Field Trips
Our mission is education, and we invite your students to enjoy a learning experience that is fun and engaging.
From our natural science exhibits to our diverse educational programs and James H. Lynn Planetarium and Science Theater, we’re sure that you will find a field trip experience that is fascinating and unique, while at the same time supporting the lessons from your classroom. Education is important to us, and we welcome the opportunity to partner with you in delivering quality learning experiences for your students.
Group Prices and Scheduling
Advance booking is required for field trips to the Schiele Museum. To qualify for group rates, student groups must contain a minimum of 15 paying participants and pay as a group. See program details for special pricing for selected programs.
Teachers and School Staff Are Free!
Rates for Students and Accompanying Parents
Museum Experience (includes indoor exhibits, The Farm, and the Nature Trail) $5.00 plus tax
Museum Experience & Gemstone Mining $9.00 plus tax
Museum Experience & Planetarium Show $10.00 plus tax
Museum Experience & Other Educational Programs $8.00 plus tax
Museum Attractions
Enjoy exhibits featuring wildlife, live animals, habitats, minerals, dinosaurs, American Indians and more. Plus, interactive experiences like the Cats Untamed, Carolina ‘Cue, and Dino Safari. A visit to all our indoor exhibits is included with every field trip.
Follow a winding trail through the forest, pass a pond and stream, explore the Catawba Village and spend a little time learning and playing in the outdoor play space.
State-of-the-art digital technology will immerse your students in an unforgettable exploration!
An outdoor exhibit exploring the science and culture of agriculture in our area including the roles of plants, live animals and people. Don’t miss The Pumpkin Patch this fall!
Educational Programs
Boost the educational impact of your field trip with these program selections. Most programs last 45 minutes to one hour. Specific curriculum objectives available upon request.
Meets curriculum for grades: 5 & 9-12
Program can be adapted to meet the learning level of participants.
Explore how Indigenous cultures were shaped by North American environments.
Meets curriculum for grades: Pre K – 12
Program can be adapted to meet the learning level of participants.
Enjoy an interactive collection of live animals and preserved specimens that illustrate important concepts like adaptations, classification, habitats, and conservation. This program is adapted to meet the specific learning needs of your group.
Meets curriculum for grades: 5 & 7
An interactive way to investigate the
biology of an animal through this
hands-on program.
Meets curriculum for grades: 4, 5, & 9-12
Program can be adapted to meet the learning level of participants.
Conduct hands-on archaeology investigations to unlock secrets
from past cultures.
Meets curriculum for grades: K – 12
Program can be adapted to meet the learning level of participants.
Investigate the world of bees and learn about their essential role as pollinators.
Meets curriculum for grades: NC 4, 5, 6, 8 & 9 – 12 / SC 4, 5, 6, 7 & 9 – 12
Program can be adapted to meet the learning level of participants.
Guided tour to discover the interdependence of plants and animals found in North American biomes.
Meets curriculum for grades: NC 3, 5, & 7 / SC 3, 5, 6 & 7
Program can be adapted to meet the learning level of participants.
Explore ancient worlds on a scientific investigation of fossils from the coast.
Meets curriculum for grades: NC 1, 4 & 9-12 / SC 1, 3, 8 & 9-12
Program can be adapted to meet the learning level of participants.
Available March – November
Students use a running water sluice to find, examine and classify minerals
they can take home.
Special pricing: $4 per student.
Meets curriculum for grades: K – 3
Program can be adapted to meet the learning level of participants.
The amazing properties of soil demonstrate that dirt really does make the food
that we eat!
Meets curriculum for grades: K, 2-5, & 9-12
Program can be adapted to meet the learning level of participants.
Explore the culture of the Catawba People
to learn how they survived in the
wilderness long ago.
Meets curriculum for grades: NC 2, 5, 6, & 7 / SC 2, 5 & 6
Program can be adapted to meet the learning level of participants.
Cool demonstrations of the principles of matter, energy, sound, light, and electricity.
Meets curriculum for grades: K – 12
Program can be adapted to meet the learning level of participants.
Inquiry-based explorations of the adaptations that help us identify
local wildlife.
Meets curriculum for grades:
NC Pre – K – 1, 3 & 6 / SC Pre-K – 1, 6
Program can be adapted to meet the learning level of participants.
Available September – October
Learn about the wonders of everyone’s favorite fall fruit! Following the program, everyone can pick a North Carolina-grown pumpkin to take home.
Meets curriculum for grades: NC 4 & 9 – 12 / SC 3, 8 & 9 – 12
Program can be adapted to meet the learning level of participants.
Students work with hands-on materials to identify specimens and learn the
principles of geology.
Meets curriculum for grades: NC 1, 3 & 6 / SC 1 & 6
Program can be adapted to meet the learning level of participants.
Up-close look at local plants including adaptations, life cycles, photosynthesis
and identification.
Meets curriculum for grades: NC 2, 5 & 9-12 / SC 2, 4, 6 & 9-12
Program can be adapted to meet the learning level of participants.
What happens when air, water, and sun interact? Your students get an unforgettable presentation packed with demonstrations to inspire budding meteorologists.
The Schiele Museum’s education programs address critical standards for public education. For specific curriculum standards met by our programs, questions or reserve a field trip or outreach, please contact our Group Scheduling Coordinator, Stephanie Austin, at stephaniea@cityofgastonia.com.
