involves spending a week in a far away city or taking a half-day getaway to a state park, the school outing will most likely be the most memorable experience for the students all year.

Class trips are highly beneficial for a student's academic career. When they are removed from the competitive pressures of the classroom, and are forced to relax their minds, this opens up a learning environment to challenge them in a fresh way. When students attend a field trip outside of their normal routine of formal instruction, they have the ability to see an even greater joy in education than they may find in a classroom.

Personal experiences through field trips will stimulate enthusiasm by reinforcing the printed material covered in class. Teachers can explain theoretical concepts using real life examples. This will help in enhancing the understanding of classroom lessons. By taking a trip to Crystal River and observing manatees, students will be more active in their quest to protect these endangered species. Visiting Ford Theater in D.C. will bring the assassination of President Lincoln to life.

Another important aspect is the bonding experience that takes place between peers and between students and teachers. A field trip allows students to connect to their classmates on a more personal level. By participating in group activities and experiences, the kids can also develop a sense of pride in their school and classmates. School outings can be a rewarding experience for an educator, allowing them to understand their students' personalities and interests. Moreover, the kids will see their teacher in a new light, and will encourage students to build a strong relationship with their teacher.

Field trips bring numerous benefits to the student. Stepping outside the classroom will reassure them of the importance of good behavior and showing their proper manners in a professional setting. Observing their environment rather than simply learning about it, will allow students to gain a better understanding of their community, and become a more active citizen. Trips may also spark an interest in a new hobby or future profession. All in all, field trips represent a creative teaching method that takes students out of the familiar class environment, and allows them to experience new and exciting things.

Do you have a desire to partner with Appleseed Expeditions for your next field trip? Many educators participate in class science trips that inspire marine conservation or history trips to bring textbooks to life. Through education, service, and adventure groups are able to receive a well-rounded trip full of learning, inspiration and fun! For more information or to sign up for an educational tour, call Appleseed at (877) 889-7150 or visit www.AppleseedExpeditions.com.