Connecting STEM Learning Across Boundaries: Secondary Teachers' Experiences Facilitating Field Trips in Central California

• In Event: Explorations of STEM Education in Teacher Preparation and Teacher Experience

Abstract

Learning is not isolated to classrooms. Specific to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, reforms have called for engaging students in authentic learning experiences situated within their communities; field trips are one way to accomplish this goal. This study surveyed secondary STEM teachers to understand if and how they incorporated field trips, as well as perceived challenges and desired supports. We found that only one third of teachers reported taking a field trip in the past three years, with high school teachers doing so more often than middle school teachers. Major obstacles included funding, logistical planning, and activities to connect field trips to content learning. Teachers indicated additional curricular resources would make them more likely to take field trips.

Authors

• Alexandria K. Hansen, California State University - Fresno

• Alexandria Muller, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Quinn Camara, California State University - Fresno

• Prabhjot Kaur, California State University - Fresno

• Anahi Martinez, California State University - Fresno