Field Trip FAQ
We recommend students bring a water bottle, weather-appropriate clothing, and sunscreen. Lunch is not provided. If your group is participating in Native Games 1 or 2, close-toed shoes are required. Handouts and pencils are provided; however, some groups like to bring their own journals.
Stations are designed for a maximum of 20 students at a time. However, we can accommodate up to 28 students for some stations, with additional chaperones. Certain field trip stations have a maximum capacity of 20 students; this is due to state regulations or to preserve the quality and safety of our programs and is therefore not flexible. Depending on the age of your students, we may ask you to divide your classroom into smaller groups.
Yes, ideally there will be one adult chaperone for every 10 students. A student who requires an aide in the classroom will also need their aide on the field trip.
We know a lot about Native history and the Corps of Discovery, but you know your students. We ask that teachers, parents, counselors, or other adult chaperones help to monitor and guide behavior so that we can focus on teaching and creating a fun and safe experience for every student. Please ask chaperones to leave phones and other distractions in their bags except for emergencies; engaged adults are great models for student behavior.
Our field trip topics are designed to be 50 minutes each. Shorter amounts of time mean less content is covered and is not recommended.
We highly recommend that you select field trips intended for the appropriate age group. Field trips are designed with specific content and curriculum standards in mind. It is difficult for us to improvise appropriate content material.
A staff person will meet your bus at the bus parking lot for a quick, five-minute introduction of the park and expectations. Teachers will receive an agenda and any other necessary materials. We encourage teachers to assign their students to groups before arrival. Below you’ll find a sample schedule for a 2.5-hour field trip with three rotations:
XYZ School
Friday, September 4, 2020
(60 students, 4th grade)
Field Trip Agenda:
| 9 – 9:05 | Welcome, introduction, expectations |
| 9:05 – 9:50 | Group 1: Archaeology Walk Group 2: Replicas Group 3: Native Games |
| 9:50 – 9:55 | Transition to second station |
| 9:55 – 10:40 | Group 1: Native Games Group 2: Archaeology Walk Group 3: Replicas |
| 10:40 – 10:45 | Transition to third station |
| 10:45 – 11:30 | Group 1: Replicas Group 2: Native Games Group 3: Archaeology Walk |
| 11:30 | Students eat picnic lunch in the park |