Your students will remember their trip to PDSC for the rest of their lives! Each group visit is tailored to your class size, interests and grade level and includes:

• 1.5-2 hours of Science Center fun!

• Exploration time in the main exhibit hall

• Private 20-minute, interactive science demonstration with our amazing team of staff and volunteers.  Note: if there are more than 15 students in a group, they will be split into multiple 20-minute sessions.

• Free pass for each student to return to PDSC at a future date

• An extra 30 minutes can be added to your trip (for a total of 2 hrs) If you plan to eat lunch at PDSC. All food must be consumed in the classroom or outdoors, as weather permits. We have a few picnic tables and a large field for picnicking.

 

Sample Agenda

10:30a – Bus arrives, park on upper lot

10:30-10:45 – Guided tour and handwashing

10:45-11:15 – Free exploration in the exhibit hall

11:15 -11:45 – Interactive Science Demo

Wash hands (for lunch or to get back on the bus)

12:00-12:30 – Brownbag lunch in the classroom or outdoors

 

Availability

Fill out the booking form below at least two weeks in advance to check on availability. Spring dates will book up! Bookings are first come, first served and can be booked Wed-Fri, 10:30-3:00 (latest arrival time is 1:30p). Tuesdays are reserved for large groups (over 50 students).

 

Fees

PDSC charges flat rate fees for fieldtrips to cover the cost of program staffing, materials, use of the PDSC classroom and exhibit hall access. Chaperones are included at a ratio of 1:5. Additional chaperones and siblings will be charged at the regular admission rate of 6.50/child, 7.50/adult.

• Up to 12 students and 3 adult chaperones: $95

• Up to 20 students and 4 adult chaperones: $135

• Up to 30 students and 6 adult chaperones: $185

• Up to 50 students and 10 adults: $250

• Up to 60 students and 12 adults: $275

• Over 60, please call/email frontdesk@palousescience.org to discuss dates and rates.

PDSC is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization. All fees support our organization and mission to promote science learning in our community.

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Optional Field Trip Demos

2022-23 

1) Rocket Reactions (Grades 1-5) -If the weather is too cold, we will substitute for another kitchen chemistry experiment 

This exciting chemical reaction demonstrates how materials interact, behave, and change. Participants will make baking soda and citric acid “rockets,” launching plastic caps into the air, and experimenting to discover the best mix of fuel for their rocket.  

  

2) Star Formation & Nebulas (Grades K-3) 

Students will gain an introduction to the wonder of nebulas, star formation and destruction. Depending on grade level, participants will make their own nebula in a jar or nebula spin artwork to take home. 

  

3) Owl Pellet Dissection (Grades 3-6) 

Using scientific tools and REAL pellets, students will investigate the fascinating digestive system of one of nature’s fiercest predators. Typical findings include mice, vole, mole and small bird skeletons. 

  

4) Planetarium Dome, Live Show (Grades K-12) 

Our educator-led live sky show will take visitors on a journey through the night sky to explore stars, constellations, galaxies, deep sky objects and what’s visible in the sky the night of your visit. 

 

5) Palouse Prints (preK-2) 

This nature-based activity introduces students to common mammal prints and how they are made. Children will get to try making their own and create a take-home project. Featured animals include: fox, beaver, coyote and elk. 

  

7) Water & our World (Grades 2-6) -Spring 2023 

Younger grades will play water molecules circulating through the environment in a fun game. Older students will use models to learn about aquifers, water resources, and hydropower. All ages will also discuss water conservation strategies.  

 

7) Powerful Pollinators (preK-3) -Spring 2023 

Bees, butterflies and beneficial insects are the star of this interactive activity on pollinators. Students will learn what pollinators are, their role in the environment, and what they can do in their daily lives to protect pollinators. Hands-on crafts can be taken home. 

 

8) Fantastic Fossils (Grades 1-3)  

What is a fossil?  How are fossils made?  What can we learn from them?  Students will answer these questions and more by viewing and sorting fossils and modeling the process of fossil formation through a hands-on activity. 

  

9) Chasing Rainbows (grades K-3) 

Learn the myth and the science behind rainbows. Students will be introduced to how rainbows are created and craft a way to catch a rainbow of their very own! 

 

10) STEM Lab (grades prek-12) 

Challenge your students to work in groups to solve an engineering problem (think egg drop, catapult, tower, bridge…). We will use unconventional materials to imagine, build and test designs. Challenges can be chosen in advance by educators to fit with class curriculum. All materials provided. 

 

11) Amazing Muscles (K-6) 

Using the Everybody Healthy hospital exhibit for inspiration, students will learn about the human body and how muscles play an important role in everything we do. We will also talk about ways to keep muscles healthy and strong. Students will be encouraged to move and stretch during this ACTIVE activity.

 

12) Snap Circuits or Solar Cars (grades 4-8) 

Young engineers will learn about energy and can be transferred from mechanical to electrical or solar to electrical through a fun, hands-on build. Solar cars take a bit longer to build and charge, so we recommend allowing at least 30-40 minutes for this lesson.  

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Ready to Book?

1) Tell us about your group in the form below. 

2) We will contact you by email within 2 business days to confirm availability, fees and any other details in your request

3) Submit your fee online, by check or over the phone to secure your date.