NEW FIELD TRIP TOPICS!

Space & Science
Field Trips

Blast off into a universe of possibilities with a field trip to Space Foundation Discovery Center!

Designed for K–12 students, our programs use the excitement of space to integrate science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) across content areas—preparing students to become the workforce of tomorrow. Complex STEM concepts become more approachable in our informal learning environment, which aligns with NGSS standards and emphasizes hands-on exploration and discovery. Meet our team of educators prepared to give your students the most memorable and impactful learning experiences.

Our field trips are supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, many who have worked in the space industry, giving your students real-world insight into space exploration. Students can engage with interactive exhibits and explore our recently renovated gallery. Field trip activities may include robotics, “junk” engineering, simulated space environments, and other cutting-edge technology designed to inspire curiosity and creativity.

Field trips are available year-round and can be delivered:

In person at the Discovery Center
Virtually through curated online experiences

Programs are open to classroom teachers, schools, educational institutions, and homeschool organizations. We also offer seasonal programs perfect for youth groups, camps, and daycares during summer months.

Do you have a question or want to book a Field Trip?

Field Trip

$ 12.00 / Student

$10.00 / Teacher or Adult (1 FREE teacher or adult for every 15 students)
Min of 15 students required, max 120 students
Topics align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Each field trip includes:
• Science On a Sphere® presentation
• Hands-on activity lesson aligned with the chosen topic
• Scavenger hunt in the Discovery Center Gallery
Duration: Approx 2 hours

TOPIC INFO

Mini

$ 7.00 / Student or Child

$10.00 / Teacher or Adult (1 FREE teacher or adult for every 15 participants)
Min of 15 participants required, max 60 participants
Topics align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Each field trip includes:
• Science On a Sphere® presentation
• Scavenger hunt in the Discovery Center Gallery
Duration: Approx 1 hour

TOPIC INFO

PreK-K Mini

$ 7.00 / Student or Child

$10.00 / Teacher or Adult (1 FREE teacher or adult for every 15 students or children)
Min of 15 children required, max 60 children
Topics align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Each field trip includes:
• Interactive Storytelling utilizing Science On a Sphere®
• STEM hands-on activity aligned with book
Duration: Approx 1 hour

TOPIC INFO

Summer

$ 7.00 / Student or Child

$10.00 / Teacher or Adult (1 FREE teacher or adult for every 15 students or children)
Min of 15 children required, max 120 children
Each field trip includes:
• Science On a Sphere® presentation
• Hands-on activity lesson aligned with the topic
• Scavenger hunt in the Discovery Center Gallery
June 1-July 31, 2026
Duration: Approx 1.5 hours

TOPIC INFO

Virtual

$ 150.00

• For up to 50 students
• Delivered live via Zoom, using our Science On a Sphere®
• Includes a hands-on activity lesson plan to be shared with the teacher
• Topics align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
• Duration: Approx 1 hour

TOPIC INFO

Field Trip Topics

Simple Machines in Space

DESCRIPTION	NGSS STANDARDS	AGE GROUP
In this exciting space-themed STEM challenge, students become engineers as they design and build thier own rovers using simple materials. They'll test their rovers on ramps with different surfaces to explore how inclined planes affect motion. Through hands-on experimentation, students investigate the effects of pushes and pulls while discovering how simple machines help rovers explore space terrain.	K-PS2-1, K-PS2-2, K-2-ETS-2	K–2nd

Reasons for the Seasons

DESCRIPTION	NGSS STANDARDS	AGE GROUP
Step into the changing world of the seasons with our Ozobot seasonal exploration activity! In this interactive session, participants will use a light model to observe and understand the fascinating interaction between the Earth and the Sun across the four seasons. They will also guide an Ozobot along seasonal paths to explore the different characteristics of each unique season.	1-PS4-2, 1-PS4-3, 1-ESS1-2	K–2nd

States of Matter

Moon Mining Mission

Rock Cycle

DESCRIPTION	NGSS STANDARDS	AGE GROUP
Get ready to blast off on a rockin’ adventure through space and time! In this hands-on mission, you’ll melt, press, and transform crayons to discover how real rocks change into igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic forms. We’ll even explore how rocks found on Mars can help reveal secrets about the Red Planet’s past.	4-ESS2-1, 5-PS1-3	3rd–5th

Build a Mars Lander

DESCRIPTION	NGSS STANDARDS	AGE GROUP
What does it take to land on Mars? In our exciting Engineering Design Challenge, students will work in teams to design their very own Mars lander, applying concepts in physics, engineering, and problem-solving. They’ll consider factors like gravity, atmosphere, and terrain to create a model lander that can safely deliver a payload to Mars' surface.	5-PS2-1, 3-5 ETS1, MS-ETS1	5th–12th

Can Your Heat Shield Take the Heat?

DESCRIPTION	NGSS STANDARDS	AGE GROUP
Can you withstand the heat? Students will take on the role of aerospace engineers as they design and test protective heat shields capable of withstanding the extreme temperatures of atmospheric re-entry. Students explore concepts in thermodynamics, conduction, and materials science as they attempt to protect their "astronaut" from a propane torch blast. Through observation, testing, and redesign, this lesson offers a powerful way to connect chemistry, physics, and engineering with real-world space challenges.	MS-PS1-4, MS-PS1-6, MS-PS3-4, MS-ETS1	5th–12th

Space Debris

DESCRIPTION	NGSS STANDARDS	AGE GROUP
Take on the growing challenge of space debris with this hands-on, engineering-based lesson! Students will explore how scientists and engineers are tackling the issue of orbital junk by designing their own space debris capture systems. Using Sphero Indi robots and everyday materials, students will engage in problem-solving, teamwork, and iterative design as they build and code their way to cleaner skies. This fast-paced activity introduces real-world physics and robotics concepts while encouraging creativity and collaboration. Ideal for educators looking to bring coding, engineering, and environmental awareness together in a fun and meaningful way.	MS-PS2-1, MS-ESS3-3, MS-ETS1	6th–12th

*Mars

Sun, Earth, Moon

DESCRIPTION	NGSS STANDARDS	AGE GROUP
Get ready to bring space to life! In this hands-on field trip, students will build a 3D model of the Earth, Sun, and Moon to discover how these celestial bodies interact, while also exploring the fascinating missions that have sent humanity to our nearest neighbor. Elementary students will uncover the mysteries of Moon phases, while older students will dive into the science of eclipses. It’s a lunar adventure that’s out of this world!	1-ESS1-1 5-ESS1 MS-ESS1-1	K–2nd 3rd–5th 6th–8th

Tour of the Solar System

DESCRIPTION	NGSS STANDARDS	AGE GROUP
Embark on a thrilling tour across our Solar System! Students will learn about the Solar System and Earth's place within it, including the latest information on discoveries and the future of exploration. Engage with robots to learn more about how NASA explores the tiny slice of the Milky Way Galaxy we call home. Perfect for students of all ages who want to discover the wonders of our Universe.	1-ESS1 3-5-ETS1-2, MS-ESS1-2, MS-ETS1	K–2nd 3rd–12th

Rocketry

DESCRIPTION	NGSS STANDARDS	AGE GROUP
Blastoff in this explosively fun lesson all about rocketry! Students will learn about rocket design and the past, present, and future of rocket launches. Then assemble your own air-powered rockets while thinking about how forces like direction and magnitude affect the motion of an object. Test different variables to perfect your rocket's design while striving to reach the Moon and beyond. This field trip is an excellent introduction to Newton's Laws of Motion and how rockets take us into space.	K-PS2, K-2-ETS1 3-PS2-2, 3-5 ETS1 MS-PS-2, MS-ETS1-3	K–2nd 3rd–5th 6th–12th

Coding & Robotics

DESCRIPTION	NGSS STANDARDS	AGE GROUP
Learn the basics of how to communicate with robots! Younger explorers will engage with Sphero's Indi robot, a very simple and accesible entry point for students of all ages to begin their robotics journey. Students will learn to program Indi using color and guide it through a series of challenges. More advanced students will begin to learn block coding and how to program robots through a series of complicated tasks. Perfect for mixed age groups and those hoping to empower their students to feel control over complicated technologies of the future.	K-2-ETS1, 3-PS2-2, 3-5 ETS1 MS-ETS1, HS-ETS1	K–5th 6th–12th

Mini Field Trip Topics

Tour of the Solar System

Mars

Sun, Earth, Moon

DESCRIPTION	NGSS STANDARDS	AGE GROUP
Get ready to bring space to life! In this field trip, students will learn all about the Earth, Sun, and Moon to discover how these celestial bodies interact, while also exploring the fascinating missions that have sent humanity to our nearest neighbor. Students will uncover the mysteries of Moon phases and dive into the science of eclipses. It’s a lunar adventure that’s out of this world!	1-ESS1-1, 5-ESS1, MS-ESS1-1	K–12th

Rocketry

PreK-K Mini Field Trip Topics

Give Me Some Space! By Phillip Bunting

Moon! Earth's Best Friend By Stacy McAnulty

DESCRIPTION	AGE GROUP
We see it almost every night - the Moon! Learn all about our closet neighbor and how humans finally made the long journey to visit the surface. This story is an excellent way to learn fun Moon facts and some of the history of space exploration. Then make your own impact on the Moon with a fun activity about craters. Perfect for groups who want to learn more about Earth's best friend!	PreK-K

On the Launch Pad - A Counting Book About Rockets By Michael Dahl

Summer Field Trip Topic

Orion Splashdown

Virtual Field Trip Topics

Tour of the Solar System

DESCRIPTION	NGSS STANDARDS	AGE GROUP
Embark on a thrilling tour across our Solar System! Students will learn about the Solar System and Earth's place within it, including the latest information on discoveries and the future of exploration. Learn more about current missions and how NASA explores the tiny slice of the Milky Way Galaxy we call home. Perfect for students of all ages who want to discover the wonders of our Universe.	1K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-3, 1-ESS1, 2-ESS1, 2-PS1-3, 3-PS2-2, 3-5-ETS1-3, 5-ESS1-1, 5-ESS1-2, MS-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-2, MS-ESS1-3	K–12th

Rocketry

DESCRIPTION	NGSS STANDARDS	AGE GROUP
Blast off in this explosively fun lesson all about rocketry! Students will learn about rocket design and the past, present, and future of rocket launches. Discover how NASA designs each rocket with a specific mission in mind. This field trip is an excellent introduction to Newton's Laws of Motion and how rockets take us into space.	K-PS2-2, K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-1, K-2ETS1-3, 3-PS2-2, MS-ETS1, HS-ETS1	3rd–12th

The Moon

Mars

DESCRIPTION	NGSS STANDARDS	AGE GROUP
Mars: the fourth terrestrial planet in our solar system and the next great adventure in space exploration. Students will study the Red Planet, its features, and exploration of the past, present, and future. Come learn about why Mars is so intriguing to scientists and why it could hold the answer to the question: are we alone in the universe?	KK-2-ETS1, 3-5 ETS1, 4-ESS1-1, 4-ESS2-2, MS-ESS1-3, MS-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-2, MS-ESS2-3, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4	3rd–12th

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Teacher liaisons are extraordinary educators who use space-related education programs and principles in the classroom to act as advocates for space-based education in their schools and districts.

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To start planning your field trip, email us! sfdcreservations@spacefoundation.org

NEW FIELD TRIP TOPICS!

Space & Science
Field Trips

Blast off into a universe of possibilities with a field trip to Space Foundation Discovery Center!

Do you have a question or want to book a Field Trip?

Field Trip

Mini

PreK-K Mini

Summer