FAQ For Teachers
- 1) What is a typical field trip to the EcoTarium like?
- During your visit, you'll have time to explore the exhibits and animals inside the museum and the outdoor animal exhibits and nature trails on the museum grounds. Your visit may be self-guided (no scheduled museum programming) or you may include a life science, earth science, physical science or astronomy program at a scheduled time. You may also schedule a train ride (12 minutes) for your group. Plan to spend 2 1/2 to 3 hours at the EcoTarium.
- 2) I've never been to the EcoTarium. What's there?
- The EcoTarium is an indoor-outdoor museum of science and nature. We're located in the city of Worcester on extensive grounds that include wetland and woodland environments, a meadow habitat, and the Northeast's only publicly accessible Tree Canopy Walkway (open seasonally for guided programs). Many species of animals live in indoor and outdoor habitats throughout the museum and grounds. Many school group programs take advantage of the EcoTarium's unique environmental science resources, our digital planetarium, and extensive grounds with trails and ponds. There is plenty to see and do, including interpretive nature trails, interactive science and nature exhibits and the Explorer Express Train. Please be sure to dress for the weather as you will be exploring both indoors and out.
- 3) Other than the program I have booked, are there activities and programs my class can take part in on the day of our visit?
- You may choose to schedule a train ride for your group, walk the Vibram Walking Trail around the lower pond, visit otters along the Meadow Path or stroll the Timescape Trail. Depending on the day's schedule, you might also take advantage of public programs being offered: visit the Curator's Workshop, try out the spin browser at the tide pool exhibit or attend a live Animal Encounter. The museum has a changing rotation of seasonal exhibits to explore, Don't forget a visit to the Museum Shop!
- 4) What about lunch? What facilities does the EcoTarium have?
- The Food for Thought Cafe offers tables and chairs where students can eat their brown bag lunches, as well as vending machines for drinks and snacks. During warmer weather, students may also enjoy lunch at picnic tables in our outdoor tent or at the Food Pavilion. The Food Pavilion is generally open at lunchtime on weekdays May through early September for sandwiches, light grill items, snacks and ice cream.
- 5) Do you have materials we can use to prepare students for their EcoTarium visit or follow-up activities to take home with us?
- Please inquire when booking your specific program. For those on a self-guided visit, we have EcoQuest sheets that you may duplicate for your students before you come to help "guide your exploration" of exhibits, grounds and animal habitats. Be sure to also check out our Teacher-Group Leader Guide and any special materials that may be available for featured exhibits that will be here during your visit.
- 6) How do your programs relate to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks?
- We design our educational programs with the Frameworks as a starting point. We work to meet the curriculum needs of the teacher and we scale all programs for the age and abilities of participating students.
- 6) Can I visit before my field trip?
- Members of the Massachusetts Teachers Association are entitled to free admission to the EcoTarium at any time. If you are an educator, but not a member of the MTA, please show a valid school or professional association ID when you visit us to scout out your field trip.
- 7) What are the guidelines for students/chaperones?
- The EcoTarium sets a minimum ratio of 1 adult chaperone to each 10 school-age children. For preschoolers and special needs groups, the ratio is 1 adult to 5 students. Please note that chaperones for special needs stuents requiring 1:1 care are admitted free. Chaperones are expected to monitor the behavior of the students in their group while on the museum grounds. Any behavior that is considered unacceptable at your school is also unacceptable at the EcoTarium.
- 8) What are the guidelines for payment of group visits?
- A school group, defined as 10 or more people, qualifies you for the group admission rate of $7 per person, including both students and chaperones. Teachers are admitted free. (Life, earth and physical science and astronomy programming, train rides and Tree Canopy Walkway incur an additional charge.) You must book your group field trip at least three weeks in advance. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required two weeks before your visit. The balance is due when you arrive for your visit.
- 9) What is there for high school students to do?
- The EcoTarium engages students of all ages. Consider enhancing your trip by scheduling an educational program that is tailored to high school students. Self-guided groups may also take advantage of a themed EcoQuest, walk our interpretive trails, explore science and nature exhibits, learn more about the animals living at the museum and more.
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