School Field Visit Form | Whitaker Center

School Field Visit Reservations

Pricing | Form | Helpful Tips

The following steps are designed to help you prepare the information you’ll need to arrange your group’s visit to Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts. Because visits are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, please submit your reservation request early.

Before you contact Whitaker Center to make a School Field Visit Reservation, please do the following:

Review the Educators Guide.
Choose the program(s) you’d like your students to attend. The Educators’ Pass (click here to print) entitles you to a free admission to the Science Center for a preview visit.
Choose possible visit dates.
Consult your school calendar and your transportation department BEFORE contacting Whitaker Center. If there is only one date your group can visit, please note this on the Reservation Request Form. Please submit Reservation Requests at least two weeks prior to the requested field visit date.
Confirm your arrival and departure times.
Allow at least two hours for a 2-event visit, three hours for a 3-event visit, and four hours for a 4-event visit. Add 30–60 minutes for lunch, depending on which lunch option you choose.
Determine the number of students and chaperones participating in the visit.
To ensure a great experience for all visitors, please inform us of student and chaperone special needs on the Reservation Request Form. Because Discovery Labs and IMAX® Documentaries have limited seating, we may not be able to accommodate additional students and chaperones on the day of the visit. A minimum 1:10 chaperone to student ratio is required. Please note that for security reasons, parents and other adults will not be permitted to join your group once the visit is in progress.
Ask about Whitaker Center School District Partnership School Field Visit Reservations Contract Program.
Ask your principal if your school district participates in the School District Partnership Contract (SDPC) Program. Click here to fill out an SDPC form.
Calculate admission costs.
Multiply the total number of students and chaperones (teachers are considered chaperones) by the rate for your visit (1-event, 2-event, 3-event, or Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit). A 50% deposit is required once your field visit date is confirmed. Schools in districts participating in the SDPC program are not required to submit a deposit. Vouchers and Whitaker Center/ASTC memberships may not be used with school field visits.
Choose your lunch option
Option A: Bring Your Lunch and Eat at Whitaker Center.
Option B: Purchase Lunches in Strawberry Square.
Complete the School Visit Reservation Request Form at least two weeks prior to the requested field visit date.
Click here to fill out the Online Reservation Request Form. If you submit a Reservation Request less than two weeks prior to the visit, you will be required to pay for the visit in full with a credit
card.

Submit Your Field Visit Reservation Request:

Whitaker Center offers three ways to request a field visit.

Click here to fill out our online request form or click here to print the form, fill out at home, and mail back. The online request form takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Please ensure all fields are completed and correct. If the form is missing information, it will delay the reservation process.
Call 717/ 724-3862 to request a field visit reservation.
The School Reservation office is open Monday through Friday, 9am-4:30pm. Please have your completed School Reservation Request Form available during the call. When leaving a voicemail for the School Reservations Office, please provide your name, number, and the best time for a return call.
Fax your completed Reservation Request Form to 717/214-2791, ATTN: School Reservations Office.

Submit Your Field Visit

Field Visit Date is confirmed via email, fax or phone within two business days.
The field visit date will be confirmed during your phone call upon review of our scheduling calendar. Faxed requests are processed in the order they are received.
A confirmation packet is mailed to the lead chaperone.
The lead chaperone will receive a confirmation packet that includes a Reservation Acknowledgement Form, School Visit Checklist, detailed visit schedule, directions, and floor
plan map. Confirmation Packets are usually mailed within 7–10 days after the field visit date is confirmed.
The Lead Chaperone signs and returns the Reservation Acknowledgement Form
to the School Reservations Office with a 50% deposit payment. Deposit payments can be made with cash, check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. The Acknowledgement Form and deposit must be received by the release date noted on the form or the field visit may be cancelled. Schools in districts participating in the School District Partnership Contract Program are not required to submit the 50% deposit payment, but must sign and return the Acknowledgement Form.
Use the School Visit Checklist to prepare for your visit.

Admission Prices

Regular Admission	KidsPlace Only	1-Event Visit	2-Event Visit	3-Event Visit	Titanic: The Artifact Exhibititon*
Students	$4.00	$7.00	$9.00	$11.00	add $5.00; must have HSC visit
Teachers/ Chaperones	$4.00	$7.00	$9.00	$11.00	add $5.00; must have HSC visit
SDPC Participants
Students	-	$6.00	$7.50	$9.00	add $5.00; must have HSC visit
Teachers/ Chaperones	-	$6.00	$7.50	$9.00	add $5.00; must have HSC visit

Please Note:
KidsPlace visits include admission only to KidsPlace. Available to pre-K and kindergarten classes only.
1-event visits include admission to one of the following: Science Center, a Discovery Lab, or IMAX® Theater.
2-event visits include admission to two of the following: Science Center, a Discovery Lab, or IMAX® Theater in any combination.
3-event visits include admission to three of the following: Science Center, a Discovery Lab, or IMAX® Theater in any combination.
*Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition opens on March 27, 2010 and has a $5.00 per person fee; one of the events of the visit must be the Science Center for this rate to apply.

The online request form takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Please ensure all fields are completed and correct. If the form is missing information, it will delay the reservation process.

*Whitaker Center is pleased to offer school groups of 50 or more the opportunity to schedule a special 10am showing of any film in our library on a first-come, first-served basis, or watch a new film. Availability is subject to change.

Educator and School Information
First Name:
Last Name:
School Name:
School District/County:
Phone Number:
E-mail Address:

Educator and School Information
School Name:
School District/County:
School District Partnership Contract Participant:	Yes No Not a participant? Click Here to learn more about the School District Program
Teacher's Name:
E-mail Address:
Phone Number:
School Address:
School Phone Number:
School Fax Number:
Type of School:
Visit Info
Choice of Dates:
Arrival Time:
Departure Time:
Arriving By:
Estimated Number of Students:
Number of Chaperones:
Grade Level:
Participant(s) Special Needs:
Lunch Options:
School Package Options
Please Select your Event Package Option:	3-Event Visit (Best Value) 2-Event Visit 1-Event Visit
Please select 3 Events, one each from Harsco Science Center, Imax Theater, and Discovery Lab
Harsco Science Center:	None Standard Science Center Visit More Information This allows for visitation to all three floors of the Science Center (including Forces of Nature, KidsPlace, and Carnival of Health), plus any limited-engagement exhibition. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition requires an additional $5 cost, and is not included with this option. Close Titanic Exhibition – 3/27 - 9/5 (Add $5) More Information Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition March 27 – September 5, 2010 Travel back to 1912 to experience the legendary story of RMS Titanic through photographs, sound, and over 200 genuine artifacts. Explore first-class and third-class accommodations and see personal items recovered after 80 years on the ocean floor. In addition to the exhibition, all three floors of Harsco Science Center are included with this option. Close
Discovery Lab Title:	None Grades 1 & 2 – Air and Water More Information Air and Water Everyone knows we need air and water to survive, but what else do you know about these two life-sustaining substances? Students do hands-on activities to learn more about the water we drink and the air we breathe. (PA Academic Standards: 1.6.3D; 2.7.3A; 3.2.4C; 3.4.4A; 3.5.4D; 4.2.4A; 4.3.4A) Close Grades 1 & 2 – Bug Bytes... More Information Bug Bytes: An Introduction to Integrated Pest Management Swarm into the intriguing world of insects and discover what makes one bug a friend and another a pest. Experiment with a variety of Integrated Pest Management techniques to take care of irritating intruders! Students discover the pros and cons of each “eradication” method and find the best solution for the situation at hand. (PA Standards: 1.6.3B; 3.2.4C; 4.5.4A; 4.5.4B; 4.5.4C; 4.6.7A) Close Grades 1 & 2 – Dinosaur Discoveries More Information Dinosaur Discoveries Explore the world of dinosaurs through their ancient bones. Can you put the pieces together to solve the mystery of the dinosaurs? (PA Academic Standards: 3.5.4A., 4.7.4C, 3.2.4C, 3.3.4B) Close Grades 1 & 2 – From the Ground Up More Information From the Ground Up Get down and dirty as we scratch the surface of geology. Separate soil samples to get an up-close look, and discover what soil is and where it comes from. Examine many unique rock specimens and identify your favorite. (PA Academic Standards: 1.6.3B; 3.1.4E; 3.2.4B; 3.4.4A; 3.5.4A; 3.5.4B; 4.2.4C; 4.6.4A) Close Grades 1 & 2 – Seeds and Such More Information Seeds and Such Revised Investigate the science of seeds and leaves. Learn how seeds and fruits are linked in plant cycles, and use natural plant and fruit dyes to create your own Whitaker Center keepsake. (PA Academic Standards: 3.1.4C; 3.2.4B; 3.3.4B; 4.4.4C). Close Grades 1 & 2 – Swings, Slides... More Information Swings, Slides and See-saws: Playground Physics NEW for 2009 Join us on a journey through the forces of motion as we uncover why playground equipment is so fun to use! Explore how matter moves and observe physical forces of gravity, momentum and friction in this exciting investigation. (PA Academic Standards: 1.6.3DA; 3.1.4B; 3.2.4C; 3.4.4C) Close Grades 1 & 2 – Windows on Weather More Information Windows on Weather Uncover the mysteries behind weather phenomena, including wind, cloud formation and thunderstorms. (PA Academic Standards: 3.2.4A; 3.2.4B; 3.5.4C; 3.7.4A; 3.7.4B) Close Grades 3 - 5 – All Systems Go More Information All Systems Go Revised Discover the amazing abilities of the body on a fast-paced trip through the immune, digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems. (PA Academic Standards: 1.1.5E; 1.6.5A; 1.6.5C; 1.6.5D; 1.6.5E; 3.1.4A; 3.1.7A; 3.2.4C; 3.3.4A; 3.3.7A; 3.3.7B) Close Grades 3 - 5 – Bridging the Gaps More Information Bridging the Gaps Explore the wonders of engineering! What makes some shapes stronger than others? Using K’NEX®, build a bridge and test it. Can your bridge carry the load? (PA Academic Standards: 3.1.4B, 3.1.7C, 3.4.7C, 3.6.7C, 2.8.3A, 2.9.3D) Close Grades 3 - 5 – Chemistry Concoctions More Information Chemistry Concoctions Investigate ways to connect the wonderful worlds of chemistry and art while exploring basic chemistry concepts, such as the properties of acids and bases. (PA Academic Standards: 3.1.4E; 3.2.4A; 3.2.4C; 3.2.7C; 3.4.4A) Close Grades 3 - 5 – Circuit Circus More Information Circuit Circus Turn your students on to electricity in this charged-up, battery-operated festival of circuit building. Students will explore open and closed circuits, insulators and conductors. (PA Academic Standards: 1.6.5D; 2.6.3A; 3.2.4A; 3.2.4B; 3.4.4B; 3.4.7B) Close Grades 3 - 5 – Pollution Solutions More Information Pollution Solutions NEW for 2009 What happens when pollutants enter an environment—especially a wetland? Students will work in teams to solve a “marsh mystery,” while discovering what happens when a member of the marsh food chain absorbs a toxin. Discover the impact that waste, runoff and disease have on the environment and the life within. (PA Academic Standards: 3.3.7A; 4.1.7C; 4.1.7D; 4.1.7E; 4.1.8C) Close Grades 3 - 5 – Tantalizing Tessellations More Information Tantalizing Tessellations Do you tessellate? You will if you join us for this Discovery Lab where math meets art. Create beautiful tessellation patterns in a variety of hands-on activities. (PA Academic Standards: 2.9.3G; 2.9.5G; 2.9.5J; 2.9.5K; 2.9.8J; 2.9.8K; 3.2.4C; 3.2.7C) Close Grades 6 - 8 – Operation Outbreak More Information Operation Outbreak A contagious disease outbreak has just occurred and only you can stop it. Unravel the mystery and stop the disease before an epidemic gets out of control. Can you uncover the path of transmission and break the chain before time runs out? (PA Academic Standards: 3.2.10A; 3.2.10B; 3.2.10C; 3.6.10C; 3.8.10A; 3.8.12C; 10.2.12E) Close Grades 6 - 8 – Racer Energy More Information Racer Energy Science, math and technology come together for a fun-filled experience as students assemble and test K’NEX® vehicles, collect data and graph their results. (PA Academic Standards: 1.6.8D; 2.5.8B; 2.6.5A; 2.6.8C; 2.8.5H; 3.1.4A; 3.1.7E; 3.2.7B; 3.2.7C; 3.4.4B, 3.6.7C) Close Grades 6 - 8 – Refraction Action More Information Refraction Action NEW for 2009 Did you know that you can control the fastest moving thing in the universe and bend it to your will? In this “illuminating” lab, explore properties of light (diffraction, reflection and refraction) using mirrors, lenses, fiber optics and lasers. (PA Academic Standards: 3.2.7B; 3.2.7C; 3.4.7B; 3.4.7C; 3.7.7A) Close Grades 6 - 8 – Science Detective More Information Science Detective Use forensic science techniques to examine evidence and solve a crime – a real Whodunit! (PA Academic Standards: 1.6.8D; 3.2.7A; 3.2.7B; 3.2.10C; 3.4.10A; 3.7.10A; 3.7.10B) Close Grades 6 - 8 – Shake, Rattle... More Information Shake, Rattle and Roll: Earthquake Investigations Go beyond the basics of plate tectonics in this in-depth examination of earthquake properties and the wake of their destruction. Assess a variety of earthquake-resistant engineering design techniques and uncover the common attributes of the more resilient structures. (PA Academic Standards: 3.1.7B; 3.1.10B; 3.2.7C; 3.2.7D; 3.5.7A; 3.5.10A; 3.6.7C; 3.7.7B) Close Grades 8 - 10 – Amusement Park... More Information Amusement Park Physics Engineering, physics and math collide in this colossal exploration of the science of amusement park rides. Using K’NEX®, explore how energy, forces, speed and sturdy construction help build thrill and excitement! (PA Academic Standards: 3.1.12A; 3.1.12B; 3.1.10C; 3.1.10E; 3.2.10B; 3.2.10C; 3.7.10A) Close Pre-K & K – Floaters and Sinkers More Information Floaters and Sinkers Using science and literature, students predict results, test ideas and observe outcomes as they explore concepts of buoyancy. (PA Academic Standards: 1.6.3B; 1.6.3D; 2.1.3G; 3.2.4B; 3.2.4C; 3.4.4C) Close Pre-K & K – The Sound of Science More Information The Sound of Science Where does sound come from and why can we hear it? Explore the science behind sound as we investigate the characteristics of sound, experiment with musical instruments from around the world and identify sound patterns. Students will be amazed by the variety of instruments to explore, and will invent their own sound patterns and movements. (PA Academic Standards: 1.6.3A; 1.6.3B; 1.6.3D; 3.2.4B; 3.4.4C) Close
Select Medical IMAX Theater Film Title:	None Animalopolis More Information Animalopolis Fall 2009 This film is designed for our youngest guests, pre-k to grade 2. Otters pray, flamingos squawk, a calf who’d rather dance than walk. Your students will want to watch it again and again—you’ll like it, too. Running time: 30 minutes. Close Dolphins and Whales 3D More Information Dolphins and Whales 3D Winter 2009–2010 Through the magic of IMAX 3D, travel from dazzling coral reefs of the Bahamas to the tropical depths of Tonga for close encounters with dolphins, belugas, humpbacks, orcas and manatees. Witness the sophisticated communication and social interaction of these fascinating and fragile creatures. Running time: 45 minutes. Close Forces of Nature* More Information Forces of Nature A great paradox underpins our existence: the forces that make life possible also imperil it. In FORCES OF NATURE, audiences will experience the spectacle of tornadoes, floods, erupting volcanoes, hurricanes and their aftermath. Approx. 40 minutes. Whitaker Center is pleased to offer school groups of 50 or more the opportunity to schedule a special 10am showing of any film in our library on a first-come, first-served basis, or watch a new film. Availability is subject to change. Close Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk 3D More Information Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk 3D Set against the immense backdrop of the majestic Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Adventure will take IMAX® Theatre audiences on an exhilarating river-rafting adventure down the Colorado River in the company of a team of explorers who are committed to bringing awareness to global water issues. Approx. 40 minutes. Close Hubble 3D More Information Hubble 3D Spring 2010 Hubble 3D chronicles the amazing saga of the greatest success in space since the Apollo Moon Landing. Featuring stunning on-orbit coverage of the space telescope’s final repair and jaw-dropping IMAX 3D® flights through distant galaxies, Hubble’s astonishing legacy has been captured for generations to come. Running time: 45 minutes. Close Hurricane on the Bayou* More Information Hurricane on the Bayou This film takes viewers on a breathtaking tour of one of the most vibrant places in America, the Louisiana bayou and the city of New Orleans, a place overflowing with life, music and natural beauty. Here, in the region's bountiful coastal wetlands, alligators, humans and other wildlife have lived in harmony for centuries. Approx. 40 minutes. Close Journey Into Amazing Caves* More Information Journey Into Amazing Caves This film tells the story of two women, Nancy Aulenbach and Dr. Hazel Barton, who share love for caves and cave exploration. The film tracks these two accomplished cavers as they explore unusual caves, like the ice caves in Greenland and the underwater caves in the jungles of Mexico. On the giant screen, this unique story will transport viewers on an adventure to some of the most extraordinary environments on earth. Approx. 40 minutes. Whitaker Center is pleased to offer school groups of 50 or more the opportunity to schedule a special 10am showing of any film in our library on a first-come, first-served basis, or watch a new film. Availability is subject to change. Close Michael Jordan to the Max* More Information Michael Jordan to the Max This film captures the real-life story of Michael Jordan, the most spectacular athelete of the 20th century and the world's most recognizable person. Approx. 45 minutes. Whitaker Center is pleased to offer school groups of 50 or more the opportunity to schedule a special 10am showing of any film in our library on a first-come, first-served basis, or watch a new film. Availability is subject to change. Close Mystery of the Nile* More Information Mystery of the Nile This film tells the story of this emotional and historic expedition while also exploring the cultural and environmental links between the Ethiopian, Sudanese and Egyptian civilizations. Both a captivating human adventure and a serious in-depth look at this most fascinating yet little-known region, the film promises another exciting and educational giant screen experience. Approx. 45 minutes. Whitaker Center is pleased to offer school groups of 50 or more the opportunity to schedule a special 10am showing of any film in our library on a first-come, first-served basis, or watch a new film. Availability is subject to change. Close Santa vs. the Snowman 3D* More Information Santa vs. the Snowman 3D The story of a lonely Snowman who finds Santa's workshop but is chased away when he sets off the perimeter alarm. Envious, he devises a plan to take over Santa's empire and thus be the most popular figure around Christmas time this year. Having enlisted "Snow Minions Made Easy", he pits his snow army against Santa's elves and captures Santa, setting off a hilarious, epic-scale polar war. Approx. 30 minutes. Whitaker Center is pleased to offer school groups of 50 or more the opportunity to schedule a special 10am showing of any film in our library on a first-come, first-served basis, or watch a new film. Availability is subject to change. Close Sea Monsters 3D* More Information Sea Monsters 3D Fall 2009 This film highlights the complex and fragile life within the Earth’s ancient oceans by merging ultra-high-resolution computer generated graphics with National Geographic’s trademark authenticity, compelling imagery and powerful storytelling. This film is an unforgettable prehistoric adventure. Running time: 45 minutes. Close Thrill Ride: The Science of Fun* More Information Thrill Ride: The Science of Fun This film takes the audience on rides that some viewers would never dare to attempt, including trips on Big Shot at the Stratosphere, Las Vegas and the rollercoasters Kumba and Montu, located at Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida. Approx. 40 minutes. Whitaker Center is pleased to offer school groups of 50 or more the opportunity to schedule a special 10am showing of any film in our library on a first-come, first-served basis, or watch a new film. Availability is subject to change. Close Titanica More Information Titanica Opening March 27, 2010 Combining spectacular life-size images of the ship’s shattered remains on the ocean floor with recollections of survivor Eva Hart and computer-enhanced archival photographs, Titanica brings to life a remarkable story of history, science and human ambition. Running time: 45 minutes. Close Under the Sea 3D More Information Under the Sea 3D Fall 2009 Prepare to be transported to some of the most exotic and isolated undersea locations on Earth and come face-to-face with mysterious and stunning creatures of the sea. Running time: 35 minutes. Close

School Pricing does not include DMR Feature Films presented in Select Medical IMAX Theater. Call the School Reservations Office for DMR school rates. Changes/Cancellations: One free visit schedule change is permitted with at least two-weeks notice. Rescheduling is based on availability. A $25 fee will be charged for subsequent field visit schedule changes made at the request of the school group. This fee will not be charged for rescheduling necessitated by severe weather delays or cancellations. School groups whom cancel their field visit less than two weeks prior to the scheduled visit date will forfeit their deposit.