Virtual Field Trips

I steal so much good stuff!  Field trips are hard to come by these days.  I remember going on field trips to the Campus Martius Museum, the Cook House, and even to Washington D.C. in sixth grade!  Kids don't get many of these experiences because of budget cuts and time requirements during the school day.  Although it is not the same as being there in person, many virtual field trips provide great visual aids for students.  I recently stole a few from a fellow blogger that I thought you might enjoy.

UPM- Forest Life-  This is one of the best virtual field trips I have seen!  It teaches the children about conservation practices while allowing them to explore nature on a walk through the forest.  Great, great, great site!   http://w3.upm-kymmene.com/upm/forestlife/index.html

Smithsonian- Of course anything that has to do with the Smithsonian is going to be great.  The children can virtually walk through the museum and look at the different exhibits.  You can even interact with some. http://www.mnh.si.edu/panoramas/#

PlanetInAction-     Use Google Earth to go on different adventures in the classroom through this website.  http://planetinaction.com/places.htm 

ARSights- I haven't tried this, but the website says that you can view 3D buildings on your desk  Yes, I mean beside your computer...not on your desktop in your computer!  Go to the website and watch the video explaining what you need to do.  You will need to download their software, print off a piece of paper so it knows where to postition the building, and you will need a webcam.  I really want to test this out!  http://www.arsights.com/index.php