'; Changing Lives and Inspiring Learning Through Science and Wonder.
Donate Join Subscribe to our Newsletter

Field Trips

CSC school field trip programs feature grade-specific, hands-on experiences in natural, physical, and earth sciences. All programs complement the NC Common Core & Essential Standards and goals. All CSC programs are designed to further students’ understanding of the Nature of Science. A field trip to Catawba Science Center is an exciting opportunity for groups to share interactive learning experiences. In addition to your chosen program, your group is free to explore the entire museum. Planetarium programs are also available for grades K-12, and focus on stars, the moon, planets, and constellations. Groups can also choose to book a digital theater show for the program fee.

For more information of to make a reservation contact our Office Staff at scheduling@catawbascience.org  or 828.322.8169 x. 0

Field Trip & Program Guide
2023 – 2024

Outreach Programs

Instead of scheduling a field trip to CSC, we can bring some of the same exciting classroom programs to your site or to a local park! Please note in the program guide within each class description is stated whether or not the program is offered as outreach.

CSC Educator doing program with children

Group Summer Program Offerings

View Offerings

Animal Cameos

Have a CSC critter visit your students through zoom! Cameos will last about 20 minutes for each animal (length of question/discussion period may vary)

$25 per animal

Virtual Tour of Catawba Science Center Exhibit

Take a virtual tour of CSC's exhibit areas! Tours will last around 40 minutes (depending on the space and amount of questions). 

Price: $75

Grade Specific Virtual Programming

*Classes with supply kits will also be charged delivery/pick-up mileage based on the current government rate.

CSC Exhibit Guide by Grade

Print a grade-specific exhibit guide that includes suggestions/questions for your students that are aligned with the North Carolina Essential Standards in Science to make the most of your time in our exhibit areas.

View the NC Essential Standards for Science

Kindergarten Exhibit Guide

Click HERE to view/print the Kindergarten Exhibit Guide!

1st Grade Exhibit Guide

Click HERE to view/print the 1st Grade Exhibit Guide!

2nd Grade Exhibit Guide

Click HERE to view/print the 2nd Grade Exhibit Guide!

3rd Grade Exhibit Guide

Click HERE to view/print the 3rd Grade Exhibit Guide!

4th Grade Exhibit Guide

Click HERE to view/print the 4th Grade Exhibit Guide!

5th Grade Exhibit Guide

Click HERE to view/print the 5th Grade Exhibit Guide!

6th Grade Exhibit Guide

Click HERE to view/print the 6th Grade Exhibit Guide!

7th Grade Exhibit Guide

Click HERE to view/print the 7th Grade Exhibit Guide!

8th Grade Exhibit Guide

Click HERE to view/print the 8th Grade Exhibit Guide!

Campus Map for Group Drop Off & Check-in

Aquarium

Millholland Planetarium

Permanent Exhibits

Science Shop

Questions? Contact the School Programs Office at schools@catawbascience.org  or 828.322.8169 x. 352

Sam H.

This place was great. We have kids from 8 to 1 and they all had a great time. What I really liked is most of the exhibits are hands on and that really kept them occupied.

– Sam H.

Meredith C.

What a wonderful place to visit! Great environment to learn and the staff is very helpful! Hickory is lucky to have great family education and entertainment.

– Meredith C.

Denise G.

Fabulous and I don’t often give praise. We took our grandson and were there for hours. He loved it and so did we.

– Denise G.

Tiffany F.

We love the Science Center! I take my 2 and 4 year old boys weekly to play and enjoy the exhibits. The staff are wonderful and the classes offered are excellent! We are so blessed to have such an amazing resource in our area.

– Tiffany F.

Larry W.

Took the kiddos and they loved it. Employees were nice and helpful. If your looking for something to do with the kids give this place a shot.

-Larry W.

shark




NC Science Fest SEMC ASTC
Catawba Science Center
243 Third Avenue NE
PO Box 2431
Hickory, NC 28603
Phone: (828) 322 8169
Fax: (828) 322 1585
©2019 Catawba Science Center
Site design by: SEMC
Catawba Science Center, located in Hickory, provides fun for all ages, and is within a short drive from Morganton, Statesville, Lenoir, Lincolnton, and Western NC.