KNOWING YOUR ROUTE

	LESSON PLAN		INSTRUCTOR NOTES
III. Field and Activity Trips Field and activity trips are different from your regular route These trips won’t be familiar to you They require some independent decision-making What are some particular problems that might come up on a field trip or an activity trip? You need to anticipate these problems so you can handle them if they arise Become familiar with the route Look at a map and take it with you Drive the route in a car prior to the actual field trip, if possible Think about how and where your bus will fit Find out if there are any detours or closed roads Plan an alternate route Get written directions for where you are going Know where food and rest areas are Both along the way and once you get there Know where parking is and that it is secure Have a full tank of fuel Have money for tolls When several buses are traveling together Have a lead driver Maintain a safe following distance Communicate with the person in charge of the trip Get the name of the person in charge; give that person your name Agree on loading and unloading places and times at both the school and the final destination Make sure that you and the person in charge know how to get in touch with each other Make sure that the person in charge knows where the bus will be parked Reach an understanding as to responsibilities (1) The driver determines the route and ensures safety (2) The person in charge controls student behavior Keep aisles and exits clear a. No baggage, equipment, or sleeping passengers Carry emergency phone numbers for school personnel Local policies and procedures Are there other tips that anyone wants to add about field and activity trips?			III.D. Write on flipchart III.E. Review Handout #1

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

III.D. The list of particular situations that might arise on field or activity trips could include the following: Wondering if the bus will fit (on a street, in a parking area) One-way streets Fueling Tolls Parking areas Loading/unloading areas Food and rest room availability Security of area to park bus Weather Chaperones Discipline Medical problems Terrain Nighttime driving Directions Low clearance Weight limit on bridges Laws in other states Break downs First aid. III.E. Distribute Handout #1, Field/Activity Trip Checklist, and review it with the group. III.E.1.d. The State Department of Transportation (Highway Department) should have a listing of road closings. III.E.7. Each of the drivers (not just the lead driver) should have directions for the trip’s destination. III.E.11. Review special procedures or policies in your school district. Participants can take notes if they need to on Page 2 of Handout #1. Discuss who should be contacted if there is a problem. These names and emergency phone numbers can be entered on the bottom of Page 2 of Handout #1.