Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Madie . Madie Wonders, “Why do they call field trips field trips?” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Madie !

Have you ever gone on a field trip? Field trip day is often the most exciting day of school! Family members volunteer to go along, and they--along with all the kids--pack a lunch and load up the bus for the day ahead. Field trips are both fun and educational. But have you ever WONDERed where the name came from? What puts the FIELD in field trips?

When you think of the word “field,” many things might come to mind. Do you picture farmland? An open prairie? How about a baseball diamond or soccer field? Adults might even think of the field (area of interest) they work in. History buffs might think of famous battlefields. A scientist’s mind might go to magnetic fields.

As you can see, the word “field” has many definitions. But when people talk about field trips, they’re using a less common meaning of the word “field.” In this case, “field” describes work done outside of an office or classroom. That makes sense if you think about what a field trip is. It’s an outing that gives you the chance to learn something new outside of school!

The best field trips teach you a lot while you’re having fun. A trip to the zoo can lead kids to learn about new animals. Going to a national monument gives you the chance to experience history firsthand. Even a field trip to a local park can be educational. Kids can learn about new plants and ecosystems.

The value of field trips can’t be overstated. Any student or teacher will tell you field trips are great. And there’s plenty of research to support that, too! Studies on field trips show they have many benefits. Field trips can help students become more interested in new topics. They can also make kids feel more positive about what they learn. Unsurprisingly, studies also found that students remember field trips for a long time!

It’s no wonder that field trips are unforgettable. There’s nothing like setting out on an adventure with your teachers and classmates. Often, kids even get to bring family members along for the ride.

One of the best things about field trips is that they give families the chance to learn together. Parents, grandparents, foster parents, and other adults who chaperone field trips really add to the experience. They get the chance to know their child’s teacher and classmates better. Best of all, adult chaperones can join in the fun and learning right alongside the students!

What kind of field trip would you like to go on? Do you want to tour a local museum? How about a trip to a cave or factory? You can learn something new from just about any location!

Standards: CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.W.2, CCRA.W.7, CCRA.W.8, CCRA.W.9, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.L.1, CCRA.L.2, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.W.1, CCRA.SL.1

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