Virtual Field Trip Resources - Bring The World to Your Classroom

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 Field trips have long been an important part of the learning experience for many students and schools. There are very few things that are more fun than taking a break from the normal routine for teachers and students. Amazing learning can also happen outside of the classroom. These experiences are still limited by time, space, and money. This is where virtual field trips can step in and fill in some gaps. Virtual field trips have incredible power to break down the walls of our classroom to engage students in exploring our world.
"Field trips are informal learning experiences that get students out into the world, exploring the world and students' interests. Trips to museums, parks, historical sites, and more show students that learning (and life) happens outside the classroom, too. During field trips, students discover new things and learn in authentic environments, placing classroom content into new contexts. Unfortunately, for many schools and students, field trips are rare (if they happen at all). Thankfully, there are great games, apps, and websites that can bring places and experiences fostered by field trips to the classroom. While not an outright replacement, these field trip tools can offer inspiring and intriguing experiences for students." (Common Sencse Media)
Here are a few of our favorite virtual field trip resources. As you explore, consider how you might use these resources to make connections to your curriculum as you engage students in making new local and global connections.

 Google Earth - Google Earth on the web has made some changes that make it a little less friendly for teachers and students to find what they need, but Google Earth can still be a great place to explore our world.
Google Earth Voyager already has some incredible virtual experiences ready for your students. My students love the Carmen Sandiego games and some of the quizzes that are built into Voyager. Google also has an incredible collection of resources that includes a searchable database of experiences. Teachers and students can even create their own virtual tours with Google Earth Projects. 

 YouTube VR - Explore YouTube 360 and 180 tours from around the world. The YouTube VR Home Page has some great tips on the different ways you can view VR on YouTube

 Google Arts and Culture Museum View - Explore panoramic views of famous sites in 360˚ Street View tours. I love the Versailles: the Palace is Yours tour.

Google Arts and Culture Street View - Tour famous sites and landmarks through street view and virtual tours. 

It's A Wonderful World - Google Arts and Culture wants to provide "All the inspiration you need to plan your next trip"
Google Art Project - Dive into culture and explore stories behind the art. Many stories include audio commentary. One of my favorites is the Water Tank Project.

 Google Applied Digital Skills Create a Guide to an Area - Research and organize information about a location to create an interactive guide. 

 Google Street View Gallery - Explore 360 views in Google Maps. Did you know that you can even create and contribute to Google Street View?  Be sure to explore the Google Maps Treks page to explore some incredible street view tours. Geoguessr and City Guesser are two additional great resources to engage students in exploring Google Street View.  

Create a Virtual Passport - Free Passport template from Slides Mania for virtual field trips or to collect badges or digital stickers!

Additional Virtual Field Trip Resources
What would you add to this list? How do you engage students in virtual experiences?

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