Finding ways to offer unique class experiences is a constant process of research. An interesting alternative is to go on a virtual field trip together.    

Getting out into the thick of things during Lockdown and the current state of affairs in the world is impossible for a large amount of us.    

Students (and teachers!) are at home for the most part, with the world feeling increasingly smaller, despite all the news relating to global affairs.    

With a possibly limited pool of tasks and activities to draw on to inspire engagement during class, the regular options may be starting to appear as uninspiring and hum-drum as ever.    

If you’re looking to bring a bit of life, awe and inspiration back to your class, we recommend a virtual field trip! With either all or just a few of the options below, you stand a chance to inspire some awe and wonder in your students again.    

Offering a new location, a fresh perspective and a change from the regular day to day of a blended learning environment.    

Below is a list of a few virtual tour options that caught our eye. We hope you and your students find these options of interest as well as some educational value. Offering a nice change from the regular.    

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Let’s have a look!    

1. A Virtual Field Trip to the Surface of Mars

Take a virtual field trip to explore the surface of Mars! This virtual tour of Mars is a fascinating and incredible experience. The alien planet and it’s unwelcoming terrain is interesting to see “up-close”.    

On this virtual tour, you’re able to follow the path that the Curiosity rover has travelled over the past years. Offering an incredible view of the planet. Bringing a powerful dimension of immersion to a lesson.    

(We knew that Mars was a dusty place, but just how dusty didn’t quite settle in!)    

Structuring a class (or six!) around the incredible planet and mankind's intentions for the future (as well as current advances in Space flight) could be a very interesting tool.    

Have a look through the eyes of Curiosity and inspire a sense of wonder in the worlds beyond.    

2. Dive into the Georgia Aquarium

The Natural world is one of delight and intrigue. Without the immersive and sensory engaging experience of travelling to and immersing yourself in different locations, online information and stimulus can become mundane.    

The delightful creatures of the Georgia Aquarium offer a way to break through this monotony. The array of webcams at the aquarium allows you and your class to watch their animals. Go on a virtual field trip together!    

Start off with the Beluga Whale Webcam and then travel to the other animal enclosures via their live web cams.    

Relight a spark of interest and delight in your students by setting a class with the animals whilst “at” the Zoo.    

These beautiful creatures have a way of breaking through the consistent screen time that is currently associated with learning. Bringing a sense of delight and wonder to the regular viewing again.    

3. A Tour of the National Museum of Natural History

A visit to the museum via your monitor.    

Tour the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and experience the exhibitions with your class.    

Opening with an incredible towering elephant, followed by three floors of incredible exhibitions. This virtual museum tour offers the chance to structure a series of classes around the various exhibits.    

The self navigating virtual tour of the museum is a great way to explore the exhibitions with your class and see the marvous of our historic and current world on display.    

And with the aid of a virtual map, you’re able to not get lost at the museum for once!    

4. Get into Google Earth Projects

If you’re looking to focus on particular natural elements, Google Earth Projects allows for the creation of experiences with Google Earth.    

Assemble an array of unique points of interest for your class, and conduct a lesson whilst touring the locations. You’re able to lead your class through the incredible virtual world of Google Earth with a direct and structured experience.    

Whether installed on a device or through the browser, Google Earth offers a powerful and immersive method of creating informative classes for your students.    

Visit this Google Earth Projects example to see what you may create, or view their how-to guide to find out how to get the best out of this cool tool.    

5. Visit The British Museum of London on a Virtual Field Trip

The British Museum of London has created a timeline of humanity, displaying the incredible and ancient creations of the past to the present.      

Starting from 5000 BC and spanning until 2000 AD, an array of significant historic and religious items are displayed. Along with their history and cultural significance.    

In contrast with the hopes and dreams of the future, taking a look at the past and the incredible progress that has been made can be a powerful tool. This focus on the creations of the past may help to inspire fresh perspective in your students.    

   The timeline covers an array of items with related information and location data. Providing a unique method of conducting a class with slight variation to the regular viewing!    

Further Inspiration

If you're looking for further inspiration, here are 10 great EduTwitter voices who provide insightful and interesting ideas for teachers.    

Onwards,    

Nicholas Norman    

The Mobile Guardian Team