Get inspired to support your students in capturing and explaining local geological sites and features!
This activity is designed to follow an in-person field trip related to geology. Read more about the story behind this project and about Kari’s and her students’ experience
Adapt the VFT creation assignment here for your specific field trip, learning goals, and context.
Note: You and/or your students will capture your own media for this VFT project. Outlining a media collection plan before your trip is a helpful step in the process. See Educator Guide 7: Create Your Own 360° Media to learn more.
In this activity, students will create a VFT to:
- Contextualize big ideas about geology in the natural formations they experience on their trip.
- Share their response and reactions to specific rocks, geologic structures, or landforms they encountered.
- Demonstrate their understanding of NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas: The History of Planet Earth (ESS1.C), Earth Materials and Systems (ESS2.A), and Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale System Interactions (ESS2.B).
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Designed for Grades 3-12
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Takes approximately 3-5 hours
If YOU are new to supporting student creation
Be sure to check out our Educator Guides for everything you need to know to get started.
If YOUR STUDENTS are new to creating VFTs:
Instructional Materials
Take your VFT Creation Project Further!
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Give and Receive VFT Feedback
View lesson → -
Respond to Feedback About Your VFT
View lesson → -
Reflect on and Share Your Virtual Field Trip
View lesson →
Virtual Field Trips
Rock On: Exploring Features of SoCal Geology
by teams of 4th-graders in CaliforniaSee and hear students share about geologic features in the parks and trails in their local community.
- Earth Science
- ThingLink
- Grades 3-5
- Adults
How Mountains Are Made
by a pair of 4th-graders in CaliforniaMarvel at the many ways a mountain gets made!
- Earth Science
- ThingLink
- Grades 3-5
- Adults