Informal Learning and Field Trips: Engaging Students in Standards-Based Experiences Across the K-5 Curriculum [Paperback]

Leah M. Melber (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1412949807 | ISBN-13: 978-1412949804 | Publication Date: November 2, 2007

The author shows teachers how to incorporate constructivist philosophy and inquiry-based learning techniques for standards-aligned, off-site learning experiences and provides guidelines for developing corresponding classroom activities.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A highly accessible work on all facets of informal learning opportunities that will be of immense value to teachers. The focus on specific content areas is an excellent tool for teachers, and the inclusion of a section related to English Language Learners is especially welcome and unique." (Robert Rueda, Professor of Education )

"This great resource for both teachers and administrators demonstrates how to gain more meaning from field trips and includes rubrics that make it easy to assess student learning. This book proves that just as much, or more, learning can be achieved when not in a classroom setting." (Mark Johnson, Principal and Curriculum and Assessment Facilitator )

"Very useful in providing logistical advice, lesson planning ideas, curricular integration, and Internet resources. The particular attention to methods of implementing constructivist learning for each content area is especially helpful." (Pender Kimball, Director )

"Provides straightforward, thoughtful, necessary information of which all teachers should be aware. The grade level activities with objectives, standards, and procedures are so thorough and easy to follow that they are a godsend to busy teachers." (Kael Sagheer, Former Teacher )

"A solid resource for educators and professionals to helping K-5 students get the most out of a field trip. Step-by-step procedures, a wealth of resources, and wisdom garnered from hands-on, practical experience make for an invaluable supplement to any K-5 teacher's reference collection." (Library Bookwatch, March 2008 )

"An excellent set of interrelated lesson plans using field trips as a foundation for exploring new experiences." (The Bookwatch, June 2008 )

About the Author

Leah M. Melber, Ph.D. has nearly 20 years experience within informal and formal science education. She holds a BA in Zoology, an MA in education together with a multiple subject teaching credential for the state of California, and a Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Southern California. She has presented widely on inquiry-based instruction and effective methods of connecting with cultural institutions such as museums. In addition to numerous journal articles she has written on this topic, she has recently published a book titled “Informal Learning and Field Trips”. She was awarded the 2001 Informal Educator Award through the California Science Teachers Association. She joined the staff of Lincoln Park Zoo in December of 2008.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Corwin Press (November 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1412949807
• ISBN-13: 978-1412949804
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #966,643 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Resource for Museum Professionals, November 28, 2007

By 

Linda A. Silver "Dr. Linda Abraham-Silver" (Cleveland, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Informal Learning and Field Trips: Engaging Students in Standards-Based Experiences Across the K-5 Curriculum (Paperback)

I found this book especially relevant to the work I do at the Great Lakes Science Center, and bought multiple copies for the professional education staff. I would encourage museum, zoo and nature center educators to pick up a copy.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Ideas for Teachers, November 20, 2007

By 

Kimberly Persiani "Teacher" (Los Angeles, Ca.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Informal Learning and Field Trips: Engaging Students in Standards-Based Experiences Across the K-5 Curriculum (Paperback)

All new and veteran teachers can benefit from a resource like this. It's hard to know where to take students for educational and interesting field trips, how to plan for a field trip once one has been secured, and/or how to use these trips as learning tools. Melber's book does all that and more.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Comment From the Author, November 18, 2007

By 

Dr. Leah "Dr. Leah" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Informal Learning and Field Trips: Engaging Students in Standards-Based Experiences Across the K-5 Curriculum (Paperback)

Hello!
I am the author and just wanted to take a minute to thank you for clicking on my new title and considering a purchase!

While the book is geared to the K-5 level, as someone who has worked with K-12 please know the activities can be adapted for use with older students- particularly the middle school level.

Also, I'd like to emphasize what a good fit the book is for the homeschool community. While working in museums, I was always thrilled to see the frequency with which homeschool families made museums and other community sites a key part of the curriculum. If you are currently homeschooling, I think you'll find the projects within this work will be a good fit to your home curriculum and of course national standards!

Best to you and happy shopping!

- Leah Melber