Frequently Asked Questions about Field Trips
How do I schedule a field trip?
To schedule a field trip, please fill out the Field Trip Request Form with preferred dates, times, and topics for your field trip. Submit the form to the Science Zone via email and a staff member will follow up with you to confirm the dates or work with you to find an alternate time. All field trips should be scheduled at least 2 weeks prior to your preferred visit date.
When can I schedule my field trip?
Field trips will be available for scheduling Monday through Through starting no earlier than 9:15 AM and ending no later than 2:15 PM. All schedules are subject to Science Zone staff availability. Please provide your top 3 dates and times to improve scheduling.
How long should I schedule my field trip?
Field trips can be scheduled to last 1-1.5 hours, which includes time for one lesson and free exploring in the museum exhibits. We recommend scheduling a 1-hour visit if you are coming with a group of Pre-K or K students, or if your group is smaller than 40 students. If you have older students, or if your group is between 40-75 students, please schedule for 1.5 hours. See also restrictions on group size.
How large of a group can I bring to the Science Zone?
The Science Zone can accommodate groups up to 75 students, but unfortunately we are unable to serve groups larger than 75 students at one time. Groups of 40-75 students will automatically be provided a second activity, which incurs the cost of an additional educator. Please see the Pricing Guide for fees.
What does a field trip include?
Each field trip includes one inquiry-based, hands-on lesson with one Science Zone educator that will last 20-60 minutes depending on student ages, needs, ability levels, and time constraints. Pre-K and K lessons typically last 20-30 minutes while 1st grade and up lessons last approximately 30-45 minutes. Groups of 40-75 students will receive two lessons.
Why does my group of students need two lessons?
The Science Zone is a small space with a lot programs occurring simultaneously. To facilitate learning and free exploration, we choose to divide large groups in half because smaller groups will benefit more from the inquiry-based hands-on learning with our educators. Smaller groups will rotate between receiving a lesson and free exploring with each small group having equal time completing the lesson and free exploring in the museum. However, large groups of 40-75 students are divided into three groups to ensure quality hands-on time with our educators. With three small groups, two will be doing a hands-on activity with two of our educators while the third gets to free explore. The additional cost of two lessons with extra materials and instructor time is reflected in the fee for large groups.
How do I choose my field trip topic?
The Science Zone offers a variety of field trip topics including Chemistry, Physics, Earth & Space Science, Engineering, Life Science, Animal Science, and seasonally rotated lessons related to our traveling exhibit. You can review the options on the Field Trip Request Form. Each topic area has been differentiated to include lessons for each level of student Pre-K through 5th grade in that area. When you talk with Science Zone staff to confirm your field trip, be sure to discuss any additional details of the lesson.
Are field trip lessons aligned to standards?
The Science Zone aligns to both NCSD and national standards, and with adequate notice lessons can be adapted for teacher needs, or choose from one of The Science Zone’s list of favorite field trips.
What do I do if I need to reschedule?
Contact The Science Zone as soon as possible in the event that you are unable to attend a scheduled field trip. We will do our best to work with you to reschedule field trips.
How do I pay for my group's field trip?
Fees may be paid upon arrival at your visit to The Science Zone using cash, check, or credit card. Additionally, the Science Zone may be able to send an invoice to your school or organization using a P.O. or L.P.O. following the field trip. Please indicate when scheduling how you would like to pay for your field trip(s).
To schedule a field trip, please fill out the Field Trip Request Form with preferred dates, times, and topics for your field trip. Submit the form to the Science Zone via email and a staff member will follow up with you to confirm the dates or work with you to find an alternate time. All field trips should be scheduled at least 2 weeks prior to your preferred visit date.
When can I schedule my field trip?
Field trips will be available for scheduling Monday through Through starting no earlier than 9:15 AM and ending no later than 2:15 PM. All schedules are subject to Science Zone staff availability. Please provide your top 3 dates and times to improve scheduling.
How long should I schedule my field trip?
Field trips can be scheduled to last 1-1.5 hours, which includes time for one lesson and free exploring in the museum exhibits. We recommend scheduling a 1-hour visit if you are coming with a group of Pre-K or K students, or if your group is smaller than 40 students. If you have older students, or if your group is between 40-75 students, please schedule for 1.5 hours. See also restrictions on group size.
How large of a group can I bring to the Science Zone?
The Science Zone can accommodate groups up to 75 students, but unfortunately we are unable to serve groups larger than 75 students at one time. Groups of 40-75 students will automatically be provided a second activity, which incurs the cost of an additional educator. Please see the Pricing Guide for fees.
What does a field trip include?
Each field trip includes one inquiry-based, hands-on lesson with one Science Zone educator that will last 20-60 minutes depending on student ages, needs, ability levels, and time constraints. Pre-K and K lessons typically last 20-30 minutes while 1st grade and up lessons last approximately 30-45 minutes. Groups of 40-75 students will receive two lessons.
Why does my group of students need two lessons?
The Science Zone is a small space with a lot programs occurring simultaneously. To facilitate learning and free exploration, we choose to divide large groups in half because smaller groups will benefit more from the inquiry-based hands-on learning with our educators. Smaller groups will rotate between receiving a lesson and free exploring with each small group having equal time completing the lesson and free exploring in the museum. However, large groups of 40-75 students are divided into three groups to ensure quality hands-on time with our educators. With three small groups, two will be doing a hands-on activity with two of our educators while the third gets to free explore. The additional cost of two lessons with extra materials and instructor time is reflected in the fee for large groups.
How do I choose my field trip topic?
The Science Zone offers a variety of field trip topics including Chemistry, Physics, Earth & Space Science, Engineering, Life Science, Animal Science, and seasonally rotated lessons related to our traveling exhibit. You can review the options on the Field Trip Request Form. Each topic area has been differentiated to include lessons for each level of student Pre-K through 5th grade in that area. When you talk with Science Zone staff to confirm your field trip, be sure to discuss any additional details of the lesson.
Are field trip lessons aligned to standards?
The Science Zone aligns to both NCSD and national standards, and with adequate notice lessons can be adapted for teacher needs, or choose from one of The Science Zone’s list of favorite field trips.
What do I do if I need to reschedule?
Contact The Science Zone as soon as possible in the event that you are unable to attend a scheduled field trip. We will do our best to work with you to reschedule field trips.
How do I pay for my group's field trip?
Fees may be paid upon arrival at your visit to The Science Zone using cash, check, or credit card. Additionally, the Science Zone may be able to send an invoice to your school or organization using a P.O. or L.P.O. following the field trip. Please indicate when scheduling how you would like to pay for your field trip(s).
