K-12 Field Trips
Did you know?
...there are
new objects in the solar system
...the Big Dipper isn't really a constellation
...scientists found evidence of dark matter
...there's a clock and calendar in the stars
...Hubble found new moons orbiting Pluto
...new
discoveries are made daily,
and we bring them down to earth for you!
Come to the Barlow Planetarium and Weis Earth Science Museum, two world-class venues for science education that are centrally-located in Wisconsin. We have scientists on staff to insure your field trip is up-to-date, accurate, educational and memorable to you and your students.
Download our 2007-2008 Field trip planner here.
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Why Take A Field Trip to the
Barlow & Weis?
2007-2008
Reservation & Scheduling Info
2007-2008 Planetarium School Show List
Helpful Hints
Why take a field trip to the Barlow and Weis?
We help Wisconsin teachers and schools meet educational standards and achieve science literacy.
The National Science Education Standards, the American Association for the Advancement of Science Benchmarks for Science Literacy, and Wisconsin Model Science Standards all advocate the teaching of Earth & Space Sciences for grades K-12 in order to attain a basic level of science literacy for all students.
The Barlow and the Weis have the expertise to give your students a better understanding of science concepts.
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Experiencing science is fundamental to learning science
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According to the National Science Teachers' Association, informal learning experiences encourage curiosity and interest in the sciences during school years and throughout a lifetime
Earth and Space Sciences are exciting subjects that engage students and spark imaginations
Info
The Weis Earth Science Museum and the Barlow Planetarium help create better-informed citizens by making science exciting, accessible and relevant.
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Everything society needs comes from earth resources and the space environment
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Earth and space sciences help us understand our changing global environment
Important decisions about our neighborhoods, our nation, and our planet depend on an understanding of earth and space sciences
Earth and space science topics are in the news daily
Students gain a greater appreciation for the universe and their local landscape
Earth
Ty Westbrook
Barlow Planetarium Interim DirectorJoanne Kluessendorf, Weis Earth Science Museum Director
Cost and Scheduling Information
FOR A SINGLE
PLANETARIUM SHOW OR MUSEUM TOUR
MULTIPLE SHOW(S),
TOUR DISCOUNT
CHAPERONES
One adult for every 10 students may be admitted for free to each school show or tour. For grades K-6, we require one adult for every 10 students. For grades 7-12, one adult is highly recommended for every 15 students. Chaperones must supervise students' behavior from moment of arrival at the campus until departure. Chaperones should be assigned to a group of students and stay with that group of students the entire time. The recommended/required number of adults are admitted at no charge; additional adults are charged the same as the per-student cost. Make your reservation for the total number of adults and students that will see the show to insure everyone can be admitted and have a seat!
To schedule a school show or request more information, call our school Reservation Line at 920-832-2868. Please have the following information handy when you call:
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Your school name and address
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Grade level(s) of students
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Your daytime phone number
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The number of students & adults you will be bringing
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The date, time and show or tour you want to book
Changing Your Reservation
You will receive an invoice/confirmation letter for your reservation. Payment is due during check in. Payment may be made by a check payable to "The Barlow Planetarium" or "Weis Earth Science Museum" (only one check is needed), we also accept Visa and Master Card for payment. Please no purchase orders! Payment must be made before the show unless arrangements have been made in advance with the Director. Groups are charged based on their confirmed reservation, not the number that actually attend. However, teachers will receive free passes to give to their absent students or use as they see fit.
Bringing extra, unscheduled people on the day of the show/tour is risky. There are a limited number of seats in the Planetarium and a limit to the number that can join a tour. As space allows, we will accommodate "extras." Extras are charged the per-student fee for your reservation. The planetarium contains 98 seats, plus four additional spaces for wheelchairs. No more than 102 people will be admitted to any one show. All students must have a seat. No extra chairs will be set out due to safety considerations.
Your group may be photographed for promotion purposes; let us know when you check in if you object to your group being photographed.
Change and Cancellation Policy
Cancellations (including rescheduling to a new date) incur fees as follows:
3 weeks or more notice: No fee
Less than 3 weeks notice: $40 for each show or tour
Less than 48 hours notice: full amount of confirmed reservation
If your school closes due to inclement weather, or if weather prevents you from traveling to us even though your school remains open, your group is exempt from change and cancellation fees only if you call 920-832-2868 at least one hour before your scheduled show or tour and reschedule your event.
As space allows, reservation numbers may be increased at any time. Changes will be confirmed in writing.
Visit both the Barlow Planetarium and Weis Earth Science Museum
For school groups that attend both a museum tour and a planetarium show, the cost is only $6.00 per student for both reservations. The rate applies to groups that attend a planetarium show and go on a museum tour on the same day! If the group cancels its reservation for either facility, the single event price ($3.50 per student) applies to the remaining reservation, and a cancellation fee may apply.
- Schedule your trip as soon as you have all the information needed to make a reservation. March, April and May are our busiest months.
- Have a special need not addressed here? Call our Reservation Line 920-832-2868 and let us know. We'll do our best to accommodate your request so your students can experience the Barlow!
Lunch Options
Indoor lunch facilities on the UW-Fox Valley campus are in short supply and must be reserved in advance. The University may charge a fee for rental of a room for lunch. Your group may have lunch outdoors on campus grounds (or at a local park) at no charge, but remember, indoor facilities are available only with advance reservation, regardless of inclement weather.
Fast food restaurants and parks are located nearby. Ask us for directions when you schedule your trip or during your visit.
