"Field Trip Fiesta on a Shoestring!"

All grades Lesson 80 minutes

"Field Trip Fiesta on a Shoestring!"

Michelle W

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.7

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.7

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.7

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to immerse students in a multidisciplinary exploration of their local environment, connecting core subjects such as science, social studies, art, wellness, and English through outdoor field trips. By collaborating with community partners like the Medicine Hat Parks Department, students will engage in research projects that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. This approach fosters self-directed learning and a strong academic mindset, enabling students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world contexts while reflecting on their experiences.

Learning goals

Students will conduct a short research project by exploring a local park with the Medicine Hat Parks Department, investigating how the environment changes with the seasons. They will gather data through observation, interviews, and multimedia sources to answer the essential question of integrating core subjects into outdoor field trips. Students will collaboratively create a presentation or report that integrates science, social studies, art, wellness, and English, demonstrating their understanding and proposing ways to protect the local environment. Through self-directed learning, students will utilize feedback and reflection to enhance their academic mindset and critical thinking skills.

Standards

[Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.7 - Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
[Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.7 - Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., read a number of books on a single topic to produce a report; record science observations).
[Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.7 - Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.

Competencies

Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create a collaborative field journal documenting their observations of seasonal changes in the local environment, integrating sketches, written reflections, and data collected from their field trip. They will also develop a community presentation or digital story, showcasing their findings and proposing actionable steps to protect local ecosystems, which will be shared with the Medicine Hat Parks Department. Additionally, students will engage in a peer-feedback session to refine their projects, fostering self-directed learning and critical thinking.

Launch

Start the learning experience with a guided nature walk in a local park, led by a representative from the Medicine Hat Parks Department. Students will observe and document seasonal changes, plant and animal life, and human impact on the environment. Encourage them to ask questions and sketch their observations, laying the groundwork for research projects that integrate science, social studies, and art. This immersive activity will foster critical thinking and a sense of belonging to their community.

Exhibition

Students will organize an outdoor exhibition at a local park in partnership with the Medicine Hat Parks Department. Each grade level will present a project that integrates science, social studies, art, wellness, and English, focusing on topics such as local biodiversity, historical landmarks, and community wellness initiatives. The exhibition will feature interactive displays, student-led tours, and creative presentations that highlight their research and insights. This event will enable students to showcase their learning and engage with the community, promoting a shared appreciation for local natural and cultural resources.

Learning Journey

Project Activities

Activities

Guided Nature Walk

Activity

Begin the learning experience with a guided nature walk in a local park facilitated by a representative from the Medicine Hat Parks Department, where students will observe and document seasonal changes in the environment, noting plant and animal life.

Observation Documentation

Activity

Students will sketch and write observations in a collaborative field journal, focusing on seasonal changes and questions that arise during the nature walk.

Plan

Activities	Guided Nature Walk Activity Observation Documentation Activity
Preparation