Abstract
The purposes of this study were to design and conduct a three-hour field experience for third and fourth graders on forestry and forest products and to determine the cognitive effects of participation in this field trip on the children. Approximately 700 third and fourth graders participated. These students were tested prior to the field experience, posttested within a week following the trip, and tested again three months after the field experience. Significant differences (p <.05) were found between the pre-and posttests. There was less than a half-point loss in mean scores after retesting three months later. Students not only increased their knowledge after participating in this experience, but they retained that knowledge. Possible reasons for these cognitive gains are offered and discussed.
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Morrell, P.D. Cognitive impact of a grade school field trip. J Elem Sci Edu 15, 27–36 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03174742
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03174742