education
field trips and group program faqs
When may I schedule a field trip to Lake Erie Nature & Science Center?
We open scheduling for the school year on August 1st. You may call 440-871-2900 to schedule or leave a message for our scheduler between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. The earlier you schedule, the greater the availability of field trip dates.
When do you hold field trips?
Each field trip is individual to your school so we can tailor the timing based on our mutual availability. While the Center is open to the public starting at 10 a.m., we can start field trips as early as 9 a.m.
What field trips are available?
Our natural sciences field trips are listed on our website at http://www.lensc.org/education/field-trips/Field-trips.aspx) and planetarium field trips at (http://www.lensc.org/planetarium/Field-trips.aspx. Choose from natural science programs, planetarium programs or a combination of both. The field trip can be as short as half an hour or go as long as 2 hours.
What field trips are offered in the summer?
We only offer planetarium field trips in the summer. Our animal programs return during the school year.
Do you offer field trips on the weekend?
We offer a very limited number of field trips on the weekend.
How many people can I bring?
The maximum number of students in a natural science program is capped at thirty (30). However, we are able to do a side-by-side program where two (2) classes come and we assign two instructors to accommodate the larger number of students. Our planetarium seats 65 people at a time.
What is the cost for my field trip?
For a half hour program, the cost is $3 per student with a minimum of $40. The cost for an one hour or longer program is $5 per student with a minimum of $60. THERE IS NO COST FOR ADULTS, whether they are teachers or chaperones.
When do I pay for my field trip?
Payment can be made two ways:
- If your organization uses purchase orders, please send a copy of the purchase order for the entire amount of the field trip with the conformation. Your organization will be billed for the exact number of students that attended the program AFTER the program.
- Otherwise, the minimum amount ($40 or $60) is due two weeks before the scheduled date. The remainder of the fee is due on the day of the field trip.
What if I need to cancel my field trip?
Fees will be refunded, minus a $10 Service Fee, only if the Center is notified at least TWO WEEKS prior to the scheduled date of the field trip.
Is there a place to eat lunch?
Our conference room is used as a lunchroom. Your school may be scheduled into the lunchroom if you notify the Center scheduler of that need. The children will be sitting on the floor and the adults will have chairs. In nice weather we ask you to eat outside on the covered back porch.
What else do I need to do before I come?
If you have a large group, you will receive a personalized schedule from our scheduler. You may need to divide your class(es) into smaller groups and identify them by numbers. Each small group needs to have at least one adult as a chaperone.
What are the clothing requirements?
This depends on the program. Programs including an outdoor hike require the proper footwear and it’s important to dress for the weather. Please read your confirmation comment section for any special requirements.
What do I do when I come to the Center on the day of my field trip?
You will need to pre-divide your group as instructed in the scheduling paperwork. You will check-in with the front desk and they will notify your instructor that you have arrived. If your organization has not completed the payment process, you will do so then. PLEASE HAVE A COUNT OF THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS ATTENDING THE PROGRAM. Then, your instructor will take your group to the classroom or planetarium.
Where does the bus driver take the bus?
The bus drivers need to park their busses in the marked WOLF PICNIC AREA across the field from our Center due to our limited parking availability.
What happens if we arrive late?
If the program starts late, we will do the best we can to complete the program on time. However, we can not guarantee that all the material will be covered due to time restrictions.
Will I receive any paperwork after I schedule my field trip?
You will receive two copies of a confirmation and two copies of a schedule, if required. We ask that you review both copies, sign one and return it to Lake Erie Nature & Science Center with either the purchase order or the minimum payment of $40 or $60. Deposit payments or purchase orders are due two weeks before the program.
How do I schedule my field trip?
After checking the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center website for field trip descriptions and reading the Field Trip FAQ’s, please call the Center at 440-871-2900. Please have the following information ready:
- Name of school and contact name
- School mailing address and phone number
- Number of classes and number of students per class
- At least three possible dates
- Possible field trip title needs
- Arrival and departure times
- Lunchroom needs (for combination programs only)
- Any special needs or requirements
Download a School Field Trip Program Guide
28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, Ohio 44140
(440) 871-2900 |
