A Review of the Use and Implementation of Science Field Trips

Field trips have become a popular component of many nonformal science education programs. Teachers, principals and parents typically value the field trip experience. They support the periodic use of this nonformal learning experience for its affective benefits with the assumption that cognitive gains are also achieved. But is this belief supported with accurate accounts of cognitive and affective improvements? This review begins with a brief historical view of field trips, summarizes various studies of the implementation of science field trips, and provides suggestions for integrating field trips into the science curriculum.