Organizing Your Day

Here are a few helpful hints to make your day at The Factory run smoothly:

• It is highly recommended that the teacher look at the lesson plans to ensure they are appropriate for their student age level. Some questions may be too advanced for some kindergarteners.

• One parent helper per 5 students works well. For younger grades, groups fewer than 4 work well, with an adult helper. This will allow groups to move faster and efficiently.

• A day or two before the field trip, go through the packet with students to resolve any questions. Invite parent helpers to go through the packet so they can be trained and review the packet as well. It helps tremendously if students and parents have seen the activities, know what to expect, and understand the math/science objectives.

• Some of the packet can be completed in the classroom. Review lessons to determine which parts of each lesson have to be completed at The Factory and what can be done back at school.

• Be aware that some activities are outdoors and may not be available in the rain. Activities such as go-carts, batting cages, and the Ferris Wheel do not run in the rain.

• Review the age and size requirements for attractions.

• Establish a spot where students can find you if they need help. It may be helpful to have one person stationed there the whole time. Considering having the adults carry cell phones so that you can contact each other easily. The Factory also has a paging system if necessary.

• Some lessons will ask the students to pool the data from the entire class. If you would prefer to provide this information at the park rather than wait until you are back at the classroom, take a posterboard for students to post their data as they complete each activity.

• Have your students have their packet easy to keep track of in a folder, plastic bag, etc.

• High school students will need to have at least one calculator, stopwatch, tape measure and any other measuring device per group.

• Decide if you want a specific time for your group to eat together or if you would like to allow your students freedom to eat lunch when they finish their activities.

• We suggest plan a little free time for your students to enjoy the activities. You can use this as an incentive for students who do a good job. The Factory can provide you with information on what can be offered for free or for individual costs for students who desire to play.

Have fun on this day and don’t forget to ask The Factory staff any important questions you may have before your fun day of learning!!!