Whitaker on Wheels (WOW)
Bring STEAM Programming directly to you with the Whitaker on Wheels van!
Can’t make it to Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts? Allow us to bring the science experiences to you! Whitaker on Wheels offers both Mobile Field Trips and Drop-In Events. We travel throughout the Central Pennsylvania region, offering a variety of scientific, artistic, and educational activities that are aligned with PA STEELS and PA’s Early Learning standards. Whitaker on Wheels has something to “WOW” everyone!
Mobile Field Trips
Field trip fun with none of the travel! These programs are designed for classrooms and led by a Whitaker Center educator. Our interactive lessons are designed for kids from preschool through 6th grade. We offer a wide range of science topics that are aligned with PA STEELS and PA’s Early Learning Standards. WOW Mobile Field Trips bring hands-on science and discovery to you.
Find Your Mobile Field Trip Lesson
Age Group: 2-3 years old
Lesson Length: 20-30 min
Max Participants: Up to 15 participants per lesson
Price: $150 per session
Description
Little scientists will explore the world using their senses—observing with their eyes, ears, noses, and hands (no tasting!). Through hands-on sensory bins and experiments with new and interesting materials, children will build curiosity and strengthen observation skills that form the foundation of all STEM learning.
Age Group: Preschool & Kindergarten
Lesson Length: 50 min
Max Participants: Up to 30 participants per lesson
Price: $350 per lesson
Description
What will the weather be like today? Let’s explore the water cycle, seasons, wind, and rain in this active introduction to weather. Our young meteorologists will get to create a unique piece of art as well as a mini windsock to take home!
Age Group: Grades K-3
Lesson Length: 50 min
Max Participants: Up to 30 participants per lesson
Price: $350 per lesson
Description
What happens when you mix things together? Let’s find out through Chemistry! We’ll see what fizzes and bubbles as we observe how substances that look similar can react very differently. And some chemical changes get a little slimy -WOW!
Age Group: Grades 2-5
Lesson Length: 50 min
Max Participants: Up to 30 participants per lesson
Price: $350 per lesson
Description:
Animals survive in amazing ways! Students learn how animals adapt to their environments, then put their knowledge to work by designing their own animal and habitat. This imaginative program highlights structure, function, and adaptation while encouraging critical thinking and creative problem-solving.
Age Group: Grades 1-6
Lesson Length: 50 min
Max Participants: Up to 30 participants per lesson
Price: $350 per lesson
Description
Are you a better engineer than the Three Little Pigs? Can you design a home to hold up to the Big Bad Wolf and the forces of nature? Find out by thinking like an architect engineer to make a mighty building that holds up to earthquakes, rain storms, and high winds. We’ll use the engineering design process and teamwork to keep our buildings standing in these tricky natural challenges.
Drop-In Events
Our drop-in events are for STEAM-fun outside the classroom. Are you hosting a PTA Night, Festival, or Fair? Our interactive drop-in activities can be tailored to fit your event. WOW drop-in events can feature STEAM Stations that visitors can explore in 5 minutes or less. We also offer Make-and-Take science crafts as a drop-in option!
Find Your Drop-In Experience
Age Group: All Ages
Session Length: 3 hours
Price: $400
Description
Whitaker Center staff will set up 3-5 interactive stations for your guests to explore. Each station takes just 5-10 minutes and inspires learners of all ages to observe and investigate the world around us.
Age Groups: All Ages
Session Length: 3 hours
Price: $400
Description
Make and Takes are quick creations that explore the world around us – like popsicle stick catapults or an artistic take on the butterfly’s life cycle. Guests take with them what they make.
Age Groups: All Ages
Session Length: 3 hours
Price: $750
Description
Replace one of your STEAM Stations with a Make & Take activity.
Don’t see what you’re looking for?
Email your questions to education@whitakercenter.org.