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FIELD TRIPS

Engaging, hands-on learning awaits your students at the Reading Science Center!

The Field Trip Experience

We are thrilled you are considering us as a destination for your students’ educational adventure! Here is a brief overview of what to expect during your 2-hour field trip to the Reading Science Center:

  • Exploration Zone: Spend half the time engaging with interactive exhibits directed by our knowledgeable docents. Scavenger hunt activities are available to enhance their discoveries and help guide their exploration.
  • Discovery Workshop: Choose from three interactive and curriculum-aligned investigations led by our educators and designed to spark curiosity, reinforce scientific concepts, and encourage critical thinking.

Your Choice of Investigations

Each investigation topic at The Reading Science Center dives into a unique area of science, but what makes them truly special is how they elevate your group’s entire experience! Our dynamic programs guide students through the thrilling process of scientific investigation, all while reinforcing key scientific terms. We’re not just teaching science—we’re igniting curiosity, sparking wonder, and equipping students with the skills they need to explore and understand the world around them.

Density Detectives: Solids, Liquids, and Surprises!
What makes some things float, others sink, and a few stay suspended right in the middle? In this inquiry-driven investigation, students put their predictions to the test as they experiment with solids and liquids, explore how density changes, and uncover surprising results that challenge what they think they know. With hands-on tools, step-by-step observations, and a take-home poly-density bottle, students will leave with a deeper understanding of density—and a sense of wonder that lasts beyond the classroom.

Light It Up! Discovering Color in White Light
Did you know white light is actually bursting with hidden colors? In this brand-new, hands-on investigation, students become light detectives as they uncover the spectrum hiding in plain sight. With special tools to take home and a colorful science creation they’ll build themselves, this experience will have students seeing the world around them in a whole new way. Come ready to mix, explore, and light it up!

From Atoms to Alloys: Metals Demystified

What makes a metal a metal? In this experiential investigation, students test different properties of metals, model the hidden structure of metal molecules, and uncover the balanced forces that hold them together. With all the tools they need, students will walk through the scientific processes of investigation and modeling, and at the end they’ll get to take their models home with them. Students will walk away not just with knowledge, but with experience.

Pricing & Scheduling

Our standard pricing is $25 per student for the 2025-2026 school year. However, thanks to the support of generous funders, a limited number of subsidies are available on a first-come, first-served basis that will lower the cost down to $13 per student. Please discuss this during the process of scheduling your trip.

Flash Sale!

Book your visit for any date from September through December 2025 and receive a special discounted rate of just $10 per student. This offer is available for a limited time—schedule early to secure your preferred trip date!

Trips may be scheduled mornings and afternoons, Monday through Friday based on availability. Please contact us at info@rdgsci.org for more information.

book your field trip

Testimonials

"I felt the academic appropriateness was spot on. There was rigor for most of the students while a handful were easily able to identify and answer questions. I feel every student walked away from this field trip knowing they learned and got to experience things that were new to them."
7th Grade TeacherReading School District
"This was a wonderful field trip! The staff was amazing in accommodating and managing the student groups. Our classes absolutely loved it."
5th Grade TeacherMuhlenberg School District
"We look forward to visiting the RSC every year. What an amazing opportunity in our back yard for our students. The hands-on exhibits are perfect and offer just the right amount of hands-on play with questioning! The lesson was engaging from start to finish for all learners- even adults too! I wish we could come every month!"
2nd Grade TeacherReading School District
"What a fantastic, engaging field trip! The students couldn’t stop talking about it and parents reported how their kids want to go back!"
3rd Grade TeacherGovernor Mifflin School District
“I’m writing to tell you what a fantastic time our kids had Thursday! They kept referring to themselves as scientists, (self-fulfilling prophecy!) One even rolled into class Friday wearing his lab coat. He proceeded to tell me, ‘You can tell I’m a real scientist because I haven’t taken it off yet, I even slept in it.’ You and all the staff are so great and we couldn’t appreciate you more. Thank You for all you do!”
2nd Grade TeacherReading School District
"My students were so engaged with the hands-on exhibits. Many were coming up to me pulling me in different directions so they could show me something they saw, did or learned about.  I loved it as much as they did!"
3rd Grade TeacherGovernor Mifflin
“Our Science PSSA scores were wonderful, and we believe our visit to Reading Science Center was a big reason why!”
4th Grade TeacherReading School District
"Our students love this field trip - the staff is wonderful, knowledgeable, and super helpful. The academic connections between both our units of study in science and reading are abundant."
3th Grade TeacherMuhlenberg School District
"Our kids LOVE coming to the Science Center every year. It runs like a well oiled machine and the kids are learning while having fun!"
2nd Grade TeacherReading School District
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Financial Assistance

Additional grant opportunities may be available for teachers to provide their class with a field trip to the Reading Science Center. Please see grant resources at fieldtripdirectory.com.

Transportation

If your school does not have its own bus transportation, Berks County Intermediate Unit may be able to help. 

 

For inquiries, please contact:

John Coakley

Program Administrator, Transportation

Office of Operations, Berks County Intermediate Unit

61 Berkley Road, Reading, PA 19605

johcoa@berksiu.org

 

School buses can park along the fire lane on the side of the DoubleTree Reading Hotel during field trips, as long as the driver stays with the vehicle. 

Need extra help finding our front door? 

Field Trip Location Map

Field Trip Availability

Use this calendar to check current availability when planning your field trip visit. Time slots shown as “unavailable” are no longer available for scheduling. For specific questions, please contact info@rdgsci.org. 

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Contact Us

info@rdgsci.org

484-878-2112

Location & hours

Reading Science Center

645 Penn Street

Lower Level
Reading, PA 19601

Monday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

We validate parking in the Double Tree Convention Garage for up to 3 hours.

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