Have you ever considered using virtual field trips within your ancient civilizations study? Virtual field trips are a great way to bring history to life, as students have time to explore and take ownership of their learning.
One of the biggest hurdles that I hear teachers face is the need for structure and accountability in sending students on a virtual field trip. I totally agree! Lessons need to be more than just fun; critical thinking and learning are so important.
I created a series of structured virtual field trips that incorporate informational text to build background knowledge and understanding, short video clips, Google Earth exploration, as well as critical thinking response questions throughout the trip. If you teach World Civilizations, this set is aligned to not only the Washington State Social Studies Standards for 6th grade, but the Common Core Standards as well.
The Ancient Civilizations Virtual Field Trip Bundle
How it Works:
One of the great things about virtual field trips is versatility. You could conduct your virtual field trip as a teacher-led activity that spans over the course of a few days, or send students to complete with a partner or independently. With distance learning underway, this is also an option for digital learning.
No Printing & Low Prep:
The virtual field trips are completely digital, so no printing is required. Students complete the response questions within Google Slides, and all of the directions, specific web links, text, and more are included. This also means that implementing is LOW PREP. Just assign through Google Classroom. These trips can be completed on a desktop using Chrome as the browser to access Google Earth, or through a tablet or smart phone using the Google Earth app.
History, Geography & Exploration All in One:
Within each virtual field trip, your students will learn about the location, history, and significant facts and features. Google Earth is amazing, as students are able to view ancient ruins up close with 360 degree views. I have chosen specific location points within Google Earth that make the most sense and allow for the best experience. Direct links are included that set your students up for success and is hassle-free for you.
Tailor to Fit Your Classroom and Student Needs:
All of the response questions within Google Slides are EDITABLE. I know that there are different learning needs, and by providing the questions in an editable format, this allows educators to tailor the virtual field trip to student needs as well as specific curriculum study. While this is set up with short answer responses, questions could easily be modified to various formats.
This resource is aligned to the Washington State Social Studies Standards for 6th Grade World History:
Geography 1: Understands the physical characteristics, cultural characteristics, and location of places, regions, and spatial patterns on the Earth’s surface.
G1.6-8.2 Identify the location of places and regions in the world and understand their
physical and cultural characteristics.
G1.6-8.6 Use maps, satellite images, photographs, and other representations to
explain relationships between the locations of places and regions and their political,
cultural, and economic dynamics.
This resource is aligned to the following Common Core Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7:
Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
Save prep time and send your students on interactive adventures! You can grab this entire bundle at a discount here: Ancient Civilizations Virtual Field Trip Bundle
