Virtual Field Trips to Mount St. Helens

Questions? Email learn@mshinstitute.org or call (360) 207-1777

Investigate the most active volcano in the Cascade in a live, interactive, and thought-provoking virtual field trip! Whether to supplement your visit the mountain in person, or if an in-person visit is not feasible, our virtual field trips offer a unique opportunity to explore the volcanic landscape of Mount St. Helens in an interactive 360-degree virtual environment! 

Mount St. Helens Institute virtual field trips align with Next Generation Science Standards, are directed by student observations and come with ready-to-use lessons plans for before and after your live guided session. Our virtual field trip package combines synchronous and asynchronous segments for an immersive learning experience.

Virtual field trips are designed for classes, youth groups, scout troops and other groups. If you have a custom need, please contact our education team at learn@mshinstitute.org.

Offered Seasonally: January - March

Live Field Trip Duration: 1 hour

Suitable for: Students grades 4-8, youth groups, scout troops and other groups

Cost:  $150 per group, up to 30 participants.  Financial assistance is available for qualifying groups.

Virtual Field Trip Package includes:

• A pre-field trip lesson complete with a lesson plan, pre-recorded videos, and an activity;
• A 3-part virtual field trip in a 360-degree virtual environment that students can explore asynchronously;
• A copy of student or participant responses from the 360-degree virtual environment that can be used for assessment and a record of participation;
• A LIVE session in the 360-degree virtual environment led by one of our expert and inspired educators;
• A post-field trip lesson that builds on what students saw and thought about during the field trip; and
• Access to the virtual field trip environment for the remainder of the school semester (fall and spring sessions).

TOPICS

 

OVERVIEW

What will my students be doing BEFORE the live session?

Our pre-field trip activity includes pre-recorded videos about the 1980 eruption and a follow-up activity to review the events of the 1980 eruption. OPTIONAL: We provide links to the 360 virtual field trip space for students to explore field sites around Mount St. Helens in advance of the live session. This allows students time to explore the virtual field trip space at their own pace.

What will my students be doing DURING the live session?

A Mount St. Helens Institute educator will lead your students on a tour of various field sites around Mount St. Helens in the virtual 360 environment.  This session is hosted on a video conferencing platform of your choice.  At each field site, students will be asked to make observations, draw, and explore photos, video, and other media that provide evidence to learn about processes that shape the site. 

Our field trips are designed to minimize lecture time and to maximize time for students to make observations, practice scientific thinking, and engage in group conversations.   Our educators will be the “guide on the side” as  your group visits each site together, shares what they notice and what they think about it.  There will be time for Q&A.  

Our educator will lead a slightly different program depending on whether students have or have not explored the virtual field trip space in advance of the live session.

Our 360 virtual field trip space is built from 360-degree photos and videos that allow students to explore in all directions.

 

 

 

 

Our 360 virtual field trip space includes embedded forms for students to record their observations and ideas. Student responses are recorded in Google Sheets and shared with teachers as a tool for participation and assessment.

 

 

Our 360 virtual field trip space includes clickable icons that pop up with photos and videos to provide evidence and support student sense-making at their site.

 

 

 

 

What will my students be doing AFTER the live session?

We provide links for students to explore the virtual 360 space on their own after the live session, as well as links for post-field trip activities.  Post-field trip activities ask students to reflect on what they learned and apply lessons from Mount St. Helens to other landscapes. 

Can I view the virtual field trip after the live program?

Yes. Our virtual field trip package provides links for you and your students to access the virtual 360 environment before and after your live program. These links will remain available for the remainder of your school semester.

What if a student of mine does not have internet access?

It is possible to access the 360 virtual environment offline. We can provide a copy of the virtual field trip as an executable file that works on Windows or Mac.

What if all of my instruction is asynchronous?

Please email learn@mshinstitute.org to discuss the best solution to replace the live session.  This could include a 1-on-1 session with the teacher or providing some written responses to student questions.

NEXT STEPS

1. CHECK AVAILABILITY for your live session by filling out our non-binding program inquiry form and we will get back to you with the next steps to register. 
2. APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID, IF ELIGIBLE.  Please see the eligibility criteria below, and if eligible complete the financial aid form HERE. Groups awarded financial aid will be sent a coupon code to use at the time of registration.  See below for eligibility criteria for financial assistance:
   • Schools where 70%+ students receive free/reduced meals or are considered low-income will receive a 100% discount.
   • Schools where 69-60% students receive free/reduced meals or are considered low-income will receive a 75% discount.
   • Schools where 59-50% students receive free/reduced meals or are considered low-income will receive a 50% discount.
   • Schools where 49-40% students receive free/reduced meals or are considered low-income will receive a 25% discount.
3. Review our program policies.

Generous Financial Support Provided by: 

US Forest Service

Honorable Frank L and Arlene G Price Foundation

Autzen Foundation

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THANK YOU FOR LEARNING WITH US AT THE MOUNT ST. HELENS INSTITUTE!

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