Connecting Field Trips and Family Interest

Graphical Abstract

Abstract

Protected lands such as wildlife sanctuaries, botanic gardens, and state and national parks are popular destinations for school groups. Prior to a field trip, educators may do preparatory assignments with students, recruit parents as chaperones, and host a ranger for a classroom visit. Inviting families to take part in park visits is a particularly promising strategy for connecting with caregivers who feel ill-at-ease in school buildings (e.g., see CommonSense.org on 8 Ways to Build Stronger Relationships with Latinx Families). Interactions in outdoor settings sidestep the formality of school-based meetings. To maximize the potential for family learning, we wanted a convenient, context- and place-appropriate way for educators and park rangers to open conversations about individuals’ and families’ interests.

Keywords:

• Middle School
• Elementary
• High School
• Informal Education
• Multilingual Learners
• Environmental Science
• STEM

Acknowledgments

The project—jointly led by researchers at TERC in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Winston-Salem State University—is made possible with support from the National Science Foundation DRL-1514776. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

We are grateful to data collectors and many park staff who have assisted and supported our work and to countless advisors who have contributed expertise and guidance. For their advice on culture, language, and design, we especially thank our TERC colleagues Sarah Hill, Nuria Jaumot-Pascual, Valerie Martin, Audrey Martinez-Gudapakkam, Sabrina de los Santos, Smirla Ramos-Montañez, and Tracey Wright. Opening photo credit: R. Torres Castillo.

Notes on contributors section

Martha Merson ([email protected]) is a project director at TERC.

Scott Pattison ([email protected]) is a research scientist at TERC.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Martha Merson

Martha Merson ([email protected]) is a project director at TERC.

Scott Pattison

Scott Pattison ([email protected]) is a research scientist at TERC.