Since you can’t take your students to visit all the different habitats around the world, why not bring the habitats to them? Take one (or all!) of these habitats virtual field trips so that your students can explore a variety of biomes, ecosystems, and habitats firsthand. No permission slips required!
How to take a science virtual field trip
Taking a virtual field trip is an exciting and engaging way for students to learn even more about a topic. It’s especially cool that there are so many amazing places we normally wouldn’t be able to see that we can visit through a virtual field trip!
With just a bit of preparation, you can take your class on a trip they won’t forget. Just choose a virtual field trip that fits your science curriculum and preview it yourself to get familiar. Many of the habitat virtual field trips in this list already have free teacher guides to use with the virtual trip.
I hope these habitat virtual field trips help you take your class on a fun adventure!
Habitats Virtual Field Trips
Temperate Rainforest
In this habitat virtual field trip, your students will learn more about the Emerald Edge. It’s the largest intact coastal temperate rainforest. This virtual field trip keeps things fun and interactive by including a little “Nature Spy” game where students have to spot certain animals during their trip. There’s also a helpful Teacher Guide to help you plan for your virtual field trip!
China’s Great Forests
Explore the majestic forests and beautiful landscapes of China with this habitat virtual field trip! It gives students a look into the importance of forests in the carbon cycle, and you’ll also get a look at the amazing animals that make these habitats their homes.
Symphony of the Rainforest
This habitat virtual field trip will take you to the rainforests of Borneo, the third largest island in the world. Your class will learn more about how scientists are using the sounds of the rainforest to determine how healthy it is and how many species are living there. This trip is great to reinforce the complexity of the amazing rainforest ecosystem.
Journey of Water in Colombia
This habitat virtual field trip allows students to visit beautiful Colombia and explore its fascinating water ecosystems. It takes a closer look at a lot of important plants and wildlife in the area. Students will get to learn more about how water, people, and nature are all connected and important to one another.
Coastal Peru Ecosystems
Take a virtual trip to Coastal Peru to learn about its diversity with this field trip from The National Conservancy. Peru is home to one of the most productive ocean ecosystems, so this habitat virtual field trip will complement science lessons about ocean ecosystems really well!
Yosemite National Park
Head to one of America’s great national parks with a virtual field trip to Yosemite. You can virtually explore all of the habitats in Yosemite National Park through the virtual tours online. It’s a great addition to science lessons about forest and mountainous habitats!
Yellowstone National Park
Another awesome national park to explore virtually is Yellowstone. There are a ton of virtual tour options on the National Park Service website. You can see the incredible geysers or check out the hot springs. Students will definitely be interested in the amazing nature that Yellowstone has to offer!!
Carlsbad Caverns
Check out the fascinating Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico through this Google Arts & Culture habitat virtual field trip. It’s truly an amazing sight to see! You’ll get a little tour and explanation of this National Park from a National Park Ranger. There’s some super interesting and helpful information about bats and other creatures that make the Caverns their home!
Galapagos Islands ($)
The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador is one of the most amazing and unique places in the world. It’s nearly impossible to take a real field trip there, but VirtualFieldTrips.org has a virtual field trip that will help students explore and learn more about this interesting habitat. There is a cost to purchase this virtual field trip, unless your school already has a membership!
America’s Rainforests & Deserts
Students will get to see two different American biomes in this virtual field trip. The trip starts with a closer look at the rain-soaked Olympic Peninsula, as well as some of the challenges that come with all that water. Then, you’ll travel to Arizona’s dry desert landscape to explore the ways that people and other living things have to adapt to a limited water supply. This habitat virtual field trip really emphasizes the importance of water in the world.
Secret Life of Corals
Coral reefs are such interesting habitats! With this habitat virtual field trip, you’ll be able to show your students this world under the sea. You’ll dive into the waters of the Caribbean as you explore the coral reefs of the Dominican Republic. This virtual field trip provides a lot of great information about what’s happening to coral reefs and how we can help keep this important habitat thriving.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a ton of great live cams of their exhibits online. If you’re looking for a fun way to explore marine life while staying in the comfort of your classroom, it’s a great virtual field trip option to check out!
Underwater Cities
Your class will visit the amazing underwater cities created by the coral reefs of Palau in this habitat virtual field trip. Students will get a better, up-close look at the interconnectedness of this important ecosystem.
Man-Made Habitat: Bird Kingdom Aviary ($)
You can “take” your class to visit an awesome man-made habitat with a virtual trip to Bird Kingdom Aviary in Niagara Falls, Canada. It will feel like you’ve stepped foot into a magical rainforest paradise!
There is a ton to see at this aviary, from exotic, colorful birds to owls, bats, and other nocturnal creatures. Bird Kingdom Aviary even offers a live virtual field trip at an added cost.
Tundra
This Discovery Education habitat virtual field trip to the Arctic focuses on polar bears and how they survive the harsh conditions there. It’s a good option if your students are learning about Arctic animal adaptations. Your class will definitely enjoy all the polar bear footage!
I hope these virtual science field trips help you plan an amazing learning experience for your class!
Be sure to Pin this post so you can refer back to it while you’re planning!
Looking for more ideas to teach habitats & ecosystems? Check out these posts:
Teacher Approved Habitats Videos for Kids
Hands-On Habitats Activities for Second Grade Scientists
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