Virtual Field Trip/Tour

Jeffrey R. Bouwman

EDT 520/522

Winter 2008

Audience: Third & Fourth Grade Students

Instructional Objectives:

This virtual field trip/tour will allow elementary students to locate various Michigan locations utilizing Internet search engines and Google Maps. Students will view various pictures of famous Michigan locations, and further explore each location with a link provided by the field trip.

Rationale for Tool Used:

Terra Clues is an excellent resource that allows students to explore the world without traditional maps. Students use on-line maps and search engines to locate various locations. An educator can design his/her own hunt(s) using unique clues, views on a map, and images. A hunt creator can track student progress and continuously add clues to the hunt. Terra Clues is a free resource that is safe for students to use.

Evaluation Plan:

Each student will have his/her own account. The teacher will be able to view student progress; an additional quiz may be conducted if necessary.

Michigan Social Studies Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCEs):

G1 The World in Spatial Terms

Use geographic representations to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective.

3 – G1.0.1 Use cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) to describe the relative location of significant places in the immediate environment.

3 – G1.0.2 Use thematic maps to identify and describe the physical and human characteristics of Michigan.

Virtual Field Trip/Tour Overview:

This hunt will take you across the Great State of Michigan. You will view various cities, lakes, rivers, and lighthouses. Enjoy your trip across our beautiful state.

Link to the Virtual Field Trip/Tour -

* View the story board below. Each row represents a clue in the tutorial.

Clues: / Visual Image(s) / Supports (Learner Supports/Scaffolds)
Clue 1: This is the hometown of the Detroit Pistons. Please remember, you will not find the Pistons in Detroit.
Answer: Auburn Hills, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.
Clue 2: I am known as "Coast Guard City, USA." I border Lake Michigan, and I am a "Grand" town.
Answer: Grand Haven, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.
Clue 3: I am a GreatLake that is best known for my walleye fishing. You will find the Detroit River Lighthouse in my waters.
Answer: Lake Erie, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.
Clue 4: I am the home of the Tulip Festival. I border Lake Michigan, and you can find the "Big Red" lighthouse here.
Answer: Holland, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.
Clue 5: I was the last "Point" that saw the Edmund Fitzgerald. You will find a shipwreck museum here.
Answer: Whitefish Point, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.
Clue 6: I am the largest dunes in Michigan. I am the legend of a mother bear and her two baby bears.
Answer: Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.
Clue 7: Our State Capitol.
Answer: Lansing, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.
Clue 8: I am home to a "Grand Hotel." You are not allowed to drive a car on this island.
Answer: Mackinac Island, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.
Clue 9: "I am the lake they said, that never gives up her dead." The northern most GreatLake
Answer: Lake Superior, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.
Clue 10: I am the River that connects Lake St. Claire and Lake Erie. I travel past a large city.
Answer: Detroit River, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.
Clue 11: I am home to the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum, the Grand River, FredrickMeijerGardens, and John Ball Park Zoo. The second largest city in Michigan.
Answer: Grand Rapids, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.
Clue 12: I am known as the “Cereal City, USA.”
Answer: Battle Creek, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.
Clue 13: You will find "The Big House" here. Maize and Blue are the colors of my university.
Answer: Ann Arbor, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.
Clue 14: I am surrounded by the Grand Traverse Bay (West Arm and East Arm). Better known as the "Cherry Capital."
Answer: Traverse City, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.
Clue 15: The largest city in the Upper Peninsula.
Answer: Marquette, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.
Clue 16: Home of the Lightships and BluewaterBridge. I border Lake Huron.
Answer: Port Huron, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.
Clue 17: I am the bridge that connects Detroit with Windsor, Canada.
Answer: The AmbassadorBridge, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.
Clue 18: I am a beautiful set of waterfalls located in the Upper Peninsula.
Answer: Tahquamenon Falls, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.
Clue 19: I am the first city you arrive at once you reach the Upper Peninsula.
Answer: St. Ignace, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.
Clue 20: Home of a set of locks that help move ships.
Answer: Sault Ste. Marie, MI / Map powered by Google.
/ Answer contains a link for further exploration –
Students also have the option of using Google search engine to research clue.