ILLINOIS — Illinois has a great diversity of natural resources. Taking  students on a field trip to see some of them can be a wonderful experience and can help to incorporate many Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in teaching. It provides an opportunity for students to study topics that they have discussed in the classroom. It makes abstract concepts more concrete. It provides students with a base of knowledge from which to expand. How can students understand the way the natural world works if they do not regularly visit, explore and observe it? The items listed below are suggestions and only relate to NGSS Life Science and Earth and Space Sciences Performance Expectations. They are also related to work to be accomplished in a single-day field trip.  It is possible to incorporate other NGSS and Common Core Standards, as well. There are many other ways to use a field trip to enhance student learning, too.

Field trips are available for students to study some aspect of Illinois’ biodiversity.