This section defines electronic field trips and suggests some of the best of these scientific explorations.
Currently under way:
Wright Flyer Online: http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/aero/wright/
The 1903 Wright Flyer was flown by the Wright brothers in the first-ever powered flight. A full-sized replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer is being tested in a wind tunnel at NASA Ames Research Center. Use wind tunnel data from this project to do a variety of activities.
Recently completed:
Arctic Exploration Online: http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/arctic
An electronic field trip with NASA and the U.S. Coast Guard!! Travel up the coast of Alaska on the Polar Star. This trip features discussions with Coast Guard crew members, scientists, and residents of Alaska. It is also possible to follow the cruise track of the ship via NOAA satellites. This is another in the great field trips through NASA's Quest site.
Favorite Electronic Field Trips:
What Are Electronic Field Trips?
Electronic field trips are exciting adventures that expand learning beyond classroom walls. The projects are offered nationally and/or internationally. These adventures usually involve a combination of many of these features:
1) live television broadcasts that "teleport" learners to places of interest;
2) a Web site with activities and a teacher's guide;
3) access to experts who are willing to communicate with learners via e-mail;
4) an on-line discussion list for teachers involved in the field trip;
5) a print version of the teacher's guide, complete with blackline masters.
6) audio and video components you can use from the website, if you have the appropriate
"plug-ins" and the computer capacity to use them.
7) web "chats" and other online communications
These trips used to be free or available for a nominal fee. The best ones are still available at no cost. Unfortunately, other electronic field trips have become expensive and therefore often inaccessible to adult literacy programs. For that reason, those fee-bearing field trips are not recommended here.
The live television broadcasts have often given way to audio and video offerings within the website. Some of these programs are in real-time. A record of the material is kept at the website, even if the date of the broadcast has passed.
How Appropriate are the Activities for Adult Learners?
The suggested classroom activities are hands-on, involving reading, writing, math, and general problem-solving skills. The projects follow the national standards in science, math, language arts, and other subject areas. (Because the Internet is so rich in scientific material, the electronic field trips often have a scientific subject as a unifying theme) The activities are often multi-level, and usually seem appropriate to adult learners. Many of the projects address "parents and other life-long learners" on their website. The producers realize that many adults will be checking in as they cruise the Internet, so they try to appeal to a broad audience.
How Does One Arrange for the Live Television Broadcasts?
Many programs are carried over the NASA television feed. Other programs can be seen through the Public Broadcasting System. The state or local affiliate of the Public Broadcasting System will decide whether or not to carry the program through the local channels. Often the broadcast is only available via satellite. In this case, the electronic field trip producers will provide you with the satellite coordinates for the programs. The media department of the local community college should be able to assist instructors in providing a downlink of the broadcast. (other sources might be the K-12 school district or cable station) Tapes often may be made free of charge for participating schools and stations. Commercial tapes of the broadcasts are often available at a later time. It is obviously most exciting to participate in the live broadcast: often there will be the opportunity for learners to ask questions during the live broadcast (via e-mail or telephone). However, taped versions of the programs still provide great windows on the world.
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How Do We Find Out About Field
Trips?
1) One of the best sources of information about electronic field trips is through NASA.
2) Nova, the science television production of WGBH Boston and PBS, has a series of real-time explorations called NOVA/PBS Online Adventures. There is a website for each field expedition, providing background information, related activities, and the opportunity for e-mail communication with scientists in the field. The television component is transmitted via the NOVA on-air program. Find out the information about past, present and future online adventures here. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/adventures
3) The Public Broadcasting System has sponsored many fascinating electronic field trips in the past. Some of these are still available online.
This electronic field trip had a fee for participation; now that the event is over, one can gain free access to some of the activities and information.
This electronic field trip was a part of the 1995-1996 season. Many of the activities and background information resources are still available and useful.