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Field Trip FAQ

Q:
Where is the restroom?
Q:
Where are the demonstrations located?
Q:
What is the best/most exciting exhibit?
Q:
Do we sell materials for a science project? example: when a parent wants to replicate an exhibit.
Q:
Are those rockets (in the rocket park) real?
Q:
What is that blue, strangely shaped structure outside? What's inside? Can we go in?
Q:
How do you get to the playground?
Q:
Do you have a place for younger kids? where? (Pre-school area)
Q:
Where is my workshop?
Q:
Where will my workshop be conducted?
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What time is my workshop?
Q:
Why should I bring my class to the Hall of Science?
Q:
Is the Hall of Science easy to get to?
Q:
What if I am new to teaching Science?
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How can the Educator Guides help me?
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Are there ways I can integrate other curriculum?
Q:
What about ESL and special needs students?
Q:
I teach young students, is there content suitable for grades K-3?
Q:
Should I worry about student behavior in this setting?
Q:

back to topWhere is the restroom?

A:

Restrooms are located on all three levels of the science center. Consult a floor map when you arrive.

Q:

back to topWhere are the demonstrations located?

A:

Demonstrations are located all over the museum. Generally the location of the demonstration matches the theme of the exhibits around it. Please consult exhibit floor maps to get an idea of the different demonstration tables.

Q:

back to topWhat is the best/most exciting exhibit?

A:

We consider all of our exhibits exciting. It is up to you to decide which exhibits are appropriate and engaging for your school group. Consult our exhibition descriptions area for detailed information on the exhibits.

Q:

back to topDo we sell materials for a science project?

A:

We don't sell materials, but we do have an excellent gift shop where you can find many handy tools for science teaching in your classroom.

Q:

back to topAre those rockets (in the rocket park) real?

A:

In the rocket park, you will find the Mercury-Atlas Rocket and the Gemini-Titan rocket. The Atlas rocket is original and with a replica Mercury capsule. The original capsule is showcased in the Central Pavilion section of the science center. The Tita Rocket is original, but Gemini capsule is a fiberglass replica of the original space module.

Q:

back to topWhat is that blue, strangely structure outside? What's inside? Can we go in?

A:

That structure is the Great Hall and is the originally part of the building from the 1964 World's Fair. Currently the Great Hall is used for special exhibitions and private events. Consult on our exhibition area to learn about the temporary special exhibition during the time of your trip.

Q:

back to topHow do you get to the playground?

A:

The playground entrance is located on the Upper Level in the Central Pavilion. There is an extra fee of $3/child for the playground. Your group will be asked to gather at the entrance of the playground where you will receive a short orientation to the playground.

Q:

back to topDo you have a place for younger kids?

A:

Yes, we have an exhibit area called Preschool Place Studio that can be reserved for an extra fee. When your group enters the Preschool Place Studio, they will participate in a twenty minute guided activity and then have time for free exploration. Additionally, the Science Technology Library offers workshops for young students.

Q:

back to topWhere is my workshop?

A:

Your workshop will have in one of our many labs and classrooms. You will be informed of that location when you check-in your group.

Q:

back to topWhere will my workshop be conducted?

A:

Your workshop will have in one of our many labs and classrooms. You will be informed of that location when you check-in your group.

Q:

back to topWhat time is my workshop?

A:

If you don't know what time your workshop is, please consult your confirmation letter which will state all of the scheduled events for your group for the day. If you can't find the confirmation letter, please call our Reservations Office at 718.699.0301 and they will be able to send or fax another copy to you.

Q:

back to topWhy should I bring my class to the Hall of Science?

A:

The Hall of Science is a Laboratory for your Science classes. As your students play and explore they will be introduced to new phenomena and ideas and they will experience familiar concepts in brand new ways. Interacting hands-on with exhibits such as the Giant Lever in our Science Playground and the video camera-enhanced Ant Colony in our Connections exhibition will help students build a richer understanding of Science and Math concepts they have already been exposed to in the classroom.

Q:

back to topIs the Hall of Science easy to get to?

A:

Yes. The Hall of Science is located in Flushing Meadow Park at the former World's Fair Site -- a location designed by urban planners to be easily accessible by a number of major roadways AND by public transportation. View Directions and Maps.

Q:

back to topWhat if I am new to teaching Science?

A:

A field trip to the Hall of Science will actually make math and science teaching easier for you. If you consider the exhibits at the Hall as lab equipment, then principles of science that you may be struggling with in class may become easier to demonstrate using the variety of exhibits in the science center.

Q:

back to topHow can the Educator Guides help me?

A:

The Educator Guides provide activities and structure to help you integrate your trip to the Hall of Science with a classroom-based learning unit that is linked to your curriculum and established standards. Research proves that teachers can maximize the learning potential of a field trip by treating it as a hands-on part of an investigation that begins in the classroom, continues hands-on at the Hall, and then is finished back in the classroom, rather than treating a field trip as an isolated event, Read more about the Educator Guides.

Q:

back to topAre there ways I can integrate other curriculum?

A:

Science is a great subject for multi-disciplinary curriculum design. The exhibits at the Hall are particularly well-suited for correlation to mathematics, history, and arts and language arts. The activities described in the Educator Guides will help you with curriculum integration. In addition, visit the Science Technology Library which is full of helpful books, curriculum guides and people who can assist you with designing a plan.

Q:

back to topWhat about ESL and special needs students?

A:

Inquiry-based, hands-on science experiences are especially effective for teaching science to ELL and special needs students. The exhibits at the Hall of Science provide a number of different entry points for the students to engage with the science concepts that are being demonstrated, and allow the students to develop a deep understanding of these concepts through their explorations at the exhibits.

Q:

back to topI teach young students, is there content suitable for grades K-3?

A:

Yes, the Hall of Science offers plenty of age-appropriate hands-on exhibits for younger students. We even reserve (certain week days) exclusively for visits by K-3 grade classes. View and download our new grade-specific Educator Guides to view a list of exhibitions recommended for your young learners. The Educator Guides also provide learning continuum activities that link exhibition content to your grade level curriculum and offer additional connections to literacy and math.

Q:

back to topShould I worry about student behavior in this setting?

A:

No. Given the opportunity to experience science hands-on and with the correct number of chaperones, even students with discipline issues prosper and can become engaged in this environment. Read what one teacher has to say:

Students who attend The Hall of Science are so focused and engaged with the many interactive activities that they do not have the time, or the motivation, to behave in an inappropriate manner. Students who are excited and interested in what they are learning tend to remain on task and focus on learning rather than misbehaving.