Trips to Whitaker Center

We've got field trips down to a science.

Whether your group plans to explore interactive STEAM-based exhibits housed within our multi-level Science Center, experience an awe-inspiring documentary in our four-story Select Medical Digital Cinema, or participate in a coding lesson in our PNC Innovation Zone, Whitaker Center guarantees a hands-on day of learning!

Returning this year! We will be offering Guided STEM Lessons with our Whitaker Center Education Staff! Students can take part in a guided STEM lesson in our STEM Design Studios with one of our educators during their field trip to the science center. Adults and their students will meet a STEM Educator at the classroom doors and will begin the chosen lesson or inquiry-based challenge. These engaging activities will allow students to explore important problem-solving strategies and critical thinking skills, while gaining an appreciation for STEM. The lesson will be between 30-45 minutes in length and is for a maximum of 30 students per session. 

If choosing to see a documentary, your class will experience an educational film in a completely immersive, large-format movie theater. You will have the choice of one of the following 40-45 minute documentaries.  Documentary options are as follows (all in 3D unless otherwise listed):

• Dream Big                                            
• Expedition Chesapeake 2D
• Flight of the Butterflies 
• Forces of Nature 2D
• Grand Canyon Adventure  
• Great Barrier Reef
• Great Bear Rainforest 
• Into America's Wild
• Ireland
• Journey to Space 
• Lewis and Clark 2D
• National Parks Adventure 
• Tiny Giants 
• Tornado Alley 
• Wings Over Water

If you choose to visit our new PNC Innovation Zone, groups of 24 students will spend 45-60 minutes with their chaperones and a Whitaker Center Educator learning about coding. Lesson topics for these experiences include: 

• Coding with Minecraft: Level 1 - Students will use their knowledge and experience with Minecraft to dive deeper with Code Builder: Block Coding to solve problems within Minecraft for Education. No experience with Minecraft or Block Coding is necessary!
• Coding with Minecraft: Level 2 - Experienced Minecraft users and those looking to expand their coding skills can opt for this Level 2 Course that transitions the learning experience with Introductory Python lessons within Minecraft for Education.
• CodeCombat: Computer Science 1 - For learners who already have a foundation in Python syntax, we offer this curriculum module which utilizes a web-based interface to expand the learner’s Python knowledge through purposeful gaming.

Groups have the option to customize their event package by experiencing the science center, a documentary,  the PNC Innovation Zone or any combination thereof for your visit to Whitaker Center. Please note that adding the PNC Innovation Zone as an option to your experience is based on a first come, first serve basis and dependent on your total field trip size as the experience is limited to 24 students at a time. 

 Complete the Field Trip to Whitaker Center RSVP Form to book your trip!

Field Trips include the Science Center, a Documentary, our Innovation Zone, or a mix of All 3!

Adult Policy:  Groups will receive (1) complimentary chaperone admission with every 7 student tickets purchased. To qualify for complimentary chaperone admission, a minimum of seven (7) admission tickets must be purchased. Each additional adult beyond this ratio will be $10. This policy will apply to all regular and STEM Scholarship pricing. 

Lunch Policy: Groups have multiple options for eating lunch during their field trips. If you choose to eat lunch at Whitaker Center, there is an additional $2 charge per person.

Please reach out to education@whitakercenter.org with any questions or help filling out your RSVP form.