How to Plan an Educational Trip That Aligns with the Australian Curriculum
Planning a family trip that’s not only fun but also educational might sound like a challenge, but it’s easier than you think—especially when you align your travel experiences with the Australian Curriculum. Whether you’re a homeschool family, a worldschooler, or just looking for ways to make your holiday meaningful for your kids, an educational trip can enrich your children’s learning in ways that no textbook ever could.
This guide will show you step-by-step how to design an educational trip that directly connects to what your kids are learning (or should be learning!) while still keeping it engaging, exciting, and full of unforgettable memories.
Step 1: Identify Your Travel Destination and Curriculum Links
The first step in planning an educational trip is choosing your destination and exploring the learning opportunities it offers. The Australian Curriculum is broad and flexible, making it easy to connect real-world experiences to key learning areas.
For example:
Asia-Pacific Locations (e.g., Vietnam, Indonesia): Great for history, geography, cultural studies, and languages.
Australia (e.g., Uluru, Great Barrier Reef): Perfect for science, Aboriginal history, and sustainability.
Europe (e.g., Italy, France): Ideal for ancient history, modern history, and art appreciation.
Pro Tip: Look for Special Events
When picking a location that interests your child, check if there’s a special event happening during your trip. Festivals, cultural celebrations, exhibitions, or seasonal activities can add extra depth and excitement to the experience.
For example:
In Vietnam, plan your trip around Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) for a vibrant cultural celebration that teaches about traditions, community, and history.
In Indonesia, visit during a Balinese Hindu festival like Nyepi (Day of Silence) or Galungan to experience the rituals and traditions firsthand.
In Australia, plan a visit to Canberra during the Floriade Festival to combine art, science, and sustainability through interactive displays and floral exhibits.
These events provide incredible, immersive learning opportunities that tie into subjects like history, geography, arts, and culture. Plus, they make the trip even more memorable for your child!
Step 2: Choose Subjects and Learning Areas to Focus On
You don’t need to cover every subject while traveling, but you can target key learning areas that naturally align with your destination.
History
Visiting historical landmarks or museums can bring Australia’s and the world’s history to life:
Curriculum Link: Ancient civilizations, global conflicts, colonization, and cultural heritage.
Example: Explore the ancient trade port of Hoi An in Vietnam, where kids can learn about maritime trade and its connections to Asia-Pacific history.
Geography
Real-world exploration of landscapes, ecosystems, and cultures provides a deeper understanding of geography:
Curriculum Link: Biomes, water systems, sustainability, and human impact on the environment.
Example: Visit the Mekong Delta in Vietnam to learn about river systems, or the Daintree Rainforest in Australia for studies on biodiversity.
Science
Nature-based activities can teach kids about ecosystems, weather, and geology:
Curriculum Link: Ecosystems, climate science, natural disasters, and biodiversity.
Example: Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef to observe coral reef ecosystems firsthand or visit Indonesia’s volcanic regions to study tectonic activity.
Hannah about to explore the Great Barrier Reef.
Languages
Travel immerses kids in new languages and cultures:
Curriculum Link: Communication, cultural appreciation, and language fluency.
Example: Practice Bahasa Indonesia or Vietnamese during a trip to these countries, tying into the Australian Curriculum's language focus.
Arts
Incorporate creativity and cultural traditions into the trip:
Curriculum Link: Visual arts, music, drama, and cultural expression.
Example: Participate in a lantern-making workshop in Hoi An or learn traditional Balinese dance in Indonesia.
Ari loved learning about China, including how to write Chinese letters and dressing up in traditional clothing.
Step 3: Plan Activities That Match Curriculum Goals
Once you’ve chosen the learning areas you’d like to focus on, plan specific activities or visits to make the most of the educational opportunities at your destination.
Here’s how to align popular destinations with the curriculum:
DestinationActivityCurriculum AreaGreat Barrier ReefSnorkeling and reef conservation programsScience: Ecosystems and sustainability
UluruAboriginal cultural tours and rock artHistory: First Nations Peoples
Hoi An, VietnamExploring ancient trade portsHistory and Geography: Ancient Asia-Pacific trade
Mekong DeltaVisiting floating markets and mangrovesGeography: River systems and community impact
Bali, IndonesiaLearning traditional crafts and danceArts and Culture: Expression through art
Canberra, AustraliaVisiting the Australian War MemorialHistory and Civics: Australia’s role in global conflicts
Step 4: Incorporate Hands-On and Experiential Learning
Kids learn best when they’re engaged and involved, so prioritize hands-on activities and real-world experiences.
Museum Visits: Choose interactive museums that make learning fun (e.g., War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City for history or Questacon in Canberra for science).
Nature-Based Activities: Go hiking, snorkeling, or wildlife spotting to reinforce science and geography concepts.
Cultural Immersion: Participate in workshops, attend performances, or try local foods to build language and cultural awareness.
Community Interaction: Visit local schools, markets, or community projects to learn about daily life and foster global citizenship.
Our trip to Questacon was a highlight for the kids, the interactive displays gave lots of hands on learning opportunities.
Step 5: Document the Learning
To solidify what your kids have learned, encourage them to document their experiences during the trip.
Ideas for documentation:
Travel Journals: Have your kids write about what they saw, learned, and how it connects to their studies.
Photo Essays: Take photos of significant sites and create a presentation or scrapbook.
Art Projects: Draw or paint scenes from their travels to reflect on cultural and natural beauty.
Videos: Record short videos explaining key concepts they’ve learned at specific locations.
This not only reinforces their learning but also creates keepsakes they can cherish forever.
Step 6: Link Post-Trip Reflection to Curriculum Objectives
After the trip, tie your child’s experiences back to the curriculum through follow-up activities or discussions:
History Projects: Create a timeline of key events they learned about during the trip.
Geography Maps: Mark the places they visited and explore how they connect to biomes or global systems.
Science Reports: Write a summary of what they observed in an ecosystem or environment.
Cultural Analysis: Compare and contrast the culture they experienced with Australian culture.
You can also use these reflections as part of your homeschooling portfolio to demonstrate how your travels align with the curriculum.
Step 7: Use Resources to Enhance the Experience
Make the most of your trip by using resources that complement your travels:
Australian Curriculum Website: Review learning goals for specific subjects and year levels.
Travel Apps: Use apps like Google Earth to track locations, Duolingo for language learning, or Seek for identifying plants and animals.
Activity Packs: Download printable worksheets or activity guides related to your destination.
Final Thoughts: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Travel is an incredible way to enrich your children’s education, offering real-world experiences that bring the Australian Curriculum to life. Whether you’re exploring the rainforests of Far North Queensland or walking the ancient streets of Hoi An, every trip is an opportunity to deepen your child’s knowledge, foster curiosity, and create lifelong memories.
By planning ahead, connecting experiences to learning goals, and documenting the journey, you can ensure your trip is both educational and unforgettable. So, pack your bags, grab your curriculum guide, and get ready to turn the world into your classroom!
