SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS
The Midwest Museum offers a wide variety of opportunities to meet your educational goals for any age group. Don't see what you're looking for? All of our programs can be customized to complement what your students are working on in the classroom.
(P.S. No fieldtrip transportation budget? Check out our outreach programs!)
Early Childhood Education (Preschool and Kindergarten)
Our youngest guests will enjoy a one-hour program, including an age-appropriate guided tour of the museum and a live animal presentation. Groups are welcome to stay longer and explore the rest of the museum on their own after the program or use our cafeteria for a snack.
Children (including siblings): $5 each
Minimum: 15 children, or pay for 15
Teachers: Free
Chaperones: 1 free per every 10 students
Additional Chaperones: $2 each
Elementary through High School
Elementary through High School groups will enjoy a 1.5 to 2-hour program (programs vary in length by class size and age). We offer a variety of topics and new ones are being developed all the time. See below for descriptions of our programs and the corresponding state goals they meet.
Students (including siblings): $6 each
Minimum: 15 student minimum, or pay for 15
Teachers: Free
Chaperones: 1 free per every 10 students
Additional Chaperones: $2 each
Animal Adaptations
Discover how animals adapt to their environment to survive. Behavioral and physical adaptations will be covered, such as camouflage, mimicry, senses, pack behavior, and more. Program Includes a tour and live animal presentation, both focusing on survival strategies; and hands-on exploration and discussion of skulls, pelts, and other "animal artifacts." The program meets the needs of early elementary students (State Goals 12.B.1a &b), late elementary students (12.B.2a &2b) and middle/junior high school students (12.B.3b)
Animal Myth, Legend and Folklore
Explore the relationship between human culture and animals through a study of legends from around the world. Program includes a tour and live animal presentation, both focusing on the role of animals in different cultures; and a hands-on group activity. This program will capture the early elementary through middle school student and meet State Goals 12.A.1a, 12.B.2a, 18.A.1, 18.A.2 and 18.A.3.
Going, Going, Gone? (A Hopeful Look at Extinction)
Discover how and why animals become extinct. Through this journey, students will gain an appreciation for the importance of the diversity of life on Earth. Program includes a tour and and live animal presentation, both focusing on conservation and wildlife management; and an interactive activity illustrating food webs. This program can be modified to meet the needs of early elementary students (12.B.1a & 1b), late elementary students (12.B.2a & 2b) middle school students (12.B.3a & 3b), early high school (12.B.4a & 4b) and late high school (12.B.5a & 5b).
Native American Culture of the Great Lakes
Explore how native people lived in a rich but harsh climate. Tour the Museum, construct a wigwam, examine arrowheads and tools, play games, and learn legends. This program will help fulfill Illinois State Goals K-12: (16A1.b; 18A.1a; 18C.1; 27B.1a; 18A.2a;18C.2; 27B.2a; 18A.31; 18c.3b; 27B.3a ;27B.4b; 27B.5a).
Rocks Rock! (Geology & Fossils)
Dig into geology with a look at rocks and minerals, including their origins and uses. Students will discover local geology by examining real fossils that tell the story of what Illinois used to look like, and learning about the forces that shaped the land we see today. Program includes geology basics and hands-on activities. Please note: a Museum tour is not included in this program, but classes are welcome to explore the museum on their own before or after the program.
If you are interested in setting up a field trip or would like more information about our programming, please call us at (815) 895-9777.
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