Micaela Johnson

EDUC 224- (Introduction to Scientific Inquiry)

Dr. Clinton Bowers
Field Trip Design
Fourth Grade Field Trip to the Cincinnati Zoo
INDOE Standards: 4.3.1: Observe and describe how offspring are very much, but not exactly,
like their parents or one another. Describe how these differences in physical characteristics
among individuals in a population may be advantageous for survival and reproduction.
4.3.2: Observe, compare, and record the physical characteristics of living
plants of animals from widely different environments. Describe how each plant or animal is
adapted to its environment.
Plans/Goals: Each student will pay $6.00 to attend the zoo, plus the $1.50 transportation fee.
The class will depart from Ivy Tech at 8:00 AM. We will arrive at the zoo between 8:45 and 9:00
AM. Once we arrive at the zoo, the teacher will distribute the worksheet that students will
complete during the day (attached). Students will follow the guidelines on the worksheet in order
to plan out the areas of the zoo that they will visit throughout the day. This worksheet will allow
students to meet the INDOE standards that are listed above, and will reinforce the topics that we
have been learning in the classroom. The class will meet at the bus at 11:30 AM to distribute
lunch. We will meet up at the bus at 1:40 PM and take attendance in order to ensure that
everyone is accounted for. Then we will depart from the zoo and arrive back at Ivy Tech around
2:25 or 2:30 PM.
Transportation Plans: All students and chaperones will ride the school bus to the zoo. Each
student will pay $1.50 and each chaperone will pay $2.00. The bus will be provided by the
school system, and the driver will also be located by the school system.
Meals/Snacks/Drinks Plan: Each student will be required to bring a sack lunch. If any students
in the class have any type of food allergy, the teacher will notify the parents and inform them that
they cannot send certain foods with their child. Coolers will be provided by the school system, so
students can bring perishable food items if they would like. If any student comes without a lunch,
they will be sent to the school cafeteria prior to leaving the school and the cafeteria will provide
the student with a lunch. It is strongly recommended that each student bring at least one snack to
eat during the day. Students can keep their snacks with them or their chaperone can keep it for
them. Chaperones will all have a bag to carry with them during the field trip, and snacks may be
kept in the bag. Drinks are also recommended because students will get thirsty after walking
around all day. A bottle of water would be the best choice. Students may bring money to
purchase snacks at the zoo, but it would be best if they brought one from home.
Chaperone Issues: Four adult chaperones will be needed for this field trip. The teacher will also
be considered a chaperone and will walk around with a group of students. Each chaperone will
be responsible for four students. All chaperones will be required to undergo a background check
before being approved as a chaperone. Any student can return a permission slip and select the

box that states that an adult would like to chaperone. Once all of the permission slips have been
turned in, the names of the chaperones will be put in a hat and four names will be drawn out. The
chaperone will have to pay $9.00 in order to be admitted into the zoo, plus the $2.00
transportation fee.
Follow-Up Activity: Students will complete the worksheet while they are at the zoo. When
students return from the field trip, they will choose one of the animals that they observed at the
zoo, and they will give an oral presentation to the class about the animal. Students will provide
information about the animals physical characteristics, natural environment, and how it survives
in its environment.
Safety/Medication Issues: A list of the students medication needs will be kept with the teacher
during the field trip. The teacher will inform all chaperones of any medical needs that a student
in their group may have. The teacher and chaperones will exchange cell phone numbers prior to
leaving for the trip. The teacher will obtain necessary medications from the school nurse or from
the parents, and will keep all medications throughout the day. If any chaperone encounters an
issue or an emergency, they will contact the teacher and meet somewhere at the zoo. The teacher
will administer any medications that the students need throughout the day.
Total Cost of the Field Trip: $195.00

Cincinnati Zoo Field Trip Permission Slip

Date of Trip: Thursday November 13th, 2014
On Thursday November 13th, our fourth grade class will be taking a field trip to the Cincinnati
Zoo in order for students to expand their knowledge of animals, and meet standards 4.3.1 and
4.3.2. This will be a fun and educational day for the students and they are looking forward to
attending!
Students Name: ______________________________________________
Yes, I would like my child to attend the field trip to the Cincinnati Zoo: ________
No, I do not want my child to attend the field trip to the Cincinnati Zoo: ________
Students Allergies: ____________________________________________
Students Medication Needs: ______________________________________________________
Student Cost of the Field Trip: $7.50
Yes, I would like to chaperone: ____________________________________________________
***Four chaperones will be randomly selected once all permission slips have been turned in.
Chaperones must have a background check on file with the school.
Chaperone Cost: $11.00
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________________________
Emergency Phone Number: ______________________________________________________
*Students need to bring a sack lunch. I will send home a note with students outlining any food
allergies that students in the class may have, so parents/guardians can plan on what to send with
their child. It is also recommended that students bring a snack and a water bottle.
*We will be departing school at 8:00 AM. Chaperones should arrive around 7:45.
*We will return to school at 2:30 PM.
*Please dress your child according to the weather the day of the field trip.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me!
Thank You,
Miss Johnson

Cincinnati Zoo Field Trip Exploration Worksheet

Name: _______________________________________________________
Directions: As you explore the zoo, choose four different animals to observe. When you are
observing the animals, look at their physical characteristics, read the information plaques about
their natural habitats, and note how these animals adapt and survive in their environment.
1. Animal 1: ______________________________________________________________
Physical Characteristics:
___________________________________________________________________________
Natural Habitat:
____________________________________________________________________________
Adaptations and Survival:
_____________________________________________________________________________
2. Animal 2: ___________________________________________________________________
Physical Characteristics:
______________________________________________________________________________
Natural Habitat:
______________________________________________________________________________
Adaptations and Survival:
______________________________________________________________________________
3. Animal 3: ___________________________________________________________________
Physical Characteristics:
______________________________________________________________________________
Natural Habitat:
______________________________________________________________________________
Adaptations and Survival:
______________________________________________________________________________
4. Animal 4: ___________________________________________________________________
Physical Characteristics:
______________________________________________________________________________
Natural Habitat:
______________________________________________________________________________
Adaptations and Survival:
______________________________________________________________________________