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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: Your students 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 vocabulary and following the scientific method. 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. While each lesson is geared toward different age levels, they can be adapted to your class grade.

Diagnostic Deep Dive

Life Sciences (aimed at grades PreK-4)

Students are introduced to first aid, our vital organs, and healthcare practices through an immersive physician roleplay session. They will conduct “checkups” on stuffed animal patients using medical tools like stethoscopes, pulse-oxygen meters, tweezers, bandages, antibacterial pads, and more. This field trip teaches diagnosis of exclusion, care for injuries, and simple first aid procedures through imaginative surgical roleplay. This investigation provides gross-motor opportunities for younger groups and fosters collaborative pretend play. The medical procedures promote healthy communication, empathy, fine motor coordination, and problem-solving. By combining biology with imaginative exploration, we hope that students walk away feeling more confident about healthy habits and stay curious about the medical field.

Ready, Set, Race!

Physical Sciences (aimed at grades 2-6)

Students explore foundational concepts of physics and engineering through a hands-on design challenge about forces and motion. Working cooperatively in teams, students construct a vehicle track within spatial constraints and investigate how gravity, friction, momentum, and force influence movement. As the lesson progresses, students redesign their vehicles using a chemical reaction propellant. This investigation came about as a result of surveying teachers about the trickiest STEELS standards to approach in elementary/middle classrooms. This activity makes abstract physical science concepts tangible and memorable while strengthening teamwork communication.

Tectonic Trouble

Earth Sciences (aimed at grades 4-8)

Students investigate Earth’s dynamic tectonic plates through interactive simulations and experiments focused on seismology. Using models of tectonic plates, students observe how plate movement shapes Earth’s surface through earthquakes, mountain formation, and continental change. They then participate in volcanic eruption simulations that demonstrate the buildup and release of geologic pressure. This field trip topic is aimed at older students and works to fuel their passion for science and how humans interact with their environment during this formative period of their education.

Pricing & Scheduling

Flash Sale!

Our standard pricing will remain $25 per student through December 2026. However, thanks to the support of the Neag Foundation, 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.

Beginning January 2027, our price will increase to $27 per student, less any available subsidies.

Trips may be scheduled mornings and afternoons, Monday through Friday based on availability.

book your field trip

Questions? Let’s Talk!

Planning your visit or have questions about our field trip experiences? We’re happy to help! Reach out to our team and we’ll help you find the information you need to make the most of your visit.

Egon Cools

Director of Educational Programming
egon.cools@rdgsci.org

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

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. 

Preparing for Your Visit

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.

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. 

To support a safe and enriching experience, the Reading Science Center asks that adult chaperones accompany all student groups. One free chaperone is required for every 10 paid students. Special circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Need extra help finding our front door? 

Field Trip Location Map

Bigger Space. More Science. More to Explore.

We’re preparing to open our newly expanded exhibit space, bringing even more opportunities for families to explore, experiment, and learn together! To support these exciting additions, updated admission and membership pricing will take effect on July 1, 2026. Click below to learn more about the expansion and upcoming pricing changes.

Learn More