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
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.
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
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
Your little scientists can learn about the properties of different substances while making dancing beads, a density column, and faux snow. We will provide a set of supply kits for you to distribute to your students before we all meet virtually. These science activities could be done at home or in the classroom. (minimum 18 students, $6 per student*)
Check out the moon’s phases and star constellations in an interactive virtual session. ($100)
Investigate the three states of matter and make slime! We will provide a set of supply kits for you to distribute to your students before we all meet virtually. These science activities could be done at home or in the classroom. (minimum 18 students, $6 per student*)
Take a look at our solar system and find out where Earth fits. See what’s in our current night sky, and discover the secrets of light and shadows. We will provide a set of supply kits for you to distribute to your students before we all meet virtually. These science activities could be done at home or in the classroom. (minimum 18 students, $6 per student* )
Discover the unique adaptations of squid with an at-home squid dissection and virtual help from a CSC educator. Individually packaged squid and dissection kits will be provided for you to distribute to your students before we all meet virtually. Squid are disposable and all other dissection materials will need to be returned to CSC. (minimum 18 students, $14.25 per student for squid and supplies*)
Explore the relationship among the earth, moon, and stars. Master the meaning behind the moon’s movement with a moon ball and flashlight we provide for you to borrow. We will provide a set of supply kits for you to distribute to your students before we all meet virtually. These science activities could be done at home or in the classroom. (minimum 18 students, $6 per student*)
Learn the major systems of the human body by comparing them to those of a preserved frog. Preserved frogs and dissection kits will be provided for you to distribute to your students before we all meet virtually. Frogs are disposable and all other dissection materials will need to be returned to CSC. (minimum 18 students, $14 per student for frog and supplies*)
*Classes with supply kits will also be charged delivery/pick-up mileage based on the current government rate.
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.
Click HERE to view/print the Kindergarten Exhibit Guide!
Click HERE to view/print the 1st Grade Exhibit Guide!
Click HERE to view/print the 2nd Grade Exhibit Guide!
Click HERE to view/print the 3rd Grade Exhibit Guide!
Click HERE to view/print the 4th Grade Exhibit Guide!
Click HERE to view/print the 5th Grade Exhibit Guide!
Click HERE to view/print the 6th Grade Exhibit Guide!
Click HERE to view/print the 7th Grade Exhibit Guide!
Click HERE to view/print the 8th Grade Exhibit Guide!
Questions? Contact the School Programs Office at schools@catawbascience.org or 828.322.8169 x. 352
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.
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.
Fabulous and I don’t often give praise. We took our grandson and were there for hours. He loved it and so did we.
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.
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.