Konza Environmental Education Program Schoolyard Long-term Ecological Research Field Trip Guidelines for Teachers Working with SLTER

1.   Goals and outcomes should be set before the field trip.  Students should be aware of their responsibilities as researchers.  Students need to know that the field trip is a data-gathering experience.  The information they collect will be used by many other students around the world.

2.   Classroom materials, pre-trip expectations and teaching goals should be prepared by teacher. 

3.   Materials, such as data sheets, identification keys and equipment have been provided by KEEP staff in conjunction with teachers.  A list of materials needed for each project will be made available. 

4.   Appropriate and required skills needed for each ecological activity should be covered by the teacher before the field trip.  Practice sessions at school or a near-by site are helpful.

5.   Discipline or punishments for inappropriate behavior during a field trip will be explained to the students by the teacher in advance and carried out by the teacher, should discipline be required. 

6.   Students, teachers, and docents (volunteers) will follow the protocols for data collection provided by KEEP.  This is critical for the accuracy of the information in the databases.

7.   Each 10-12 students should be accompanied by 2-3 adults (parents, teachers or volunteers).

8.   Parents who participate in the field trip will need some prior information from the teacher.  An on-site briefing is not always possible.

9.   Students should receive recognition for their work to help encourage participation (example: Best New Researcher Award).  Recognition for excellence in reporting results can be given by posting classes or individual names on our website.  Teachers should let us know if they wish to do this.

10. Annual or biennial participation by teachers is required because data must be added each year for the databases to have value for everyone.

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