Virtual tours and field trips provide students with opportunities they may not get to experience otherwise. Where else can you “take a trip” to see Sistine Chapel, the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, or the African grasslands – all in one day? These tools may also challenge students to think critically about the places they visit. For example, a virtual trip to Pompeii requires students to consider the quality of life in an ancient city. A trip to Chichen Itza will allow them to appreciate and question the Mayas design decisions. Simply, virtual field trips can spark your students’ interest and motivate their learning in a specific content area. The following websites are worth considering for virtual field trips. Some are built as all-inclusive virtual trips with text and audio; others provide only imagery which can be adapted to fit the needs of a lesson.

The "Endangered Animals Television Commercial" Project allows students to demonstrate their knowledge about endangered animals in a unique way. In small groups or individually, students will select an endangered animal for research. They will then plan, research, write, and simulate a complete television commercial or public service announcement about the animal they have chosen. They will present their commercials to the class. If you have a camcorder handy, this project makes for great fun for recording and sharing at an open house or similar public function!