FIELD TRIPS

 Come explore with us!

Ignite & Excite Field Trip Experiences at Reading Science Center

The Field Trip Experience

We are thrilled you are considering us as a destination for your students’ educational adventure!

Here is a brief overview of what to expect during your field trip to The Reading Science Center:


  • Total Duration: Approximately 2 hours
  • Exploration Zone: About 1/2 of the time will be spent allowing the children to roam The Center and engage with our exhibits.  Our knowledgeable docents will be on hand to guide them and answer any questions they may have. We also offer scavenger hunt like adventures to aid in their discoveries of the exhibits.
  • Discovery Workshop: The other half of the time will be dedicated to a hands-on workshop designed to spark curiosity and foster learning. The 2024-2025 school year lessons are:
    1. “Ecology Explorers: Biomes, Beasts, and Adaptations” – dive into the captivating world of ecology, exploring how animals and plants are classified, the biomes they inhabit, and the incredible adaptations that ensure their survival. Through hands-on activities designed to simulate a few organism’s unique adaptations, they’ll uncover the wonders of the natural world, including a surprising twist about organisms that glow!
    2. “Toolin’ Around with Science” – investigate the world of chemical reactions, creating both endothermic/cold and exothermic/hot reactions while mastering the use of various scientific tools. As they mix, measure, and observe, they’ll experience the thrill of science firsthand—culminating in a surprise glow that will leave them amazed and eager to explore more!
    3. “Liquid Lab: Viscosity and Density Discoveries” – this lesson reviews the 3 states of matter and then dives into the world of liquids by comparing the densities of different water ecosystems and experimenting with layering them in test tubes. Then explore the intriguing concept of viscosity, testing and layering various liquids to create vibrant, multi-layered columns.

Each investigation topic at The Reading Science Center dives into a unique area of science, but what makes them truly special is how they elevate your group’s entire experience! Our dynamic programs guide students through the thrilling process of scientific investigation, all while reinforcing key scientific terms. We’re not just teaching science—we’re igniting curiosity, sparking wonder, and equipping students with the skills they need to explore and understand the world around them.

Pricing & Scheduling

Our standard pricing is $20 per student. However, thanks to a generous grant from the Neag Foundation, we are able to offer a $10 subsidy per student, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please discuss this subsidy during the process of scheduling your trip.

 

Trips may be scheduled mornings and afternoons, Monday through Friday based on availability.  Please contact us at info@rdgsci.org or sarah.troy@rdgsci.org for booking or more information.

Financial Assistance

Additional grant opportunities may be available for teachers to provide their class with a field trip to the Reading Science Center. Please see grant resources at fieldtripdirectory.com.

Transportation

If your school does not have its own bus transportation, Berks County Intermediate Unit may be able to help. 

 

For inquiries, please contact:

John Coakley

Program Administrator, Transportation

Office of Operations, Berks County Intermediate Unit

61 Berkley Road, Reading, PA 19605

johcoa@berksiu.org

 

School buses can park along the fire lane on the side of the DoubleTree Reading Hotel during field trips, as long as the driver stays with the vehicle. 

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