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Field trip verses CBI. Review CBI Checklists Middle and High School

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Field trip verses CBI. Review CBI Checklists Middle and High School

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Please follow the CBI criteria. Remember CBI must be linked to the student's IEP, students are assigned quarterly to a volunteer site for repeated practice, parents are given a weekly student CBI schedule. If last-minute changes are made to the schedule, you must contact the parent for verbal permission to go off campus. Parents must know what days, times, locations, staffing, and transportation to CBI locations.

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Field trip forms must be used at the Elementary Level for all off-campus activities.

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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 requires states to start transition planning for students with disabilities by the time they turn 16. Transition assessments are a key part of this process and help students identify their interests, strengths, needs, and preferences. This information helps IEP teams provide support and services that match the student's needs.

Transition assessments can be incredibly beneficial for students under 16 who are preparing to enter high school. Here are some key reasons why:

1.     Identify Strengths and Interests: Transition assessments can help students identify their strengths, skills, and interests. This understanding can guide them in choosing the right classes, extracurricular activities, or even career pathways in high school.

2.     Set Goals: These assessments can help students set realistic academic and personal goals for their high school years, encouraging them to think about what they want to achieve.

3.     Personalized Education Plans: Schools can use the information from transition assessments to create personalized education plans that cater to each student's needs. This can be particularly beneficial for students with disabilities or special needs.

4.     Improve Self-Awareness: Transition assessments often encourage students to reflect on their learning styles, preferred environments, and other personal attributes. This increased self-awareness can lead to more informed decisions about their education.

5.     Facilitate Communication with Educators and Parents: The results of these assessments can serve as a valuable communication tool between students, teachers, and parents, helping everyone understand the student's aspirations and needs.

6.     Reduce Anxiety and Uncertainty: Transitioning to high school can be a stressful experience for many students. Having a clearer sense of direction can reduce anxiety and make the transition smoother.

7.     Promote Early Career Exploration: Some transition assessments include career exploration elements, giving students a head start in considering different career paths and the educational requirements for those careers.

8.     Enhance Social-Emotional Skills: Many transition assessments also look at social-emotional skills, which are critical for success in high school. Understanding and developing these skills early on can lead to better social interactions and academic success.

By completing transition assessments before high school, students can enter this new phase of their education with a clearer sense of purpose and a roadmap to help guide them. This proactive approach can lead to more successful and fulfilling high school experiences.

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Please follow the CBI criteria. Remember CBI must be linked to the student's IEP, students are assigned quarterly to a volunteer site for repeated practice, parents are given a weekly student CBI schedule. If last-minute changes are made to the schedule, you must contact the parent for verbal permission to go off campus. Parents must know what days, times, locations, staffing, and transportation to CBI locations.

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Middle School Career Experience Timeline

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Middle School Career Experience Timeline

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Transition Guide - Post-Secondary Education & Training - I'm Determined

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A transition guide to help you or someone you love transition to post-secondary education and training for a self-determined future.

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Click the link. Create a free account, free resources. Examples below.

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KidsGardening - Helping Young Minds Grow

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Why is gardening with children important and what are the benefits of school gardens for kids? Learn more about how gardens help kids thrive!

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Quick Reference Guide Student Centered IEP's

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Quick Reference Guide Student Centered IEP's

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Free Life Skills Scope and Sequence Ideas only

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Free Life Skills Scope and Sequence Ideas only

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The links will take you to TpT. The scope and sequence is to provide ideas for teachers when planning.

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Community based instruction is a hot topic right now, and so many teachers that I have talked to have told me that their schools do not have field trips. This is a HUGE ISSUE for your students, and YOU can convince administration by planning ahead and advocating for your students!

First things first, How did I get my school to approve field trips? This is THE NUMBER ONE QUESTION that gets emailed and messaged to me! In my first school (collaborative setting), field trips were a given, they understood the importance, and gave us what we needed to make them work (a LITTLE bit of money, transportation, and weekly trips). At my new school (public), field trips at the elementary level were not a given. I knew I had to make this happen, but I had to get all my ducks in a row FIRST. Do not just go down and ask your principal without data, plans, and goals for your students. PREP first.

I waited until half way through the school year to collect what I needed to make this work. I created my field trip units, talked with parents at meetings about what their kids NEED when in the community, created goals and data sheets for each student, gathered a bunch of blog posts on community based instruction for special education classrooms, and explained how I could make it work in OUR community.

I did my research first. I knew the middle school used a community van that the teachers drove. I knew there was a schedule for the van we would have to fit into. I knew there was probably NO money for the trips in the budget. I knew what to expect for questions from administration and had all my answers ready. I was ready to appear CLEAR, and thoughtfully planned.

For me, I knew my parents WANTED the trips. They were willing to spend 5-10 dollars a week to support our trips.(make sure to watch the video at the end to find out how other teachers raised money and got CREATIVE). So funding wasn't too hard. We occasionally would get funding for our grocery or lowes trip and even had our principal join us on a few trips to watch the amazing happen!

Another GREAT solution to no funding is scavenger hunts. We don't HAVE to SPEND MONEY on a community trip. You can visit the grocery store, CVS, bank, etc.... and use scavenger hunts to drive your instruction (many are included in my community units!)

The trips aren't just for the kids, they are for the COMMUNITY, too. What better was to raise acceptance than to bring your kids out in the community to learn. Almost always, the community helpers are GREAT with my kids. When they are not, I consider it an eye opening learning opportunity for them.

When at a cash register or ordering food, remind the worker to be patient, look at the student for replies, not at you (this one drives me nuts, but is a learning opportunity for the worker too & hopefully they won't forget it next time).

I also make a lot of phone calls to explain that we will be coming to a certain location for a trip, I tell them what skills we are working on and ask what time is best for them to be patient and able to focus a little extra attention on us. The community responds BEAUTIFULLY to this, and often will offer discounts or let us come for free. These phone calls are so worth it to build the relationships. I love finding friendly places we can visit again and again!

So, you did it! You got your field trips approved. Now you have to prep your students, you can't just bring them to the community cold turkey! For our first trip of the year, we ALWAYS do the grocery store. It is QUICK, it's EASY and grocery stores are usually the most familiar trip to students.

The grocery trip also segways nicely into our cooking units, We cut up the recipes from my Simple Recipes unit and used that as our shopping list!

I also use the binders/ file folders from my Grocery Store Field Trip companion to practice identifying grocery store items, stocking shelves, getting familiar with vocabulary and just prepping for the trip!

For a successful field trip, I MUST HAVE VISUALS. My visuals ring is a life saver in the community! You can read more about how I use these visuals, here.

And the visuals and task analysis that come with my community companion sets are great for specific trips that need a lot of direction & for when you want to limit verbal cues to increase independence!

Have you blabbed with us? The Let's Talk Sped blab group was so excited to talk about how we all organize, prep, and successfully get our community trips approved! You got teachers from ALL levels here (k to high school!)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NXzmR8hMeM]

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Life Skills Field Trips & How to Plan Them - Simply Special Ed

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Community based instruction is a hot topic right now, and so many teachers that I have talked to have told me that their schools do not have field trips. This is a HUGE ISSUE for your students, and YOU can convince administration by planning ahead and advocating for your students!

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Ben's Bells works to find funding sources for schools who are not able to cover the cost of a Field Trip. Please fill out the form below to be added to a list for consideration on a first come, first served basis. This does not guarantee that funding will become available, but we will work throughout the school year to potentially secure funding sources in order to increase program access. We will be in touch should funding become available. Funding does not include transportation.

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Ben's Bells Field Trips are a terrific opportunity to learn about intentional kindness, and participate in a community service project!

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Parents and caregivers have certain goals in mind when their children go to school. In order for your child to achieve these goals, there are certain decisions that you, as a parent, will have to make along the way.

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Student Involvement in the IEP - Video Modules - I'm Determined

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Students can learn important self-determination skills by attending and participating in their IEP process. These modules give youth, educators, and families tips on how to increase student involvement.

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Tucson Botanical Gardens was ranked #4 in the Nation!

10 Best Dismiss Notice

Request a Field Trip

After you submit this form, a member of our Education team will contact you with instructions on how to finalize your group order.

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Field Trip Request - Tucson Botanical Gardens

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After you submit this form, a member of our Education team will contact you with instructions on how to finalize your group order.

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Self Advocacy Videos for Elementary Students in 2022

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Check out these engaging and informative self advocacy videos for elementary students in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade!

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Adaptable for all levels of learners

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You searched for one pagers - I'm Determined

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Self-determination pushes a student to achieve based on intrinsic motivation rather than relying on external rewards. A self-determined student takes action based on an understanding of options and with specific goals in mind. Self-determination instruction is often used with students who have special needs and may improve success as an adult, according to the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition. Students need a supportive environment to develop self-determination skills.

Implement Goal Setting

Students face a number of standards and expectations set by teachers, but they may not have a chance to set their own goals. Letting the students take an active role in goal setting makes those aspirations relevant, personal and motivating. A student is more likely to achieve a goal he helps create, according to the American Psychological Association. Effective goal setting involves breaking down the big goal into measurable and actionable steps. For example, if a student's goal is to become more involved in class, the steps might be to clear the student's desk, have all necessary materials on hand and focus attention on the person who is talking.

Give Choices

Making choices and asserting preferences is a key component to self-determination. In learning to make choices, students take control over learning and actions. Students often lack choice in the classroom, with specific assignments that follow strict guidelines. While structure and consistency is necessary in the classroom, giving students some choice improve self-determination. One example of incorporating choice into the classroom is to list several project options, with the students choosing one of the options to demonstrate learning. To effectively make choices, students need to identify the options, compare them and make a decision.

The classroom provides students with a safe place to learn, but students also need a chance to take risks within that safe environment. Students with disabilities in particular are often sheltered or protected from the chance to fail, but kids often learn from actions that aren't considered successful. Instead of shying away from a child's limitations and keeping the student from certain activities, the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition recommends discussing those issues with the student. With an understanding of how his limitations might affect him, the student is better able to evaluate situations and take risks.

Problem Solve

Teaching students how to solve problems on their own gives them the tools to become self-determined. If teachers and parents constantly resolve situations for students, those kids never get a chance to compromise or think of their own solutions. Role playing is a way to practice problem solving in the classroom. Kids get a chance to try out different solutions to common situations, such as bullying or having a disagreement with a friend. When a real-life problem happens in the classroom, walk the students through the situation without solving the problem for them. You might say, "You two are fighting over the same book. What do you think we should do about this? Can you think of a way that both of you can feel satisfied?" Help the students talk through the consequences of potential solutions.

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Ways to Increase Self-Determination Skills in Students

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Ways to Increase Self-Determination Skills in Students. Self-determination pushes a student to achieve based on intrinsic motivation rather than relying on external rewards. A self-determined student takes action based on an understanding of options and with specific goals in mind. Self-determination instruction is ...

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Self-Determination Middle and High School

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Self-Determination Middle and High School

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Self-Determination for Middle and High School Students

Why is self-determination important?

Life has more meaning for all of us if we can have control over our daily activities, be respected for our choices about how we think and feel, and be considered a contributing and valuable member of our community. What may initially be perceived as a negative behavior related to disability, can many times be the result of the frustration and anger of students with disabilities who feel they are not being heard. Without self-determination as a primary goal and focus of the transition planning process, youth with disabilities have a higher risk of falling victim to abuse, neglect, and discrimination.

IDEA acknowledges the importance of self-determination through the 2004 amendment that requires students to be invited to their IEP meetings. When youth with disabilities exercise personal control over their lives, they learn to take responsibility for their actions and experience the outcomes of their choices.

How early can teachers, parents, and other adults involved in the lives of children and youth with disabilities start teaching self-determination?

Self-Determination begins at birth. All children need to learn about who they are and how they can act or react to life events in order to become self-determined. Children who are given choices about simple decisions in their lives such as what food to eat, what clothes to wear, and what to do for fun, will also experience consequences for their choices. They learn at a very early age that they do have control and responsibility for their lives.

Parents can begin at home by listening and providing feedback to their children so that they understand their options and can use problem-solving skills to resolve issues. This not only builds self-esteem and self-advocacy skills, but also helps to develop the analytical skills and self-awareness needed for independence and interdependence.

Teachers can start very early in the school setting by helping each student understand how they learn and what the options are for expressing what they learn. Youth need teaching and learning methods, as well as experiential and hands-on opportunities to understand their disability and how it affects everything from work to relationship building. They need to understand their learning styles, strengths, and interests. They also need to have a chance to develop their own values.

Parents, teachers, community members, peers, and others need education and support to learn how to balance supporting youth with disabilities to achieve success. Youth also need to be given opportunities to take risks and to learn from natural consequences.

Does a person need certain abilities to become self-determined? What are some ways that teachers and parents can provide opportunities for youth with significant disabilities to develop self-determination skills?

It is important to understand that self-determination is not just a verbal response to choice. Self-Determination is also an intrinsic need of human beings, an "innate natural propensity to engage in one's interests and exercise one's capacities and in so doing, to seek and conquer optimal challenges" (Deci & Ryan, 1985, p. 11). Never assume that the disability is too severe for communication to take place. Often it is lack of access to opportunities, not the disability, which prevents a person from being self-determined.

If an individual can benefit from an assistive technology communication device, request an assessment and use the recommended technology for communication. However, even if an individual is not using a communication tool, his or her body language, facial expressions, and behaviors will provide messages of choice, satisfaction, and future needs.

At home and in school, part of the parents' and teachers' role can be to listen and observe the reactions and actions of persons with severe disabilities and begin compiling a history of expressed choices, wants, and needs. These can be incorporated into self-determination goals on the IEP with specific steps to achieve those goals.

How does culture influence perspectives on self-determination?

A common goal of most cultures is that our children and youth grow to be responsible and caring adults within their community, clan, extended family, or other configuration of culture. Many Native American or clan cultures have rights of passage ceremonies or events that promote a sense of independence, autonomy, and mastery. The key difference within a clan culture is that an individual's sense of self is connected to the entire community and that choices and goals are built around the needs of the entire community.

The terms "self-determination" and "independence" may not be used within a clan culture. Elders and other family members may in fact be the ones who make decisions and guide the younger members of that culture toward the future. For teachers and other adults who work with youth with disabilities, this may mean that the family, especially the elders, are included in discussions about self-determination and self-advocacy and that culturally specific rights of passage or rituals become part of the transition and IEP planning process. It may mean that the transition team begins the discussion by asking the elders what the ultimate goal is for all youth within their culture, and what they do to build a sense of self and community in their culture's youth.

How can teachers and adult service providers continue to promote self-determination and work with families when there is disagreement over services and supports?

Start with the family's understanding of self-determination. Each family, regardless of culture or educational level, will have their own values, priorities, and dreams for the future of their child. Educate parents and family members, along with their child, about the value of self-determination as it relates to normal child and adolescent development. Draw them into this through their own life experience.

Build safety nets for parents. Some resistance may come from fear of failure, fear of abuse, the vulnerability of their child, and fear of losing their role as advocate for their child's rights. Some parents may feel it is their responsibility to defend and protect their child, and many have had to work very hard to learn multiple systems and to fight for services and supports for their child. Changing roles and shifting that responsibility to their child does not happen quickly. If parents learn the value and long-term outcomes of self-determination (no matter how severe the disability of their child), they will be more likely to work with professionals to promote these skills and opportunities. Helping children and youth with disabilities to communicate with their parents can also help parents listen to their own child's needs.

Does self-determination mean that a child or youth no longer relies on or receives support from parents, other caring adults, or friends who are involved in their lives?

No, self-determination requires ongoing support for all of us. Adults with or without a disability may continue to seek assistance and support from others, personally and professionally. Self-Determination is not meant to be isolating. None of us are completely independent and it is healthy to seek advice and information from others in order to make informed decisions and ensure that success can be achieved.

Youth will need mentors and caring adults in their lives who provide ongoing support for them to take risks, build resilience amidst failure, speak assertively, and to develop the internal self-determination characteristics and the external self-advocacy communication skills needed for success.

What are ways that schools and communities can create learning opportunities for self-determination?

All children and youth will benefit from efforts to increase self-determination. Schools and communities can develop policies and practices for all youth that create a climate of youth leadership versus youth compliance. It is imperative that youth have opportunities for involvement in interactive leadership groups, both those that are primarily for youth and with youth, as well as those that include adults in the community.

One of the ways that all youth learn self-determination is through peer interaction. One method of encouraging this is to develop peer social groups that have a purpose or goal that is not disability-focused. This could include community service projects, career development exploration, study circles to discuss and share current thoughts regarding events in school, or involvement in school and community advisory groups. Providing ongoing opportunities for youth with disabilities to interact and gain a sense of purpose and value will increase self-determination skills and competencies.

In addition, all states must have state and local district Special Education Advisory Councils. Some have additional committees focused on transition. Including youth with disabilities on these committees and councils can increase their understanding of policy and how they can use their own experiences to influence program improvements and self-determination. Many schools have developed site-based management teams or councils as well. Again, including youth with disabilities on these will not only provide the youth with leadership opportunities, but will assist the school in understanding disability issues. Be sure to assign mentors to youth to help them learn how to participate and be effective.

Finally, use the IEP as a tool to set long-range goals with steps to achieve those goals and to build programs and services around an individual's choices. Functional skills are greatly enhanced when a young adult's level of satisfaction and sense of personal control are high.

What are the effective system change strategies developed by states that can be used to increase youth involvement and self-determination?

The Robert Wood Johnson foundation funded 19 state self-determination projects in 1996. Strategies gleaned from these projects include:

Flexibility: allowing local providers the opportunity to utilize their own resources in ways that will benefit their unique program, school, or community;

Staff Leadership: reliance upon identified staff to lead the systems change process;

Focus on Individuals: an approach that focuses on the needs of individuals rather than programs;

Pilot Projects: implementation through pilot projects designed to test new structures, policies, and practices before they are brought to the whole system;

System-wide Organization: implementation through system-wide organization that changes the structure and functioning of the entire service system;

Long-term Capacity: conceptualizing change as the development of a long-term capacity to support individuals in their communities, as well as schools;

Bottom-up and Top-down: addressing change from the bottom up and top down by focusing on both the individual and state policy administrators at the same time; from the grassroots level to state officials to legislators;

Rules and Regulations: changing rules and regulations when they get in the way or do not adequately support self-determination; and

Purpose and Goals: consciously communicating a clear sense of purpose and identifying short-term goals and achievements.

How does the development of self-determination skills support students' capabilities as effective decision-makers during their Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings?

Youth are more likely to participate as effective decision-makers during their IEP meetings when they:

understand their disability

learn how that disability will affect their dreams of college, work, independent living, and relationships

build the confidence to communicate their dreams and needs

Working with teachers, parents, family members, and others to develop these skills promotes a sense of control and a belief that others will listen and support their decision- making. Since part of transition planning and self-determination allows youth with disabilities to explore, try new approaches to learning, take risks, and learn from mistakes, youth and families can assume a more participatory role.

References

The following sources were cited in this Frequently Asked Questions. For additional research and resources, see our links to other pages on this topic below.

Deci, E. & Ryan, R. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. New York: Plenum.

Other pages on this topic:

Other topics:

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Life has more meaning for all of us if we can have control over our daily activities, be respected for our choices about how we think and feel, and be considered a contributing and valuable member of our community.

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All students can participate in self-determination

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All students can participate in self-determination

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All Students can Participate in Self-Determination

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Special education teacher talks about how her approach to her job has changed since I'm Determined, and how important it is for students to be aware and involved in their disabilities.

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Instructional Activities to Promote Self- Determination

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Instructional Activities to Promote Self- Determination

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Instructional Activities to Promote Self PPT

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The Best Me I Can Be is a film that highlights the efforts of DC students, parents, and schools to increase the involvement of youth with disabilities in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and prepare them to take a more active role in planning for their futures. The five film modules show how involving students in the IEP process increases student engagement, empowers students to achieve their goals, and prepares youth to successfully transition to adulthood.

Module 1

Module 2

Module 3

Module 4

Module 5

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The Best Me I Can Be is a film that highlights the efforts of DC students, parents, and schools to increase the involvement of youth with disabilities in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and prepare them to take a more active role in planning for their futures.

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 This letter is an example and should be edited to meet your classroom needs. Used for CBI or can be modified for Field trips.

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 This letter is an example and should be edited to meet your classroom needs. Used for CBI or can be modified for Field trips.

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CBI Parent Permission Participation English/Spanish. 

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CBI Parent Permission Participation English/Spanish. 

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*Check with your principal.  Middle school should use CBI forms, however, each school may require you to also fill out Field trip Forms.

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Example Shopping Daily Ticket Lesson Plan

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Additional Forms : CBI Photo Video Permission. 

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Additional Forms : CBI Photo Video Permission. 

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Growing Forward: Growing Forward is a two-hour, field trip-based K-2 agriculture education program during which students move through stations on the farm learning about food production, soil science, composting, vermicomposting, nutrition, and whole grains. Kids will spend time on the farm doing farm chores" (planting, harvesting, watering, etc.), participate in a vegetable "scavenger hunt" (veggie ID) on the farm, learn about the wonderful world of worms, feed the chickens, learn about the importance of eating whole grains, milk Gerdie our mechanical milking cow while learning about calcium and protein, and enjoy one or more healthy farm-fresh snacks.

The cost is $7/student; adults are always free. Email tvf.fieldtrips@gmail.com for more information.
Register Now!
520-626-7155

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Growing Forward: Growing Forward is a two-hour, field trip-based K-2 agriculture education program during which students move through stations on the farm learning about food production, soil science, composting, vermicomposting, nutrition, and whole grains.

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Field Trips, Outreach, and Teacher Resources

Self-guided visits to the Museum are scheduled year-round. Classes, labs, and outreach programs feature live animals and Museum artifacts, are offered in English or Spanish, and are correlated with the Arizona Academic Standards in Science.

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Self-guided visits to the Museum are scheduled year-round. Classes, labs, and outreach programs feature live animals and Museum artifacts, are offered in English or Spanish, and are correlated with the Arizona Academic Standards in Science.

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Learn more information about field study trips and classroom programs available for elementary, middle, and high school students.

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K-12 School Tours - Tucson Museum of Art

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The Museum offers a variety of programs for students to learn about art, history, and culture. Whether it is a docent-led tour complete with hands-on art project or a self-guided tour of a special exhibition and a selection of the permanent collection, students will have the opportunity to explore one of Tucson's treasures.

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Children's Museum Tucson | Tucson, AZ 85701

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Southern Arizona's interactive museum for children. Children's Museum Tucson provides fun, play-based, hands-on learning experiences for children and their families. Guided tours for groups available. Air-conditioned. Nonprofit. The Museum is currently open Monday-Sunday from 9-5pm. Admission is half-price after 3 pm weekdays for our MyTime Inclusion Program.

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Every year, local teachers choose one of our six structured educational programs to offer as a field trip for their students. Teachers, children, and parents come to the canyon, in groups of up to 50 students , to learn from our naturalists through hands-on lessons, field activities and a nature walk.

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Cooper Center for Environmental Learning

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In-Person Programs At Camp Cooper

The Cooper Center for Environmental Learning is an outreach program of the University of Arizona College of Education, in partnership with Tucson Unified School District. We work to increase ecological understanding and deepen feelings for nature. We do this by providing hands-on, research-based programs in science and earth education, by creating lifelong memories, and by inspiring learners of all ages to live more lightly and sustainably on the Earth.

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The Cooper Center for Environmental Learning is an outreach program of the University of Arizona College of Education, in partnership with Tucson Unified School District. We work to increase ecological understanding and deepen feelings for nature.

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Sweetwater Wetlands Loop | A Nature Walk in Tucson, AZ | 10Adventures

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Roam around one of Tucson’s most important environmental and educational natural areas on the Sweetwater Wetlands Loop, where reclaimed water hosts a wetland.

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We offer a variety of resources and discounts for teachers that are sure to create memorable learning experiences for students K-12. A field trip to the Reid Park Zoo is just one of the fun ways to ignite your students' interest in wildlife, conservation, and science!
Looking for a way to engage your students when you cannot come to the Zoo? Click here to learn about VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS and additional resources available to you from Reid Park Zoo.
Want to Visit the Zoo?

Self-Guided School Field Trips

Did you know school groups who come to the Zoo during the regular school day are eligible for free self-guided trips? It's true! To receive this discount, self-guided trips must be reserved at least 30 days in advance to secure the date. Please be aware March-May fills up fast! To ease frustrations during the registration process, please submit as soon as possible.
Self-Guided Field Trip Details: Request Your FREE Self-Guided Field-Trip Today!
Educator-Led Field Trips

Make your students' visit to Reid Park Zoo a true learning experience by selecting one of the available Zoo Adventure Program (ZAP) topics listed below. The ZAP program curriculum is designed to align with current state and federal science standards and provide a fun and memorable field trip for your students.
Zoo Adventure Program (ZAP) Details:

Grades K-12 students only
(a self-guided trip or Zoo to You Outreach is best for preschool groups)

45-minute program featuring LIVE animal ambassadors

1 adult REQUIRED for every 5 children, adults outside the 1:5 ratio will not be able to join the program.

Must take place on a weekday (Mon.-Fri.) during the traditional school year (Aug.-May.) with a start time of 9:30 or 10:00.

40 people maximum for most programs (students and chaperones). Animal Food and Nutrition and Animal Health Care ZAPs have a 30 person limit per program.

Large groups will be scheduled into back-to-back programs automatically. For example: for a group of 80 people in the 9:30 timeslot, we will schedule programs for groups of 40 at 9:30 - 10:15 and 10:15-11:00. Reid Park Zoo Staff will work with you as needed based on your group's size. Please note for groups larger than 160 people, we will need to schedule an additional, extra day to accommodate your group.

Must be booked 30 days in advance

$8.00 per person (student AND adults/teachers within a 1:5 ratio of adults to students)

Additional chaperones outside the 1:5 ratio will need to pay regular zoo admission and will not join the program but can join the group after the program.
Grant funding is available to cover program fees for the 2023-2024 school year for Arizona Title 1 Schools. This year's funding was provided by: Southwest Gas, the Kasser Family, Geico, Seger Family Foundation, and the William E. Hall Foundation held at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona. Chaperones outside the 1:5 ratio will need to pay regular Zoo admission and will not be able to join the program.

Minimum program price $160.00

Additional activities available for purchase: Giraffe Encounters, Train Rides, and Carousel

Programs will focus on the topic of your choice and will include fun activities and presentations with live animal ambassadors.
Zoo Adventure Program (ZAP) Topics:

Habitats (designed for all ages): Learn what an animal needs in its habitat and how animals survive in the desert, rainforest and savanna habitats.

Adaptations (designed for all ages): Learn about adaptations that help wild animals survive and how people can be inspired by nature's survival tips.

Zoo 101 (designed for all ages): Caring for the animals that call the Zoo home is a big job! Learn how we do it and why what we do is so important.

Animal Food and Nutrition - Feeding A Zoo (designed for all ages, 20 people per program limit): Omnivore, herbivore, carnivore, or insectivore? During this program, your group will take a peek at what some of the animals at the Zoo eat and meet live animal ambassadors.

Locomotion (designed for grades K-2): Investigate how animals move from here to there by exploring their unique adaptations.

Conservation and Endangered Species (designed for grades 3 and up): Discover Reid Park Zoo's role as a conservation organization and how zoos and scientists work to protect wildlife and wild places.

Animal Health Care - Caring for Animals in a Zoo (designed for grades 3 and up, 20 people per program limit): Visit the Zoo's Animal Health Center, meet live animal ambassadors, and learn how the Zoo cares for over 250 animal residents in this hands-on, STEM-based program.

Reserve a PROGRAM AT THE ZOO here
THIS PROGRAM IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS A LIVE, INTERACTIVE ONLINE PROGRAM:
Reserve a VIRTUAL PROGRAM here
Can't take your class on a field-trip?

You're in luck! Our community Zoo to You Outreach program is an affordable option to bring the Zoo to You! Click here to learn more.

Free Resources for Teachers:

Bio Bags

Field trips to the Zoo can be enhanced with a Bio Bag full of hands-on artifacts! These backpacks contain skull and bone replicas and other objects to illustrate scientific concepts, as well as detailed instructions on how to interpret the items for your students. There is no charge to use them, but you must reserve them in advance of your visit to ensure availability. Click here to learn more about Bio Bags, or to request a Bio Bag for your visit.

Activity Packets

Focus your students' attention while they're at the Zoo on a field trip with age-appropriate activities you can download and print right from your computer. Packets are available for students K-2 and 3-5; a STEM-based packet is available for grades 3 and up. Click here to download today!

Web Cams

If you have a monitor and have access to the internet, you can observe Zoo animals right from your classroom! This is a great way to introduce your students to wild animals and observe them as they explore their natural habitat. Click here to see more!

Connect2Compete (C2C)

This program offers a discounted internet service ($9.95 per month) for families with at least one K-12 student living in public housing, qualifying for a free or reduced school lunch through the National School Lunch Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). C2C is offered in partnership with leading cable companies, like Cox Communications. Click here or call (855) 222-3252 if you know a family who might be eligible.
For questions about Reid Park Zoo's Programs email us at education@reidparkzoo.org

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School Field Trips & Teacher Resources, Reid Park Zoo

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We offer a variety of resources and discounts for teachers that are sure to create memorable learning experiences for students K-12. A field trip to the Reid Park Zoo is just one of the fun ways to ignite your students' interest in wildlife, conservation, and science!

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1. Home

2. Educators

3. Field Trips

Field Trip Information

Thanks to the generosity of our community supporters, Arizona Science Center is proud to offer a great educational opportunity for your students. Field trips to Arizona Science Center provide a rich learning experience, support content standards, and create excitement for learning science through our hands-on exhibits and activities!

Plan Your Field Trip

Spark students' imagination and engage curious minds through science. Learn more about planning your field trip to Arizona Science Center! Discounted tickets are available to groups and Title 1 Schools are eligible for free admission into the Science Center.

Reservations must be made at least three weeks in advance for CREATE Field Trips and two weeks in advance for Arizona Science Center Field Trips. When you have selected your field trip date, please complete our field trip request form to start your journey!
FIELD TRIP REQUEST FORM
Field Trip Pricing

General Admission
Children (Ages 3-17): $11.95 each
Teachers/Chaperones: $14.95 each

Focused Field Trip Orientation

Ready to begin your orientation and opportunity to receive free, general admission?
Focused Field Trips Orientation Workshops are generously sponsored by APS.
Registrations and coursework are processed Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Please register a minimum of two weeks prior to your field trip date.

Are you an educator in grades PreK-8 at a Title I school? Register now to participate in a free, online, professional development program where you will explore ways to use our exhibits and galleries as extensions of your classroom and discover the keys to a successful field trip.

Enrollment in and successful completion of a Focused Field Trip Orientation qualifies educators, their students, and chaperones to receive general admission to Arizona Science Center at no cost. Additionally, educators receive a certificate for two hours of professional development.

Title I Schools (PreK-8) are eligible for a Free School Field Trip Admission (additional fees will apply for add-on experiences including Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater, Dorrance Planetarium, and CREATE Makerspace).

Educators must attend a free Focused Field Trip Teacher Orientation every two years. During the orientation, teachers will receive materials to prepare your group for a STEM-centered field trip.

Public school

At least 40% of enrolled students receive free or reduced lunch

Title 1 eligibility through the Arizona Department of Education
Select A-Z Resources, Title 1 Eligibility

Join us for a free, online, professional development program where you will explore ways to use our exhibits and galleries as extensions of your classroom and discover the keys to a successful field trip.
Qualifications:

Educator in grades PreK-8

Educator currently works at a Title I, public school

All grade level teachers within a departmentalized team must attend an orientation in order for grade-level students to be eligible for free general admission

80% or higher completion rate of orientation components

The Focused Field Trip Orientation qualifies educators in PreK-8 public schools with at least 40% of students enrolled in free and reduced lunch to receive field trip admission at no cost. All educators working with students on the Title I field trip are required to attend this workshop, and this qualification must be renewed every other year.

Ready to begin your orientation and opportunity to receive free, general admission? Register here.
Questions? Please contact cll@azscience.org.
All participants of the Focused Field Trip Orientation receive a certificate for professional development.

Register Here For Focused Field Trips
Field Trip Add-On Experiences

Be sure to check out our add on experiences for your next field trip.

Demonstrations

Add-On Experiences can be customized to address your content focus. Below are a few examples of Add-On programs you can request:

Learn about the chemical reaction responsible for combustion through a variety of experiments. This demonstration is sure to heat things up.

AVAILABILITY:Please contact Group Sales at 602.716.2028 to schedule this dissection for your class during your visit.

Learn the purpose and techniques behind dissections, as well as proper dissection etiquette and procedures. Watch as a sheep heart is dissected and discover how scientists unlock the secrets of human anatomy!

Field Trips to CREATE Makerspace

ABOUT CREATE AT ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER®

CREATE is where science, design, and engineering collide! Inspired by the productivity of an inventor's workshop, the creativity of an art studio and the experimentation of a lab, CREATE is a 6,500-square-foot community hub for turning dreams into reality.

WHY A CREATE FIELD TRIP?

Each CREATE field trip offers groups a private dedicated space within the CREATE building. CREATE Challenges for School Groups are unique, hands-on activities that give students the opportunity to engage with the principles of making, tinkering, and design thinking, while also developing proficiency within the framework of the ISTE educational standards.

View CREATE Field Trip Options
Please use the request form above to request a CREATE Makerspace only field trip. CREATE field trip fees are applicable to all schools, Title 1 and community groups.
Field Trip Policies

Reservations are processed on a first come, first served basis. Confirmation to be provided within 72 business hours. Groups will receive a confirmation once approved.

It is recommended that your group secure transportation before making a reservation with the Science Center.

Buses and over-sized vans will unload groups in Heritage Park & Science. Parking passes will be given for the Civic East Garage for parking. Parking passes are an additional $6 per vehicle, please make sure to notify the Group Sales Department about your parking needs. Groups coming in cars will be able to park in the HeritageGarage,if it is not full. Ticket stubs will be validated at the Information Desk for discounted rates.

Arizona Science Center has limited areas for lunches and eating, our lunchroom is available at30 minuteintervals, between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Does not include food and the spaces are not available for reservation during the weekends.

Maximum Occupancy:152

Byte Machines are available in the lobby offering grab and go sandwhiches, snacks and salads.

Payment arrangements are due prior to the day of your visit. Arizona Science Center accepts cash,check,credit card, or Purchase Order. Purchase Orders must be paid in full within 30 days of your visit. Any other discounts (Museums for all, Blue Star, ESA, etc.) may not be used with Group Reservations.

Mailingaddress for payments:

Arizona Science Center
c/o Group Sales Dept.
600 E. Washington Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Guides and Curriculum

Below is a collection of guides and curriculum for use in the classroom and during your visit to the Science Center:

Sponsor Acknowledgements

Focused Field Trips are generously supported by:

Amazon
APS/APS Foundation
Arizona Complete Health
Richard F. Caris Charitable Trust
Cox Charities
Fiesta Bowl Charities
Freeport-McMoRan Foundation
Gila River Indian Community
Helios Education Foundation
John F. Long Foundation
JPMorgan Chase
Kinder Morgan Foundation
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Union Pacific Foundation
U.S. Bank Foundation

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Field Trips to Arizona Science Center provide a rich learning experience through our hands-on exhibits. Come visit us today!

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From earthly wonders to the farthest reaches of space, field trips at Flandrau reveal the marvels of the universe!

Located on the mall of the University of Arizona campus, Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium offers hands-on exhibits to ignite curiosity and inspire future scientists. Flandrau's shows and experiences are designed to connect with the members of your school or youth group and are geared to Arizona State Science Standards.

Two floors of science exhibits let your group explore our vast and fascinating universe-both here on Earth and beyond our solar system-and your group will have the option to see an amazing full-dome show in the planetarium theater. You'll feel like you're flying through space as you launch from the Earth and visit planets, moons, stars and asteroids.
Stay up-to-date on registration openings and more when you sign up for our educator's newsletter!

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From earthly wonders to the farthest reaches of space, field trips at Flandrau reveal the marvels of the universe! Located on the mall of the University of Arizona campus, Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium offers hands-on exhibits to ignite curiosity and inspire future scientists.

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Whether you are bringing a school group, church group, senior center, homeschool group, office outing or you simply want to come as a group for some country fun on our farms... a day trip to Apple Annie's is a perfect outing for you! Enjoy a stroll through our orchards and fields to pick-your-own produce or enjoy selecting from our great varieties of fresh picked produce in our farm stands.
Groups of 15 people or more, please register in advance so we are ready for your arrival.

For Fall Groups at the Farm:
6405 W. Williams Rd.
September Hours: 9:00-5:00pm
October Hours: 9:00-5:00pm

Head out to our farm for a day of corn-fusing fun in our huge corn maze and our scenic hayride! We offer different packages based on which activities you would like to do during your visit.
The Corn Maze opens the 3rd Saturday in September and is open every day through October 31!
Hayrides start the end of September and run every weekend through October 31!

Groups must be 15 people or more to receive the group rate for the corn maze or the hayride/corn maze combination on the weekends. Save $1.00 per person on Maze tickets or Combination tickets.
Pumpkins are available for picking and are sold separately from the group pricing. There is no groups discount on pumpkins.
Calling all Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts!! Come join us with your Scout group to earn your unique Apple Annie's badge by conquering the corn maze. Registration forms are required for this special weekend pricing and includes the corn maze and the hayrides for your group. Pumpkins are available for picking and are sold separately from the Scout pricing.

Group Registration Form Scout Weekend Registration Form

For Groups at the Fruit Orchard
2081 W. Hardy Rd
Enjoy a scenic day in the countryside with your group picking your own apples, peaches, and pears in our orchards! Kids will love being able to reach in and pluck a juicy snack right off our low-hanging tree branches!

Visit the Fudge Kitchen and Bakery to bring home yummy baked goods, like our Famous Apple Bread, fresh baked pies and decadent fudge!

Groups can come to the orchard to enjoy a slice of pie a la mode in the shade of our beautiful orchards. A registration form must be filled out for 15 people or more.

The Orchard Grill is open weekends for breakfast and lunch from early July through October, and groups are welcome to visit on Saturdays and Sundays.

Enjoy seasonal toppings on our buttermilk pancakes...peach topping during Peach harvest, apple topping or cider syrup during apple harvest and pumpkin or buttermilk pancakes with cider syrup during pumpkin harvest. A side of locally made pork sausage and your choice of coffee or juice, all enjoyed in the beauty of the orchard, makes this a delightful way to start you day.

Delight in our apple-smoked burger lunch, complete with homemade apple pie a la mode. Seating is in the cool shade of the ramada with misters or at tables in the orchard.

Both breakfast and lunch are available for groups ranging in size from 15-100.

Please fill out our Group Registration form if you are bringing a group of 15 or more so we can plan to have plenty of food ready for you.

Outside food is not allowed on weekends and all seating is reserved for those who are purchasing food at the Orchard Grill.

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Host your next family reunion, church picnic, youth group party, or office function at Apple Annie's Fruit Orhcards and Produce Farm in Willcox, Arizona.

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Looking for field trip ideas to enjoy this year? Whether your child goes to school with extra support at home or is homeschooled, field trips are a wonderful complement to any curriculum. Going outside of the home to have different kinds of experiences, opens up your child's world and gives him or her a variety of new learning opportunities. Take a look at our virtual field trip ideas as well.

I have created this post with parents and grandparents in mind who would like to get out with their kids (and grandkids) and have a fun and educational day. Of course, this article is perfect for autism teachers too looking for fun field trip ideas for a special needs class.

I recommend giving your child a specific task (or tasks) during your field trip. This will help to keep him or her focused, concentrated on the task at hand, occupied in a fun activity and motivated.

Field Trip Ideas for Children with Autism

1. Go to the zoo.

This may be my favorite idea on this list which is why I am listing it first. A trip to your local zoo is so much fun and provides a great opportunity to work on animal vocabulary, get outside and have a fun experience with your child.

Autistic children have a hard time imagining something out of context. Learning about a duck and seeing photos of it is not the same as seeing a duck in a pond or feeding a duck at the petting zoo. All of these different experiences will help your child learn new vocabulary, navigate varied everyday and social experiences and have fun!

2. Enjoy a walk around a local garden.

Smell the flours, take photos of the flowers, draw the flowers, pick the flowers (if allowed) and press them in a book when you get back home. The possibilities for fun activities in an outdoor garden are endless! Have your child play a bird matching game at the garden.

3. Attend a group story time at a local library or book shop.

Check out the local activities where you live. A story time for young kids can be the perfect opportunity to work on beginning social skills, sitting in a small group, staying attentive and having a fun social activity. If you are ready to get a babysitter for your child with autism, this is also the kind of activity the babysitter could take your child to participate in.

At the end of story time, choose a book to purchase and bring home or take out a book to bring home if you are at the library.

Related : 10 Board Books to Teach Children with Autism New Vocabulary

4. Go for a nature walk.

Why not take your child on a fun nature adventure? You can look for specific items together (pinecones, feathers, a certain small of small critter) or just use the time outside as a chance to let off steam, run around, chase each other and have some unstructured outdoor fun!

5. Visit an aquarium.

I love visiting the aquarium and have taken so many groups of children to our local Parisian aquarium in the 12th arrondissement.

Like a trip to the zoo, you can use your time at the aquarium to see the fish, take photos, draw the fish and more.

6. Go the grocery store.

Have your child look for a particular list of foods or items you need to buy. As a general rule, I recommend involving your child in as many everyday activities as possible, as they give your child feedback and help your child learn to navigate everyday situations more independently. They also provide opportunities to learn new vocabulary, have social interactions and learn other skills too. Going to the grocery store is one of my favourite field trip ideas for autistic learners.

Related : Fill the Fridge! Printable Game for Kids with Autism

7. Star gaze at the planetarium.

Children who are fascinated by the stars and planets will love a trip to the planetarium to see them. This is also the perfect field trip idea for kids who thrive on sensory stimulation, particularly visual stimulation, as planetariums tend to be very visually stimulating.

8. Visit a local (or faraway) historical site.

Does you child love seeing new things? Is he or she is a budding history buff? I know some kids with autism who love sharing historical facts and dates! These kids would probably love to actually go and visit historical sites rather than just reading about them. Plan a trip to your child's favorite historical site. Start local and if your child is open to travel, you could plan a trip to another place.

9. Visit an interactive museum and participate in the activities.

Make list of the kid-friendly museums in your area. I recommend interactive museums as they tend to hold children's attention longer and are generally more fun for children with autism. They tend to also have plan in place to help children participate in the visit rather than being a passive visitor. Interactive museums are usually best for kids with autism.
If you're in Paris, complete this treasure hunt at the Natural history Museum.
10. Visit a friend who has a pet.

The children in my autism coaching program absolutely love our dogs, Violette and Chou Chou! Although some children with autism are scared of dogs, most of the children I have worked with love them. Visiting an animal and getting to hold it can be a fantastic experience for any child. Do you have a friend who has a dog, a cat, chicken, a hamster or a guinea pig? Maybe going to visit them could be a fun and educational field trip idea!

11. Go to a farm.

Visit a traditional farm to find eggs, feed the goats or milk a cow. If you check, you may even find that you have an exotic farm near you where you can see hedgehogs, ostriches and more. We have one North of Paris that even has kangaroos!

12. Go to the playground.

The playground is a simple choice but a wonderful place to work on a variety of social skills. You can build your child's imitation skills at the playground, along with social skills, communication skills, gross motor skills, play skills and more.

Pro tip : If your child has trouble staying focused during any of these activities, bring along a DIY fidget and have your child hold onto it during the field trip activity.

How to prepare your child for a field trip

I am a big advocated for preparing your child adequately before going into any new experiences. Children with autism can have a harder time than other children adapting to new situations and may need more time than other children to prepare themselves to go into new situations.

One of my favorite tools for getting your child ready for the field trip ideas on this list, and new and social situations in general, are adapted printable social stories for children with autism.

The tools you need to make the most of a field trip

There are many tools that can help your child have a great experience before, during and after a field trip.

1. Use adapted printable social stories for children with autism to prepare your child for the field trip and to stay on track during the field trip.

2. Bring along a visual schedule that will make it clear what will happen during the field trip and help to ease transitions for your child or students.

3. Have a DIY fidget on hand for children who have a higher level of anxiety or just have trouble staying still and focused on the task at hand.

What to do when you get back home

Once you have planned your field trip and gone on the field trip with your child, you can still get more out of the experience once you are back home (or back in your classroom)!

There are so many ways you can keep benefiting from a field trip adventure long after it is over.

These are some of my favorite ideas

1. Put together a field trip journal with favorite items collected during the field trip. You can also have your child draw in the field trip journal and add photos from the adventure you shared.

2. Do a related sensory activity when you get back home. Did you just visit the aquarium? Engage your child in this fun printable fish bowl play dough mat.

3. Did you take a trip to the zoo? These zoo animal play dough mats are the perfect activity to share with your child when you get back home!

More Autism Learning Resources

I hope you loved these field trip ideas for children with autism!

Which ideas have you already tried? Do you have other field trip ideas? Let us know in the comments below!

First published January 14, 2019. Last updated July 18, 2023 with more information, additional tips, and better readability.

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Field Trip Ideas for Children with Autism - Special Learning House

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These fun & educational field trip ideas are perfect to enjoy with your child with autism. Perfectly adapted for autism classes as well.

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Top 10 Tucson field trips | Plan Tucson field trips fast!

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Get Tucson field trip ideas, schedule in person & virtual field trips, bring field trips to your school!

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Educators are always looking for creative ways to keep their students excited and engaged while learning. Taking a classroom or combined classrooms on a field trip is a perfect way to lead the students on a fun adventure that can be full of animals, marine life, history, art, farming, nature, government, STEM and STEAM. Field trips give students a chance to get away from tablets and screens and do hands-on activities.

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For some students a field trip might be their first adventure traveling on a bus to another city without their parents. This helps a child with a feeling of independence. Learning about dinosaurs in a classroom is one thing, but going to a museum to see actual dinosaur skeletons up-close or digging for fossils helps students to connect the dots about what they have learned in the classroom and put it together with what they can see, touch and explore during a field trip.

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In Tucson students can learn more about art, music, culture, nature, animals, history and geology with field trips to various places around the Old Pueblo. The Fox Tucson Theatre offers free tours where students will learn history of the theatre, see the unique architecture of the venue or attend a school matinee. Hands-on learning happens at the Mini Time Machine Museum and Children's Museum Tucson. At Tucson Museum of Artand the UA Museum of Art special exhibits and collections educate students about history, culture, art techniques and more with self-guided or docent-led tours.

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Are your students interested in learning about animals, reptiles, wildlife and bugs? The Humane Society of Southern Arizona, Reid Park Zoo, Tucson Reptile & Amphibian Show, Arizona Insect Festival and International Wildlife Museum has animals and critters of various species. These educational field trips have hands-on activities (some with a petting zoo) and give insight of how to care for, protect and understand domestic pets, exotic reptiles, wildlife and bugs from Arizona and around the world.

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Camp Cooper, Tohono Chul, Presidio Museum, The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show and The Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum are great places to learn about history, culture, nature and geology.

If you are looking for a field trip that keeps kids active and has hands-on activities, you might want to check out Golf N' Stuff, Rock Solid Climbing + Fitness, Tucson Parks & Rec Kidco, Wild Katz Children's Adventure Playgroundor the Crayola Experience in Chandler.

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Apple Annie's in Wilcox has a 600,000-stalk corn maze that is a great adventure for students or scout groups. For city kids who want to learn more about what it's like to work on a farm, Shamrock Farms has educational tours that teach about farm-to-table.

In The Phoenix area a field trip to the Phoenix Zoo or Sea Life Arizonais a fun way to learn about animals and marine life. The Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Grande Cultural Parkand Sky Harbor International Airport provide historical displays, exhibits and activities.

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Matinees are available at East Valley Children's Theatrewith discounted rates for classrooms. Want to learn about trains and fire engines? A visit to Hall of Flameand McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park teaches the history about firefighting and transportation. And speaking about transportation, Valley Metro offers a free ride to your field trip destination.

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Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine, Boy Scouts of America-Catalina Council and Boy Scouts of America-Grand Canyon Council all have programs for students. Scouts learn skills, earn badges, awards, go on field trips, go camping and help their local community.

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If you want to stay in your classroom, the Central Arizona Project (CAP) offers educators lessons plans and Bear Essential News provides free classroom presentations. Choose from five topics that cover reading, writing and journalism skills and students in grades 3-8 can sign up to be Young Reporters and write for Bear Essential News.

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Visit www.bearessentialnews.com and click on Teacher Grants & Field Trip Funding under the teacher tab to see a list of places that help with field trips, classroom projects and teacher resources.

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Field Trips - Tucson | Bear Essential News

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Educators are always looking for creative ways to keep their students excited and engaged while learning. Taking a classroom or combined classrooms on a field trip is a perfect way to lead the students on a fun adventure that can be full of animals, marine life, history, art, farming, nature, government, STEM and STEAM.

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Field trips for special education students take a lot of planning, but they are so worth the effort.

We have a lot of options, however, finding field trip locations that work ( ie. are accessible, open during school hours, accommodating, inexpensive) can throw our plans for a loop.

We asked veteran special education teachers what some of their favorite field trips have been with their students, and here are the top 10 field trip ideas suggested by special education teachers for special education teachers.

Top 10 Field Trips for Special Ed
1. Trampoline Park
Head to the trampoline park to work on physical skills. It gives students a chance to build and practice those gross motor skills in a controlled environment. Some trampoline parks will also coordinate games for students during the field trip, so be sure to inquire about that option. Bring your camera as there are sure to be plenty of laughs and smiles!
2. Go to See a Movie
If your students have sensory issues, call the theater ahead of time and arrange to have the theater turn down the volume of the movie. Explain the need for more lighting as well so that they don't dim the lights completely.
3. Zumba!
Arrange a Zumba class at the local community center or gym and take your students for a fun hour of dancing. They will have the opportunity to work on their gross motor skills while trying something new and different. Be prepared with water bottles as students will need to hydrate!
4. Bowling
Head to the bowling alley for a fun day of bowling. Students can practice their math skills, tying shoes, social skills when ordering their shoes, and even sequencing by keeping track of whose turn it is to bowl. For some, this may be the first time bowling, so be sure to prepare them ahead of time for the noise of the lanes and the slickness of the bowling floor.
5. Grocery Store
The grocery store makes for a wonderful field trip as it allows students to plan a meal out ahead of time and then shop for the ingredients they need. We do this field trip around Thanksgiving to plan for our classroom meal.

They get to work on budgeting, portion requirements and working together. For students who need visual cues, get their ingredients list ahead of time and snap pictures at the store of the items they should look for. When they get back to school with their items, cook the recipes they wanted to prepare, and then host a classroom feast!

This field trip also serves as the perfect Curriculum Based Instruction trip. If you have a snack cart or coffee cart business, you can have students use the money earned to stock their cart with supplies.
6. Out to Eat
Learning how to behave in a restaurant is a social skill that kids need to learn. Arrange with a restaurant to bring your students in for a tour and a meal. It exposes them to different vocations while giving them a chance to practice sitting in a restaurant to eat.

Not only will you be able to practice behavior expectations within the community, but add ordering a meal, using manners, paying for a service, and appropriate eating habits to the list of skills your students will get first hand experience practicing.
7. Go Fishing
Partner with a local fishing club to take your students out for a day of fishing and a picnic lunch. Many students have never been fishing, so this first-time experience will be a big hit.

Be sure to have volunteers to assist!
8. Pick-Your-Own Farms/Orchards
Teaching students where their food comes from takes on a whole new meaning when they go to a pick-your-own farm or orchard.

They can choose the items that they want to pick, and then when they return to school, can use them to create a dish or eat the fruits and veggies they picked.
9. Have a Dollar Store Adventure
Head to the dollar store to shop for gifts for friends and family members or an "adopted family" for the holidays. It teaches students about budgeting, as well as improving social skills as they select and pay for their items.
10. Zoo
Students are never too old for the zoo! Plan a field trip to visit the animals you have been studying in science class. This field trip works on gross motor skills, social skills, budgeting, and more!

What are some of your favorite field trips for special education students? Share them with us in the comments below!

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Field Trip Ideas for Special Education Classes - Mrs. D's Corner

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A list of ten field trips for special education as shared by veteran special education teachers. Includes ideas for each field trip. At Mrs. D's Corner.

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The capybara, kangaroo, warthogs, porcupine and more have been moved to Ghost Ranch Exotics in Marana. Funny Foot Farm on Wetmore is closed for now. We are looking for a new location in town for locals and will update this when its available.

For exotic animal bookings go to

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Looking for something fun to do in Tucson. Funny Foot Farms is an exotic petting zoo. Including fun things to do for kids or adults.

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Setting up vocational opportunities on Campus

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Setting up vocational opportunities on Campus

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Preference, Interest, Needs, Strengths (P.I.N.S)

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Preference, Interest, Needs, Strengths (P.I.N.S)