Community+Science

=**ΩDr. Dietrich - Lancaster Science Factory**=

454 New Holland Ave., Lancaster, PA 17602 Phone: (717) 509-6363 Fax: (717) 509-6386 []
 * Lancaster Science Factory**
 * General Inquiries** **info@TLSF.org **

Scheduling a group visit Ron Ruth 717-509-6387 Education@tlsf.Org

Volunteer opportunities Evanna Morris 717-509-6383 Volunteer@tlsf.org

The Lancaster Science Factory is a new, hands-on, interactive science and technology museum. The museum celebrated it's grand opening on January 22, 2008. The 11,000 square foot museum is located in the old Kerr factory. The Lancaster Science Factory welcomes children of all ages (3-93!). When visiting the museum, students can explore 40 interactive exhibits. The exhibits are meant to be "explored" and not just viewed. For example students can make and fly their own paper airplanes, launch parachutes, build mechanical cars, create their own roller coaster, and enter a prism! The museum layout is inviting and safe for young children. For example when building an arch, the wooden building blocks may crash to the floor but teachers and parents need not worry the crashing blocks won't break and visitors can not damage the museum's concrete floors. In this museum "exploration" is encouraged and "falling blocks and bouncing balls" are just part of the experience. The 40 + exhibits are organized into ten exhibit “clusters” including: Structural Engineering, Air Power, Conductors and Insulators, Electricity, Light and Vision, Newton’s Laws, and Fluid Dynamics. The museum encourages teachers to thoughtfully plan their visit. Teachers can find curricular materials that include activity guides for students to use during their visit to the museum. (The staff states that a chid who visits the museum alone can easily explore for 2 hours but when visiting with a class of peers, they can be "done" in only 12min. if they are not provided with guidance.) To ensure a successful trip, the teacher should visit the museum and try each activity they want their students to do. At the museum, chaperones should be employed as "group leaders" and actively participate with their group as they explore each exhibit.

Here is a video of the acoustics exhibit:

Ron Ruth 717-509-6387 Education@tlsf.Org** __Cost:__ $5/students. When taking a group of students, the museum requires 1 chaperone/4 students for children under 8. For students 8-18 the ratio is 1/6 (Chaperones are free at this ratio.) Teachers are free all year!
 * Planning a Field Trip**
 * Scheduling a group visit

__Space:__ The museum can accommodate 80 students but if you want to use their classroom space it only holds one typical size class.

__Scheduling:__While it is always best to plan far in advance, the museum says that they are often able to accommodate field trips with only a 1-2 week notice. To schedule a field trip call the museum and talk to Ron Ruth.

__Time:__ Teachers should plan the day so that students have 2 hours to explore the museum. Group visits are planned either from 10AM -noon or 1PM-3PM. (The museum does not sell food, so the teacher will need to make plans for lunch.)

__Curriculum guides:__ The museum staff writes a lot of curriculum materials for teacher's to use with their students before, during, and after the visit. Many of the curricular materials are found online but you can also contact Ron Ruth to see if other materials are available that may be better suited for your individual class.

__Exhibits:__ There are 40+ exhibits. (The exhibits do not change, but new curricular materials are always being added). The museum often does new and different science activities in their classroom space - just ask when you call! Also when volunteers are available, they have a cart of traveling science demos within the main exhibit space that constantly changes. All exhibits are safe for students from 3-93 still chaperone's are required for school groups!


 * My personal evaluation**
 * I visited the museum on Feb. 13, 2009 with my ELED 361 class. I found the staff to be very welcoming and accommodating both before and during the visit. The staff opened the museum early for our group and was very prepared for our visit. When we entered the museum they ushered us into the classroom space and gave us a "custom designed" program that included an introduction to the museum and tips for planning a successful school trip. After the program we entered the main exhibit space and explored the attraction. I had a blast!!! The exhibits are fun, interactive, and engaging. You can quickly tell that it is a new museum with an updated vision. The exhibits did not just show us a science concept but they made us part of the exhibit as we designed, experimented, and played! This is a museum that shatters the notion of "look but don't touch". We were definitely encouraged to touch, try, think, experiment, etc. The museum exceeded my expectations! I can't wait to take next semesters ELED 361 students and MY OWN KIDS!!!!**

Kristi Raugh Lancaster Science Factory 454 New Holland Avenue Lancaster, PA 17602 717-509-6363 http://www.lancastersciencefactory.com

Description Lancaster Science Factory is a completely hands-on approach to science. It is a wide open factory floor with massive amounts of interactive exhibits which you can touch, manipulate, and experience. They had stations that covered scientific topics like: tornadoes dams pendulums flight physics sound kinetic energy potential energy electrical circuits magnetism optical illusions simple machines gravity amplitude mass gears conductors insulators magnetic fields catenary arch parachutes

There were really too many to list ( over 40!), but this gives you an idea of the range of activities that were available. Children move from station to station in any order they want to and stay as long as they want to. It is not a quiet place because there are balls being launched into the rafters, balls rolling on roller coaster, balls rolling across the floor, blocks falling, kids laughing, kids talking, and kids asking questions. Oh, yeah, and adults are doing the same thing!

Average visit is about 2 hours.

Cost $7.00 - adults $5.00 - children (3-15) $6.00 - seniors $4.50 - group of 10 or more with advanced reservations

Chaperone Ratio: PRIMARY - 1:4 GRADES 5 AND UP - 1:6

If a class of 25 fourth graders would go, 6 chaperones would get in for free. Any additional chaperones would have to pay.

If a class of 25 fifth graders would go, 4 chaperones would get in for free. Any additional chaperones would have to pay.

There is no cafeteria or lunch area so do not plan to eat at the factory!

Suitability The place is called The SCIENCE Factory, so, of course, it is a suitable place to take a class field trip! They do have a list available on their website of all the activities and how they apply to the Pennsylvania State Standards. Lancaster Science Factory has several scavenger hunt activities posted on-line to help guide students through the factory with questions that relate to different stations. There are educators on sight to use as a resources before, during, and after your trip, and several “Red Aprons” running around the factory floor to help you do, figure out, or inquire about a topic more in-depth. All exhibits are wheelchair accessible.

Personal Evaluation I thought the factory was an outstanding use of time. My oldest daughter, 6, loved so many of the exhibits and could tell you a little bit about what she learned from several of the stations! My other daughter, 2, was fascinated by the “build-your-own-roller-coaster” display and actually manipulated the track until she found a way to make the ball stay on the track! My son, 1, just loved to roll and kick the balls across the factory floor and watch Mommy chase after them. I would highly recommend the Lancaster Science Factory as a possible field trip. However, it could be difficult to “justify” going depending on your curriculum for your classroom. In my district in my grade, only seven of the stations directly apply to our 5th grade standards. I am not sure we would get approval to go for seven stations, but you don’t know if you don’t ask! I, professionally, would have a hard time convincing the powers-that-be why my 5th graders should visit even though it is a great refresher for concepts past, current ideas, and new material to come. If I could make the choice, we would go without hesitation!

Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area (Posted by Daphne Taraborelli) Pennsylvania Game Commission Visitors Center PO Box 110 Kleinfeltersville, PA 17039 (717) 733-1512 [] The Visitors Center is open from February 1 until Thanksgiving, Tuesday through Saturday, 8 am to 4 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Description The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is a 6,254-acre facility created in 1973. It is home to pheasants, deer, bluebirds, and many other wild animals and is visited annually by approximately 280 species of birds. The area is known for the thousands of ducks, geese, and swans that visit during their spring and fall migrations. The first week in March is generally the peak for viewing well over 10,000 snow geese. Middle Creek is maintained by hunters and trappers and allied conservationists. The Pennsylvania Game Commission receives no general state tax revenue. Middle Creek is a popular place to visit for hikers, birders, hunters, anglers, naturalists, picnickers, teachers, and students. There is a 756-acre wildlife propagation area set aside for nesting waterfowl and other animals, as well as controlled and public hunting areas. No hunting, fishing or any other activity is allowed in the propagation area. Middle Creek also offers nearly 20 miles of hiking trails varying in difficulty.

The Visitors Center features a variety of displays of waterfowl and other wildlife that inhabit the area. The Center’s viewing area overlooks the lake and a songbird feeding station, and is home to Middle Creek’s annual lecture series. Programs for schools, scouts, and other groups are available all year. Suitability/Elementary Science Field Trips  **Cost: ** FREE for students, teachers, and chaperones  **Contact: ** Bert Myers, Environmental Education Specialist  He works with the teacher(s) planning the trip to build an experience that coordinates with what is going on in the classroom. He and the teacher will meet to establish a set of objectives and plan experiences that will best meet those objectives. The goal is that the Middle Creek trip will not be a stand-alone experience, but rather coordinate with learning in the classroom. **Programs: ** Middle Creek offers programs that meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Environment and Ecology standards. Lessons are designed to address specific areas such as predator/prey relationships, adaptations, migration, threatened and endangered species, food chains/webs, watersheds and wetlands, and ecosystems and their interactions. Middle Creek is able to come to your elementary school to do introductory activities with the students, as well as provide follow-up activities for back in the classroom after the trip. Specific activity examples include, but are not limited to stream study, testing water quality, hiking, dissection of owl pellets, studying skulls and antlers, investigating habitat requirements of mammals in Pennsylvania, and studying waterfowl migration. Middle Creek also uses Project Wild ([|www.projectwild.org]) curriculum resources in their programs. //<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Note: In addition to programs for students, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is an approved provider of ACT 48 hours for teacher workshops. Workshops can be done at Middle Creek and at schools. These workshops include Project WILD and Pennsylvania Songbirds. Wildlife Conservation Education workshops are also developed to address specific requested topics. //<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> <span style="display: block; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; text-align: left;"> **<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Accommodations: **<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Middle Creek can accommodate both large and small groups of students. Large groups of students (such as 60 students) are typically divided into smaller groups rotated through several activities. Smaller groups of students (such as a single class of 20 students) may be able to go more in-depth in one particular experience. Student to chaperone ratios are determined at the discretion of the classroom teacher, but also depend upon the activity chosen. <span style="display: block; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; text-align: left;"> **<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Scheduling: **<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> It is best to plan far in advance, especially for trips in March through May. Because this is a free program, Bert Myers’ availability for programming is booked quickly. It is best to schedule your trip as soon as school begins or anytime in September. Often, by October, much of the spring months are booked. <span style="display: block; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; text-align: left;"> <span style="display: block; font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; text-align: left;">Personal Evaluation <span style="display: block; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; text-align: left;">The Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is an excellent place for students to get an //authentic// environmental experience. Because it is a free program, it is accessible to many teachers if they can manage to fund transportation. While the experience would not be the same, Middle Creek also offers to come to schools, which is a benefit for teachers who have no funding for special events/field trips. The experiences at Middle Creek appear very authentic, hands-on, and inquiry-based. A trip to Middle Creek would really prompt a lot of questions for students to investigate further. By going to Middle Creek, students are not only spending time in nature, but have the opportunity to learn about the environment and ecology, specifically topics required by the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. The downside of this field trip opportunity is that scheduling is very difficult. However, if you plan early enough, you are likely to be able to reserve a spot for your class. Also, Middle Creek is slightly limited in that they provide programs focused on Environment and Ecology. If a teacher is looking for a broad opportunity, this would not be the place to go.

I was impressed by the flexibility in the programs. Not many places will offer a personalized field trip. Many places only allow teachers to choose from a cookie-cutter list of programs. The idea that the teacher can sit down with the program coordinator to plan a unique experience for his/her students is very unique and would be very beneficial. I also like that the trip is not meant to be an isolated experience, but coordinated with what is going on back in the classroom.

Middle Creek offers a wide variety of program topics for teachers and their students. I also like that Middle Creek partners with Project WILD, a high-quality program that correlates with the National Science Standards, has received numerous awards and endorsements, and uses materials that are continuously reviewed and revised. Middle Creek is an excellent field trip opportunity for students in grades kindergarten through twelve! //<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Daphne Taraborelli //<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> <span style="display: block; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; text-align: left;">

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1050 Rockford Road Lancaster, PA 17602
 * Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation (Lancaster County Park)-posted by Becky Kreider **

(717) 295-2055 to schedule a naturalist or find out more information; environmental center hours are M-F 8:30am-5pm A wealth of information and schedules can be found through their website: [] **Overview**: Lancaster County Parks and Recreation Department oversees all activities and grounds at all of the county’s parks. Specifically the department oversees 7 parks. The most popular and largest of which is Central Park in Lancaster city. The Parks and Rec. Department houses an environmental center which aims to provide educational programs to students and adults alike. The center employs naturalists who develop education programs. They offer schedule programs to school groups or other small groups as well as public programs. The public programs are often free or of low cost (most are $1/person). They range in topics and many are appropriate for adults and children. The schedule for the public programs can be found by reading their monthly newsletter the Wanderlings which can be found through their website or picked up at the environmental center. During the summer months there are many programs and activities designed to keep school aged children busy. The naturalists have also developed programs to teach school aged children. There are two options: the naturalists can present their programs in the parks or at your site. The cost ranges depending on which of the options you choose and how far away your site is from the environmental center. There are 33 programs to choose from. Many are appropriate for any grade K-12 and can be adapted to suit your class’s needs or abilities. Each program has been aligned with the Pennsylvania State Standards for science. Another option for school aged children and teachers looking to take them on field trips would be the 12 station Nature Weather Tour. This tour can be done individually using a tour guide packet picked up at the environmental center or can be led in groups by a naturalist. According to the website, “ The 12-station //Nature Weather Tour// in Lancaster County Central Park off Eshelman Mill Road, Lancaster, PA, shows the connections between nature and weather and provides Participants with natural ways to predict upcoming weather using wind, clouds, moisture, temperature, and more. It is one of three interpretive weather trails in the world.” Another option for field trip opportunities through this department would be to utilize their parks for organized play or teacher-guided discovery. Throughout the 7 parks there are 13 miles of trails, 4 tennis courts, 2 basketball courts, 4 baseball/softball fields, a skate park, 300 garden plots, and a large pool. School groups can use any of the resources. <span style="font-weight: normal; color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';"> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';"> As a school we all venture to county park or Buchmiller Park for ‘County Park Day’ at the end of the school year. Each year we utilize the naturalists in different ways. Last year, third grade was given a presentation by a naturalist about bats. .The students went bat hunting, learned some interesting information, and looked at bat bones/skulls/wings up close. They loved it. There were games to reenact the ways that bats can see and find their way around. The presenter was extremely well prepared and knowledgeable. I was impressed as this was my first experience taking students to County Park. During ‘County Park Day’ fourth graders do a field stream study with naturalists which I have not been able to observe but have heard great things about. I have nothing negative to say about this organization or the people that work for it. Their professionalism and commitment to quality education is top-notch. Their website is full of information and their staff is extremely happy to answer any questions. Kudos to the Lancaster Department of Parks and Recreation!
 * Directions to Central Park from Lancaster city**: Take Duke Street south through the city to Chesapeake Street. Take a right onto Chesapeake Street; go .2 miles and turn left into park
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Price: ****<span style="font-weight: normal; color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Prices for programs led by a naturalist for a classroom vary. It is less expensive to have a program presented in the park and slightly more expensive to have it presented at your school site. Programs charge hourly, but naturalists can be hired for full days up to 6 hours if that is something you’d prefer. **
 * <span style="font-weight: normal; color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Prices range from $28 for an hour program in the park-$144 for a 6-hour naturalist at a site in Lancaster County. Check the website or call the office for more detailed pricing information ****<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">. **
 * Suitability for elementary field trips: ** Any of the programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department are specifically designed to keep children interested, motivated, and learning. The naturalists are highly trained with backgrounds in biology, education, geology, and/or ecology. According to the website they are experienced educators who know how to teach students. Not only are the presenters well prepared and well organized but the lessons they teach are aligned with the standards we are held accountable for in our classrooms.
 * Evaluation: ** My elementary school (Fulton Elementary) has utilized the resources at County Park in several different ways. The fourth grade teachers have invited naturalists into their classrooms to teach programs about wetlands and water conservation. I was able to observe parts of these presentations. The naturalists spoke at a pace and vocabulary level that students could understand. The presentation was hands on and visual and students generally seemed to be enjoying and learning a great deal from the presenters.

222 Market Street Harrisburg, PA 17101 717-214-ARTS [|www.whitakercenter.org]
 * The Whitaker Center (Harsco Science Center)**



Lori Lauver 717-724-3865 717-214-2791 (Fax) llauver@whitaker.org
 * Director of Education **

Michelle Hornberger 717-724-3857 mhornberger@whitakercenter.org
 * Volunteer and Intern Coordinator **

The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is located in downtown Harrisburg. The building is home to the Sunoco Performance Theater, the Harsco Science Center, and the Select Medical IMAX Theater. The three floors of the Harsco Science Center consist of more than 240 interactive, educational exhibits. These exhibits explore natural science, life science, physical science, mathematics, and technology. There are also special limited-time exhibits on site. Currently, the temporary exhibit is //Invention at Play// from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. In this hands-on area, visitors can build whirligigs, problem solve with tessellations, and construct block towers, just to name a few. Also on this level, visitors can explore numerous kiosks in the //Forces of Nature// section. Here visitors will find numerous interactive kiosks involving weather events and our dynamic planet. Travel up a floor to find hands-on exhibits related to health and wellness. In this section, visitors can learn more about the five senses, medical technology, exercise and diet. Nearby, are more exhibits related to people and diversity. Visitors, young and old, can explore genetics, culture, and communication. Also on this floor are exhibits regarding ecology and the environment, including a watershed. The final kiosks on this floor are related to physics. Visitors can explore gravity, simple machines, and sound. Additional displays regarding sound are located on the lobby floor. Here visitors can play a gigantic xylophone and experience sound waves. This floor also includes hands-on activities related to air and Kid’s Hall, a special enclosed area with activities for children under the age of six.

Cost To visit the Harsco Science Center the cost is as follows: (2008/2009 prices; minimum 1:10 ratio) Students $7.00 Teachers/Chaperones $7.00
 * Planning a Field Trip **

It is possible to combine a Harsco visit with the IMAX or Sunoco Performance Theater. Additional fees apply and can be accessed via the Educator’s Planning Guide on the website.

An Educator’s Open House will be held in late September (date to be determined). Details can be obtained by contacting Lori Lauver at the number listed above or via email. As she explained to me, this is an opportunity for educators to interact with the staff and learn more about the programs the Whitaker Center has to offer school groups.

Harsco Science Center Hours of Operation Monday through Saturday 9:30am–5:00pm Sunday 11:30am–5:00pm

Discovery Labs
 * In-depth, hands-on workshops are also available at the Whitaker Center. The various workshops at differing grade levels (K -10) are tied to PA Standards. Allow 30 – 45 minutes depending on the lab selected. Again, details about the available labs can be found on the website via the Educator’s Planning Guide. (A new issue is in the works for the upcoming school year and will be made available on the website.) **

WOW: Whitaker on Wheels
 * The Whitaker Center will also bring the science to you! WOW includes auditorium and classroom presentation on a variety of PA Standards based topics, such as the human body, electricity, and renewable and nonrenewable resources. **

My Personal Evaluation
 * I visited the Whitaker Center on in the morning of Friday, July 17. The staff was helpful and knowledgeable. With numerous floors and a variety of exhibits, we were able to explore a wide variety of science concepts. Let me begin by saying, the Harsco Science Center has no shortage of buttons! Each kiosk was hands-on and interactive. I explored the museum with two eight year old girls. They were thrilled to go from display to display and push, pull, manipulate and move whatever they could! Some of their absolute favorites were the bubble maker, the hurricane chamber, and the virtual video game where they could see themselves as a character in a video game. It was also difficult to pull them away from the “force chairs,” the “lift your own weight” pulleys, and the fun house mirror. This is the type of museum where adults can go and learn something new and children are thrilled to explore, explore, explore! With at least one changing exhibit, you can easily return numerous times per year and see something new.

As mentioned earlier, the Harsco Science Center has numerous interactive exhibits related to the principles of sound. Both the Physics of Sound and Sound at Work areas relate directly to one of the content areas we cover in science in 3rd grade. Currently, none of the additional workshops or demonstrations relate to any of our three content areas (sound, water, and rocks and minerals). Despite that, I think a trip to the Whitaker Center would be a great way for our students to explore sound. It would be wonderful if we could pair the visit with an appropriate IMAX movie that tied in to our curriculum in some way.

Stacey Kubis



North Museum of Natural History & Science **(Posted by Michelle DiDomenico) 400 College Avenue Lancaster, PA 17603-3393 Phone: (717) 291-3941 Exhibits (717) 291-4037 Planetarium (717) 291-4315 School and Group Tours (717) 291-4371 Hours Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday: Noon - 5:00 pm Monday: Closed The Museum is open for the following holidays: Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Columbus Day Closed: New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
 * info@northmuseum.org**

The North Museum of Natural History & Science has three levels and an outside area for lifelong learning in the community. The upper level of the museum has Changing Exhibitions throughout the year. Presently there are high school student’s photographs of the community. The Main floor of the Museum includes the Live Animal Room, The Hands on Discovery Room, Hall of Cosmos including the Planetarium, Natives of the Susquehanna, Fluorescent Room and The Dinosaur Hall. Outside the museum is a Discovery Garden and Butterfly Garden for people to walk through and relax. The last level is the lower level, filled with Birds in the Cabinet Museum. There are also Rocks and Minerals, Fossils an the Dichotomous Cabinet filled primarily with dinosaur fossils. The Planetarium, one of the largest in the country, offers a variety of shows or programs for both adults and children. Currently “Life of a Star” is playing with a running time of 30 minutes. It is recommended for ages 4-9. The Museum is built in a round setting, where one can start at one end and work their way through the floor as they return to the front entrance. There, tour guides and volunteers are easily assessable for any help or questions.
 * Description**

Special programs and weekend events at The North Museum include Reptile, Insect and Zany Science Weekends and Astronomy Day, highlight different aspects of science. The planetarium has incredible photographs from the Hubble telescope and NASA missions, and a technology theater with a View Space which features images from the Space Telescope Science Institute.




 * Programs**

Handle and touch specimens and artifacts as you explore many wonders of natural history and science. Discovery boxes provide hands-on experiences with natural objects such as rocks, shells, or animal feet. This area is primarily for children, however it is fun for all ages. There are approximately 15 boxes of artifacts and fossils which are for touching. In fact, touching is encouraged in this room.
 * Discovery Room**

Look for clues in the fossil record as you examine claws, teeth, and bones. Investigate models of other prehistoric animals and compare them to modern day animals to gain a better understanding of these ancient creatures. There are many dinosaur fossils as well as life size figures. The fossils show the true size of some of these creatures, which is unbelievable. The size of the T-Rex skull measures approximately 2 feet x 3 feet, it is massive!
 * Dinosaur Gallery**

Discover the universe - from the solar system to galaxies and beyond. Interact with Pennsylvania's only digital video globe, the Magic Planet. Its stunning visual impact reveals authentic representations of weather systems, earthquakes and planets.
 * Hall of the Cosmos**

Explore the electromagnetic spectrum from radio waves to gamma waves. Be a geologist and learn how ultraviolet light is used to identify rocks and minerals, or sneak a peek at organic objects exposed to ultraviolet light.
 * Light and Sight Gallery**

Understand how zoologists classify animals based on a variety of traits. Explore some of the unique characteristics of insects, arthropods, reptiles, and amphibians. Touching is encouraged. There are many snakes, tarantulas and cockroaches of all kinds which are behind glass. A volunteer is able to pull them out for you, if one so desires. You will not find my picture with any of them…
 * Live Animal Room**

The North Museum explores the abundance of anthropological history along the Susquehanna River in the exhibit Natives of the Susquehanna. Eight new exhibit cases feature Native American history from the Paleo Indians of 10,000 years BC to the Susquehannocks that inhabited Lancaster County until 1763. There is a place for hands on fun where one is able to smash corn with rocks as the Native Americans did so long ago.
 * Natives of the Susquehanna**

Learn about birds, rocks, and bugs galore as you explore the Museum's natural history collections. A scavenger hunt tailored to your group's age will open your students' eyes to a wide variety of amazing specimens. This area has two huge chest of drawers filled with amber pieces, crabs, insects, skulls, and much more.
 * Cabinet Museum**

Guided Tour Prices Tour only $6.50 per person Tour and planetarium $8.50 per person One complementary admission is given for every 10 paid admissions. The recommended length for your guided tour is 90 minutes and can include up to four of the Museum's exhibitions. Additional time is needed to include a Planetarium program or a visit to the Museum Shop. Whether your class is studying astronomy or animal classification, the North Museum can tailor a field trip to address your specific curriculum needs. Trained docents provide students with guided tours and opportunities to handle specimens to enhance the learning experience. Use a guided tour to enrich your group's experience. The staff provides valuable information about the galleries, exhibits, artifacts, and specimens. They will work with you to address your group's curriculum or academic standards. The tour will be age appropriate for the majority of the group.
 * Suitability/Elementary Science Field Trips**
 * Teachers:**

For pricing and scheduling, contact the education office at (717) 291-4371. As I spoke with the director, he stated that it is best to schedule as early as possible. They require two weeks in advance but they ask for two dates because of the popularity of the museum. Usually it is not a problem to have your first date honored.

Please have the following information ready: Preferred and two alternate dates Number of participants and chaperones Age or grade of visitors Arrival and departure time Your tour and planetarium choices

Reservation Guidelines and Accommodations: Guided tours are available Tuesday - Friday throughout the year. Reservations are required at least 2 weeks before the requested date. A group of at least ten is required to schedule a guided tour. A group of at least twenty is required to schedule a planetarium program. Shopping can be included, but must be scheduled as part of your tour.

The North Museum of Natural History & Science is a great place for students to have a hands on experience with the world around them. I took my nephew with me to visit the museum and found that he had a great time there. This was a place where touching was encouraged and in fact there were some volunteers who told him he needs to touch more! In the room of live animals, it was so nice to see some of these creatures you hear about but never see up close. Snakes, spiders, snapping turtles were all in this room and although we refrained form touching them, we saw them up close and personal. On the third floor, students from around the community are given a space where they can place their artwork which deals with nature and what they see in the world around them. This is a great opportunity for aspiring artists to have this place available to them. The artwork presently on display includes photographs of remarkable sights in nature. Rainbows over streams and my favorite, a tree which looks upside down through the view of a raindrop! I was very impressed by the availability and help around the museum as you walk through. There are many volunteers who work there in order to show people around and help with the displays. I was greeted by the director and a volunteer at the door who offered a lot of help and information. They were very helpful in answering my questions about school visits. The museum offers programs throughout the year. Some are temporary such as the high school photographs, while others are permanent such as the planetarium. They encourage school trips for private, public and home schools. Planetarium programs are available for grades pre-k through 12. Students of all ages are able to learn and discover the history of the Native American Culture, our universe as well as the properties of wind and sound. I was impressed to hear that this museum not only offers many educational programs but they also host annual science fairs. I believe in my science class, this would be a great opportunity. If I was looking at dinosaurs or fossils, this museum would be a great place for exploration and hands on activities. The students could touch and discover information in connection with what they are learning in the classroom. This museum provides a great area set aside for classes to manipulate the items available and ask the volunteers questions about the museum pieces. I believe this museum is a place where students will be educated and entertained on a Sunday afternoon as well as a programmed afternoon field trip. They are able to touch and interact with the objects around them, hear different volunteers explain what they are seeing and learning as well as watch programs which are educational for all grades. There is something available for every age group and a place for your students who like to touch, to go wild!
 * Personal Evaluation:**

~ Michelle DiDomenico =__ The State Museum of Pennsylvania __=

300 North Street Harrisburg, PA 17120-0024

717-787-4980 for additional information 717-772-6997 for Group Reservations [] is the main website [] is a printable pdf. file that has all of the information that a teacher would need for planning and booking a field trip. It even has a “before you visit” and an “after you arrive” checklist to make things easier for the teacher. Email Diane Wynkoop at dwynkoop@state.pa.us if you have questions about the group rates. __Hours of operation:__ Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-5pm. Sunday, noon-5pm.

__Description:__ The State Museum of Pennsylvania is a child and adult friendly museum of PA history, art, culture, and science. The museum’s focus is on informing people about Pennsylvania’s past and present with a good blend of experiences, printed information, and colorful exhibits for patrons to explore. The museum consists of 4 different levels. The ground level has pictures of important people from PA and has a Curiosity Connection room that allows children from ages 1-5 to play and encourages creative thinking. The first floor contains a recreated colonial village, an art gallery, and a statue of William Penn. The second floor has a gallery on the civil war, man & machines, energy, industry & technology, archaeology & anthropology, and a Delaware Indian village. The third floor houses the planetarium as well as galleries concerning geology, paleontology, mammals, and science & ecology. The museum is located right next to the state capitol building so both could easily be visited without having to reboard the busses.

__Cost:__ In the past the museum was free but due to budget cuts the museum now has a regular rate of $3 for adults and $2 for youths and senior citizens. The rate for tour or school groups is $2 per person and for every 10 students they give one chaperone a free admission. This base price allows you to visit all of the exhibits in the museum. However, for each program you may want to watch, this adds an additional $2 per person. So, if your students were going to the museum and wanted to go to a planetarium show, they would be charged $4. These prices are subject to change. All groups must be pre-registered at least two weeks in advance and all groups must be paid in advance as well.

__Suitability:__ Parts of the second, and the whole third floor have science-based applications that help to reinforce PA state science curriculum. Students can view and read about some of the things they are learning about in their science classes. However, the museum probably has slightly more exhibits with a Socials Studies connection than a science one. With all of the Internet information available, they really have made it easy to find everything you need to know to book this trip in a relatively short amount of time. The museum also provides several resources in order for teachers to make this a more meaningful experience for their students. These resources include: a scavenger hunt that requires students to find info. from exhibits, student interactive zones, a webquest, and various other Internet resources/links. The webquest even comes with an assessment rubric and the state standards it addresses. The second link above gives all of the information necessary for a teacher to plan and carry out this field trip. It even mentions who to call to schedule a visit to the capitol building as well as the museum. Bus parking is available at City Island for $10 a day or at the Farm Show Complex for free( but you have to check availability ahead of time)

__Positives:__ I feel that a trip to the State Museum of PA is an affordable and worthwhile field trip destination for students. The museum is close to a variety of other opportunities in the Harrisburg area as well (capitol building, Whitaker Center, Strawberry Square). The museum has a nice layout and design. It has a circular shape so it’s easy to find your way around, see everything and not get lost. There are people posted throughout the museum to help out and it seemed very safe. On a Friday afternoon in July, I had the place practically all to myself. Students and chaperones would easily be able to guide themselves safely around the museum. There are some interactive exhibits that allow students to touch and explore. I would say that I liked this museum better than the Museum of Natural History in D.C. that I normally take my students to. I believe that students would enjoy this museum and would also like that it focuses its exhibits on items from PA. __Negatives:__ They group rate is not much of a savings advantage over the regular rate. Although the normal fees are not expensive, it could get a little pricey if you want to see some of the shows. Some of the hallways were not lit up as much as they should have been, making some of the information cards a little hard to read. I also feel that the museum is a little more useful for Social Studies and is not as strong in science. If I was just taking my class somewhere for a strong science experience, I would probably not take my students here. However, I would take them here if I was just looking for an educational field trip. The science floor of the museum is also the weakest floor in my opinion in terms of student interest. Some of this floor has a lot of wasted space that could be used for more exhibits and one small part of it was closed due to construction. Also, the science floor does not have as many interactive experiences for the students as the other floors.

Reviewed by Philip Buhite I am going to the Byrnes Health & Education Center-Melissa I am going to Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area - Daphne

I am going to the Hands-on House--Ashley Axe North Museum Michelle D Stacy - Whitaker Noreen - Blue Marsh Lake Philip - state museum of PA Tammy - Nixon PArk Becky - County Park



<span style="color: rgb(255,0,0);">Richard M. Nixon Park and Nature Center (posted by Tammy Helt) 5992 Nixon Drive York, PA 17403 (717)428-1961 Park Grounds: 8:00am –dusk daily The Nature Center is the perfect place for an elementary field trip. Students can learn about animals, plants, insects, butterflies, trees, and animal habitats. The building contains a collection of over 180 animal specimens from all over the world. Most of the animals are located in large dioramas portraying the Arctic, Northwest Territory, the Savanna, and Kopjes. Animal, plant, and fish specimens can be found in the dioramas along with detailed descriptions of each animal. There is a butterfly room with specimens of butterflies from Africa, Asia, South America, Central America, and North America. Displays of beetles, moths, parasites, and an example of metamorphosis are also found in this room. Easy to read, detailed descriptions can be found on the wall next to each display. Other displays that can be found here include: The Mysterious Case of Lyme Disease, Excavation, Bats, Lifeline of Insects/Animals, Wood Duck Nesting Box, Loss of Habitat, and Life of a Pond. Interactive /hands –on displays that can be found here include: Spot That Cat (Jaguar, Leopard, Cheetah ), Animal Tracks, Beaver, African Elephant Tusk, and Count the Rings (trees).There are also live turtles in the Pennsylvania Turtles Display and live snakes in the Snakes of Pennsylvania Display. Soil,… It’s Not Just Dirt gives students an opportunity to look at soil through microscopes. Create a Food Chain is another hands-on activity for students. <span style="color: rgb(255,0,255);">The Touch Room
 * Website** : <span style="color: rgb(84,141,212);">www.yorkcountyparks.org
 * Hours:** Nature Center: Tuesday – Saturday: 8:30am-4:30pm, Sundays: 12pm-4:30pm (closed Mondays)
 * Volunteer Information:** Applications available here or call (717)840-7440 to explore volunteer opportunities within the York County Parks.
 * General Description:** Nixon Park was established in 1968. The land was donated by the Bob Hoffman family and named after President Richard M. Nixon. There are 171 acres of meadow, woodland, and aquatic habitat. You can also find six miles of trails (No bikes, horses, or pets are allowed on the trails.) . Quiet observation of nature is encouraged on the trails.

The Touch Room is a special hands-on room for children. This room contains educational activities for children including a Tree House Theater in which children can dress up in animal costumes, “build a tree” cloth display, reading the rings on a tree activity, bark rubbings, and nature books. There is also a “Whose Home” display and “Parts of a Tree” display.

<span style="color: rgb(0,128,0);">View from an outside observation deck

Seven large bird observation windows cover one wall and there are two exterior viewing decks to observe nature. A reference library is available for both children and adults.

A variety of programs are offered for field trips. The programs are based on grade level and include: a Five Senses Hike, Hike on a Watershed, Birds of Prey, Africa, and scavenger hunts. There is no charge for field trips but donations to Nixon Park and/or York Country Parks are accepted. Any organized group of ten or more must pre-register, even if your group is exploring the park. Call (717)428-1961 to schedule your field trip. My favorite room in the Nature Center is the Touch Room. They have changed this room over the years to include more hands on and interesting displays. The only problem with this room is that it is very small so you would have to limit the number of students in the room at one time to five or six students during a field trip. I love the Butterfly Room. I thought it was interesting to see the different patterns and colors on the butterflies. I also liked how some of their displays focused on Pennsylvania (Snakes of Pennsylvania, 14 Turtles of Pennsylvania, Wild Dogs and Cats of Pennsylvania and York County Rocks). My favorite display is the Honeybee Display. You can watch live working honeybees through glass. This is great for children like my daughter who are afraid of bees. They can see that bees have a job in our environment and they can watch how the bee colony operates. Overall, I think a field trip to Nixon Park would be suitable for any elementary grade level.
 * Suitability for field trips:** The Nature Center and park are full of educational opportunities for teaching many of the earth sciences to elementary students . Full time naturalists staff the center and offer guided nature walks and programs to pre-scheduled groups. This field trip could provide your class with an opportunity to explore both outside and inside. A pond is located very close to the Nature Center which provides students with a view of an aquatic habitat.
 * Personal Evaluation:** Nixon Park’s Nature Center has been one of my favorite places to explore with my own children. I have been bringing them here (about once a year) for the past seven years. The girls enjoy the “real life” animals and hands on activities. They also enjoy exploring the pond and walking on the trails.

Hands-on-House Children's Museum** 721 Landis Valley Road Lancaster, PA 17601 (717) 569-5437 www.handsonhouse.org
 * [[image:IMG_0974.JPG caption="Ashley Axe at the Hands On House"]]

__**Description**__ The Hands-on-House is an amazing children's museum that opened in 1987, consisting of 7,300 square feet. Not only does this awesome museum encourage curiosity and imagination...it also allows children to "be kids" and explore the unknown around them. It also includes thousands of hands-on objects, numerous exhibits, classes, programs, and interactive activities that allow children to be creative while learning at the same time. This museum encourages children to all learn together and would be an excellent field trip for elementary school students. All of the exhibits are unique in some way, include a theme, and provide many activities that encourage parents and children to participate in together. The exhibits include the Corner Grocery, Mostlly Make-Believe, E-I-E-I Know, Rainbow's End, and Marty's Machine Shop. Children and parents are allowed to explore and discover for as long as they wish...no time limit. The Corner Grocery allows children to grocery shop, use a cash register, and learn how to eat healthy by becoming familiar with the food groups. Mostly Make-Believe is really amazing. This specific exhibit links literacy with discovery and play. Not only does it include hundreds of "dress up costumes" and uniforms, but it also has manipulatives which children can use through dramatic play or theatre. E-I-E-I Know teaches children about farming in Lancaster County and how crops are grown. Rainbow's End focuses on art, colors, designs, patterns, and shapes. Last but not least, Marty's Machine Shop is so much fun, especially for those children who cannot wait to get out there and work at a job. This specific exhibit allows children to work an assembly line to discovery HOW things actually work. Not only is this museum customed-designed for children...but it stimulates curiosity through play. What a great place to explore with your child or students.

Daily admission is $7 for adults and $7 for children. A family membership is available for just $75/year. Special rates are available for school and community group visits, advance reservations required. Reservations are not required for family visits during public hours. Reservations can be arranged for weekday group visits beginning at 9:30am or later. Includes all membership benefits for one person.
 * __Suitability/Cost/Class Field Trips/Amenities__**
 * $25 Individual**

Includes all membership benefits for two grandparents in a single household.
 * $35 Grandparent**

Includes all membership benefits for family members in a single household AND discount on Hands-on House birthday parties.
 * $75 Family**

I had the opportunity to speak with a staff member. She explained that the best time to visit is when the doors open. For field trips, teachers just need to call the main number (717) 569-5437 at least two weeks in advance. One adult chaperone (age 16 or older) for every four children is required when visiting. Hands-on House does not have group picnic facilities, however, if you need to leave for lunch you are more than welcome to return the same day...no questions asked. How great is that?! Take Oregon Pike (Rt 272) exit. Go North onto Oregon Pike to the fourth traffic light. Turn left onto Landis Valley Road. Go approximately 1/4 mile. Hands-on-House is on your right.
 * Air conditioning
 * Stroller-friendly
 * Wheel-chair friendly
 * Gift shop
 * Diaper changing area
 * Designated bus drop-off area
 * __Directions__**

__**Public Hours**__ Monday-closed Tuesday thru Thursday- 11am-4pm Friday-11am-8pm Saturday-10am-5pm Sunday-12pm-5pm

I think this museum is absolutely fantastic. It has EVERYTHING...and when I say everything...I mean everything. The exhibits are so much fun and really encourage children (as well as parents too) to discover and explore interactive learning experiences. It is really nice because it is only one floor...even though the facility is over 7,000 square feet. I think this would be a great place for students to visit while on a field trip. I am not sure if it really focuses on more science, social studies, or literacy content. Perhaps it is a mix of everything. My favorite exhibit is the Mostly Make-Believe because of the opportunities it provides to children to "be whatever or whoever you want to be"...although all the exhibits are super. This museum is just so child/parent friendly and really is a place where "playing and learning go hand-in-hand". Check it out...if you have not already!
 * __Personal Evaluation__**

**Susan** **P.** **Byrnes** **Health** **Education** **Center** (posted by Melissa Stone Cook) 515 South George Street York, PA 17401 717.848.3064 Phone 717.848.9695 Fax ** Contact: ** James Reisinger (tell him Melissa sent you) [|www.byrneshec.org] Hours: Open by reservation only Offers Services for Youth Programs for Schools, Teachers, Parents, and Community Programs are prescheduled by reservation Off-site programming is available
 * Facility Services- **

[|www.LearntobeHealthy.org] The site recently won a Gold Award for its teen content and a Bronze Award for its parent/teacher portal. It includes a breakdown of the kits and provides some sample detailed lesson plans. It includes games and applicable standards are listed.
 * ELearning free website for teachers and students: **

The Susan P. Byrnes Health Education Center features the latest in technology-based displays and exhibits. The five unique teaching theaters enable students to explore the wonders of life. Take a virtual tour of each of these theaters at [] Each teaching theater accommodates about 50 students. Their own health educators lead classes that incorporate a variety of interactive exhibits. Students may use a giant mouth to track down taste buds; see and hear their own heartbeats; feel a baby kicking in a simulated womb; or see the effects of drugs on the body. Schools and Community groups can choose from more than 40 individual classes and several specialized programs. Each program supports health, science, and technology education standards, on both the state and national levels. The programs are coded by grade level (pre-school through grade 12). Some of the many programs range from the Bullying Prevention Series, Aids: What Kids Need to Know, Fueling My Body, Bacteria Busters, Cells to Systems, and Life Begins. The interactive educator guided programs feature 3D factual models. The program listings are integrated with the applicable standards along with each class description on their website and in their brochures, as well as in teacher packets distributed prior to a visit. Teacher packets include pre- and post-visit activities that reinforce health lessons and integrate other areas of the curriculum. The Byrnes Health Education Center is one of only four Health Education Centers that are members of the National Association of Health Education Centers located in Pennsylvania. The other centers provide only outreach programming. The York Center is open to prescheduled school, community, or private groups. (It is not open to the public as individuals.) They also offer outreach programs at your school or facility. This Center is celebrating their 15 year anniversary. They have a seasonal newsletter that lists events and highlights awards. There is a Teacher Appreciation Event and a Family Health Festival held each year. Volunteer opportunities are available. The Byrnes Health Education Center is an impressive facility. It is located on the edge of the York City limits not far from York Hospital and the city post office. I met with the facility director since it does not have hours open to the public. The exhibits are detailed and designed for teaching specific content. They are giant size so students can see well when viewing from the theater seat. The exhibits are constantly being updated. Many exhibits and programs include technology that was not available when the facility first opened 15 years ago. I have had the pleasure of meeting the founder when she was looking for funding many years ago, volunteering for their Family Festival, taking my children during the Manufacturing Days free tours, and chaperoning for some programs over the years. I chose this facility because it is a valuable resource for our community. Although I’ve been at different times and with various groups over 15 years, I have only viewed a handful of the programs. __ Curriculum __ The educators open panels of 3D color realistic models that move and show the body processes. They enthusiastically guide your students through the processes. The experience is methodical, visual, demonstrative, and informative. The grade level and standards are listed for you so you can easily compare your curriculum to the teaching or reinforcement programs offered to decide the suitability. With programs based on grade levels and standards, there is something for K-12. And frankly, they do the work for you. You sit while someone else teaches. You might even learn something too! __ Benefits of Reservation Only Facility __ There are many benefits to a facility that is open by reservation only. The facility is always clean and the models are in excellent condition. Although students are called up from the audience to experience various simulations, the models are not worn. The visual models cost many thousands of dollars and enable students to have an added experience that is not available in the classroom. The exhibits are constantly changing. By scheduling ahead, you are assured that your program and supporting technology-based displays are available and ready for your group. __ Draw-backs __ The displays are not available for repeated hands-on exploration by students. The programs may not fit your curriculum. One hour is not a long time for a field trip, depending on the cost of your bus transportation and the distance you travel. It can be difficult to tie in another learning experience in a city as small as York. The Center is not open as a public resource for repeated visits. __ My thoughts __ I have been to many museums, nature parks, hands-on facilities, and learning centers. I think the Susan P. Byrnes Health Education Center is worth the money and provides a focused educational experience for a field trip.
 * Description: **
 * Cost: **
 * __Theater__- 1 program is $290.00 for about 50 students (Included in cost: up to 2 chaperones + teacher) No student/adult ratio is specified.
 * Programs duration: 1hour K-5, 1 ¼ hours 6-8, 1 ½ hours 9-12.
 * Suggested Plan: sign up for 2 programs in 1 day with a half hour lunch break in the Great Hall between sessions. The Great Hall is a large room available as a place for students to eat lunches they bring with them.
 * Parking: There is a large parking lot for bus or transportation drop off or parking free of charge.
 * __Outreach__- $200.00 per program, (minimum of 3 programs must be scheduled)
 * Each outreach program allows 30 students (basically this cost is per classroom).
 * __Assembly__- $399.00 per assembly at your school
 * Current program is //True Colors// (understanding and tolerating personality differences)
 * __In-Services__-There are currently 3 programs that are Act 48 certified for educators: //Drugs 101// In Service, //Aids// In Service, and //True Colors// (considering personality traits for cooperative learning).
 * __Other Services__- Several rooms of the facility are available to rent for conferences, receptions, and parties.
 * Personal Evaluation: **

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