From Classroom to Field

A Teacher’s Guide to Preparing Students for an �� Expedition

Imagine your students, notebooks in hand, exploring the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona, studying small forest owls like Flammulated, Elf, and Whiskered Screech-Owls to understand how climate change affects their populations, or observing biodiversity in Kenya's Maasai Mara, helping scientists monitor wildlife and restore native species in the Enarau Wildlife Conservancy.

Stepping out of the classroom and into the field is one of the most powerful ways to spark curiosity, inspire leadership, and cultivate future changemakers. �� expeditions give high school students the chance to conduct hands-on conservation science alongside real researchers. Behind every successful student expedition, though, is a teacher who is prepared, confident, and supported.

This blog will help you design an expedition that’s both transformative and logistically smooth—so your students thrive while you enjoy the journey too.

A Diverse Group of Students Brainstorming Together.

1) Start with Preparation That Feels Like Field-Ready Lesson Planning

Strong expeditions begin long before students board a plane. By weaving pre-trip preparation into your teaching rhythm, you can help students arrive curious, confident, and ready to contribute.

Lead a classroom discussion about the research focus (climate change, ocean health, etc.) and how it connects to standards you already teach.
Introduce the research topic as a mini-inquiry project: have students develop hypotheses, explore the site context, and start mapping observations before departure.
Create a Full Value Contract (FVC): a student-co-designed agreement on behavior, contribution, and safety that builds shared ownership.
Show a short video about the expedition location to spark excitement and build background knowledge.

Teacher Tip: Frame prep work as part of your science, social studies, or language arts objectives—not “extra.” For example, analyzing the project’s research question can double as a critical-thinking or data literacy exercise.

2) Build Expedition Team Culture: From Classroom to Field Site

Strong group leadership and clear expectations are key, especially with teens.

Hold a student summit to co-create the FVC: “We agree to support questions, help each other, and honor the natural world.”
Practice teamwork through a low-stakes challenge: Try a quick classroom activity like a 10-minute problem-solving game or building a tower from simple materials (paper, tape, string). It helps students practice communication and collaboration before they’re in the field.
Set group goals: ex, “We’ll support each other to ask at least three questions of the scientists each day.”

Quick Activity (10 minutes): Have students write one strength they bring to the team on an index card, then share it aloud.

Students teamwork stacking hand together

Adventure road trip essentials in car trunk: backpack, boots, map, and coffee cup for outdoor exploration

3) Prep for Real-World Logistics: Guided and Confident

Planning a high school trip can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes all the difference.

Host a Parent Q&A: share safety protocols, academic value, and a sample itinerary.
- Downloadable Resource: Sample Parent Communication Letter
- Downloadable Resource: Sample Pre-Expedition Checklist
Packing Activity:
- Walk through the packing list together.
- Share budget-friendly packing tips (thrift store gear, layering for changing weather).
- Use a “What’s essential vs. nice-to-have?” quiz to reduce anxiety.
Openly discuss fundraising strategies and travel logistics so families feel confident that this opportunity is accessible and well-organized.

Teacher Hack: Encourage students to pack a week early and live out of their bag for a day at home. It reveals what’s missing and helps them practice being organized for the field.

4) Fuel Curiosity in the Classroom and Beyond

Leading up to departure, spark authentic scientific wonder:

Launch your group with mapping activities, research background, and expedition-themed discussions.
Create a Curiosity Wall or “Ask a Scientist” board for students to post questions they’d like to explore in the field.
Practice simple field skills locally: journaling observations, recording data, or conducting mini-research activities—so students arrive ready to contribute.

Male and female students checking vegetable growth and taking notes, symbolizing education and learning.

This was the trip of a lifetime, and not just because of the sharks. It was because of the growth, the connection, and the shared purpose we found together.

Gretel von Bargen

5) Help Students Anticipate the Flow of a Research Day

Students thrive when they know what to expect. While the expedition team manages daily scheduling, you can help set expectations ahead of time:

Fieldwork is active and hands-on: students spend much of the day outdoors observing, collecting data, and working alongside scientists.
Reflection happens throughout the day: through journaling, small group conversations, and guided discussions with researchers.
Collaboration is constant: from sharing meals to problem-solving, teamwork is essential.

By helping students anticipate this rhythm, you ease uncertainty and prepare them to balance excitement with thoughtful reflection.

Travel planning board with photos, pins, and colorful sticky notes

6) Return with Impact: Share, Reflect, and Multiply the Experience

The expedition itself is only the beginning. A strong return plan helps students and your school community harness momentum:

Host a Student Showcase or Science Night: students present their learning through photos, journals, presentations, or art.
Integrate the experience back into your curriculum: reflective essays, expedition-inspired projects, or sustainability units.
Empower students to mentor future participants: building a culture of curiosity and conservation that extends beyond a single expedition.

Too often, teachers sit in professional development classes and HEAR about how they should engage students with hands-on, problem-solving experiences. On my �� expedition, I got to experience first-hand what engaging learning truly is, and this will make me a better teacher.

Erica Marlaine

Take the Next Step

Every great expedition starts with a teacher who believes in the power of field-based learning. Start planning today, and watch your students transform curiosity into discovery, collaboration, and real-world impact.

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