Alternative Virtual Experiences for Students

As we continue to deal with the ravishing effects of Covid in our schools, one of the programs that is temporarily “on hold” is the traditional sixth grade week-long camping experiences held at our beautiful mountain, desert and ocean communities. Here are some alternative ideas to coordinate with parents to engage your students virtually and in their own backyards.

• Pitch a make-shift tent in the backyard for a fun under-the-stars evening with star gazing, hot dog roasts and Smores;
• Experience a daily virtual fieldtrip to a State and/or National Park:
  • CA State Parks Online Virtual Field Trips
  • Yosemite Valley Virtual Tour
  • Earth Science: 360-degree Interactive trip from Science Friday
  • Virtual Fieldtrips Discovery Education
• Organize a scavenger hunt during the day for living and non-living things;
• Take a trip to your local community park to observe and collect (or take pictures of) leaves of as many fall colors as you can find;
• Keep a science journal/interactive notebook of different types of birds you observe, with a handy Audubon Society App along with their unique behaviors;
• Designate each day of “camping week” with a theme for student Screencastify video sharing: insect day, leaf day, bird day, vertebrate animal day and strange creature day;
• Collect, sort and identify as many different types of rocks as you can find in your neighborhood;
• If you live close to the coast, enjoy a local tidepool exploration, observing and identifying your favorite marine animals; and
• Use a Smart Phone app to take pictures and create your own digital insect collection.

These are just a few engaging activities that will get the kids out of the house with some needed exercise and time away from the computer screen. Enjoy your outdoor education experience!

Stay healthy and safe!

Dean