Virtual Field Trips

I found each one of the 10 suggested websites to be truly fascinating.  I think each one could be used by teachers to show their students the world.  Most kids will not get to see the world.  There are some that will, but the majority of students will not.  I want to be a History/Social Studies teacher.  That is my passion.  That does not help me narrow down my top two however.  I could work in a lesson from 8 out of 10 of these great sites, but I must choose. 

So, considering the age I want to teach is anywhere between 5th - 12th, my first choice will be the National Museum of Natural History.  This site has a virtual tour that is out of this world.  It makes you feel like you are actually there.  Which I have never been, but I sure don't feel that way now!  You are able to zoom in and actually read the little signs next to the exhibits and learn the facts about it.  I could definitely make a lesson plan out of this and use the site for a demonstration.  Maybe when teaching about the Egyptians, I could use this site and the Ancient Mummies room on the projector.  Or assign it as homework and have them write a couple paragraphs about what they learned.  The only criticism I have is when you click on the exhibit to see a larger picture, I think it should have a little information box.  This could give the history or reason why it is important.  The site does say they are updating things, maybe this is something they are working on.  Either way, this site is fantastic, and it is now bookmarked! 



http://www.mnh.si.edu/panoramas/

My second choice is what the author, Meris Stansbury, calls Mt. Everest. The pictures of Mt. Everest were beautiful, but there are so many panoramic views of historical places in the world.  The Mayan Pyramids, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and many more.  This is a Geography teachers dream!  I would love to use this site in my class.  To be able to show them where a place is on a map, and then be able to show them the 360 degree view of it.  Places like Paris, Istanbul, and Moscow.  This site is a wonderful resource for teachers.  Even small children learn a little about foreign places, their teacher could use this site because little ones especially are very visual learners.  This could just help them bring it all together. 



http://www.panoramas.dk/