Field Trips
Our mission is education, and we invite your students to enjoy a back-to-reality learning experience that is real, live 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 important 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.
Please contact Stephanie Austin, stephaniea@cityofgastonia.com or 704-854-6676, for registration.
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
Want more than one program? You can add a second or third program to your experience for a reduced fee. Contact Stephanie Austin, at stephaniea@cityofgastonia.com, or 704-854-6676 for pricing.
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
Boast 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.
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.
Journey back to the Pleistocene Epoch to discover fossils of all kinds.
Students use a running water sluice to find, examine, and classify minerals.
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!
Explore the culture and history of the Catawba People over the last 500 years.
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.
Seasonal fall program where students learn all about the culture, history, and science of pumpkins
Outdoor program where students learn all about the parts of a plant and photosynthesis
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 ourGroup Scheduling Coordinator, Stephanie Austin, at stephaniea@cityofgastonia.com.
