Virtual Field Trip from Detroit Public Television - Shared by MeL
From Christine Schneider, MeL K-12 Education Specialist @meldotorg -
This past week, Detroit Public Television/PBS (DPTV) launched a pilot program for a new type of virtual field trip that can be used in the classroom, or by anyone interested in a virtual experience. The focus included three exciting metro-Detroit locations: the Polk Penguin Conservation Center at the Detroit Zoo, the raptor habitat at The Leslie Science & Nature Center in Ann Arbor, and the bat habitat at the Organization for Bat Conservation in Pontiac. The launch was done online via OVEE, which is a website developed by public media that allows you to watch videos together and chat live with friends, fans and experts in a virtual theater. 429 teachers representing over 13,000 students joined the launch, which took place over 3 days. These are amazing numbers considering many schools in Southeast Michigan were closed one or two of the days because of the snow!
If you missed the launch, you can still participate in the 360° Interactive Experience! The videos and associated lesson plans can be found at DPTV's website: http://www.dptv.org/ education/digital-adventure/ 360-experience-winged- creatures/
And if you haven't seen it, be sure to check out the link on the right side of that webpage for the Detroit Institute of Arts virtual field trip - another great set of videos and lesson plans for classrooms to look at the science behind the art!