Skip to main content

Documenting a Field Trip

Before you go on a field trip, think of some ways to document it for follow-up work in the classroom.

Documenting a Field Trip

Before you take a field trip, think of some ways to document your field trip. This is useful for documentation purposes and it can be useful for follow-up work that you might require your students to complete, such as a field trip report. Here are some ideas to help you do this:

  • Photos. Pictures are a great way to document a field trip. Consider providing each student with a single use or disposable camera. In addition to being quite inexpensive, you don't have to worry about them becoming lost.
  • Video. A video camera is another great way to document a field trip. Designate a camera operator for the day so that you are free to manage the field trip. The downside of using a video camera is that they are expensive and on a field trip there are usually lots of opportunities to lose or damage one.
  • Notes. Providing your students with a simple notepad or sketchpad is also a good way to have them document the field trip. Of course, you need to make sure they understand what kind of notes or sketches you want them to make!
  • Programs, maps, or pamphlets. If your field trip destination provides programs, maps, brochures, or other documents, take some copies home with you as documentation of your trip.
  • Exercises. If you have developed exercises that you want students to complete during the field trip, they can also serve as your documentation of the trip.
After you have completed a field trip, have your students complete any work you planned for the trip, such as writing a report or completing exercises. Consider having each student prepare a mini-report or scrapbook page for the trip by using photos they captured during the trip, along with captions or written descriptions.

Join the Family

Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning.

Subscribe