Key factors to consider in guided tours in STEM subjects for years 6 to 9

Abstract

There are several important factors to consider when creating guided tours or field trips at out of school learning sites. When these visits are constructed to suit stu- dents in the Swedish School years 6-9, some factors seem to be particularly impor- tant. The aim of this thesis was to, through a literature review as well as qualitative data collection, extract these key factors to consider. The key factors were also used to create a concept for guided tours at the space observatory in Onsala, which aimed to be an example of how the key factors can be translated from theory to practice. The result consisted of two main parts. A total of 13 key factors to consider in guided tours or field trips were created with the support of interviews with guides and educators at out of school learning sites. These key factors range from what the role of the visiting school teacher should be to what content should be covered, the importance of building relationships and more. A recommended concept for the guided tours at the Onsala Space Observatory was then created through an iterative process where the key factors were considered. This also resulted in a collection of activities with a negative outcome. This concept can be seen as an example of how to implement the key factors and as a package for the observatory to use in the future.