Date of Award

2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Gilchrist, Sandra

Keywords

Education, Science, Informal Education

Area of Concentration

Environmental Studies

Abstract

Students attending public schools in the United States have consistently declined on national and international achievement tests over the past decade (Honda, 2010) . Only by understanding the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, and looking at the shortcomings of science education in the state of Florida, can improvements be made in the future. After reviewing the concept of informal education and how it compares to formal education in terms of concept, content, and effectiveness, a number of Field Trip Units appropriate for students in Kindergarten through eighth grade are presented. These trips address the concerns for budget shortcomings, student safety, and relevance to the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards. Data from a similar program implemented by Around the Bend Nature Tours are presented and analyzed, and indicate significance. This indicates that the methods and material presented were successful and recommended for future use.

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