Class Field Trips

Gateway Science Museum is proud to offer exciting, interactive and educationally-rich field trips for all age levels throughout the year. The museum’s field trips further our mission of “Inspiring the exploration of science and natural history, in our region and beyond,” while also helping to support the educational goals of teachers and students.

Spring 2024 Field Trips are fully booked. Fall 2024 Field Trip information coming soon!

February 20 - May 3, 2024

Explorer Field Trip | 4th-6th Grades ONLY

The cost of each field trip cost is $95.

How do I pay for my field trip?

Please refer to the confirmation letter you received. The details about payment begin at the bottom of page two.

What is a Confirmation Letter?

After a teacher completes the online Google Form indicating their preferred field trip dates, the teacher will receive a Confirmation Letter via email. The payment deadline and the amount due will be specified on the Confirmation Letter. The confirmation email will also include:

• Field Trip Policies and Recommendations
• Payment, Cancellations, Changes, and Refunds
• Parking Information
• Chaperone Responsibilities
• Field Trip Parking Map

How long is a field trip?

Tour Day is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

• Welcome Talk – 5 minutes
• Exhibit Tour #1 – 30 minutes
• Exhibit Tour #2 – 30 minutes
• Exploration of Gateway Gardens – 5 minutes*
• Goodbye Talk – 5 minutes

*If time and weather permit

Lab Day is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

• Welcome Talk – 5 minutes
• Module #1 – 40 minutes
• Module #2 – 40 minutes
• Goodbye Talk – 5 minutes

What is the difference between an Explorer field trip and a Curiosity Guided field trip? 

In a Curiosity Guided field trip, Gateway field trip staff leads students through an exploration of each exhibit and presents related artifacts and hands-on activities. 

In an Explorer field trip, groups of Chico State Education students lead hands-on activities that they have developed in their class, and that meet Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). 

What is the difference between a Curiosity Guided Tour and Lab Day field trip?

Tour Day - Gateway field trip staff lead students through an exploration of each exhibit and present related artifacts and hands-on activities.

Lab Day - Gateway field trip staff lead students through two hands-on modules. Teachers will have a selection of modules to choose from.

Can I schedule a field trip at the same time as another class from my school?

We can accommodate up to 30 students in a class. If both classes combined do not exceed this number, we can schedule both. Otherwise, only one class per time slot.

Can I schedule a field trip for my kindergarten class?

At this time, we do not have the resources to provide supplemental instructional content for this grade level.

How many chaperones can I bring?

Lab and Tour Days REQUIRE a minimum of 4 adults (teacher + 3 adults) and a maximum of 8 adults (teacher + 7 adults) can be included in the field trip cost.

Chaperones cannot bring additional siblings (not enrolled in the class). Chaperones are expected to be fully engaged in the class activities. 

What happens if I bring more than the maximum number of chaperones?

If there are more than the maximum of 8 adults (teacher + 7 adults), the extra individuals (including school personnel) will be charged $5 each. If payment is not paid by the extra individual, it will be the teacher’s responsibility. Payment will need to be made prior to the end of the field trip.

Cash is preferred, but card is accepted.

What are your expectations of chaperones?

Chaperones are expected to:

• Please stay with your designated group throughout the field trip.
• Help students engage, focus, and explore the exhibits.
• Assist museum guides with any education, behavior, and student needs.
• Please turn off cell phones and enjoy the interactions between students and the museum exhibits.
• Only drinking water in closed containers can be brought into the museum.
• Please leave food and other beverages in vehicle or designated area.

Will I be able to park there?

Yes, please make sure to park in Gateway’s parking spaces indicated by green painted curbs. A parking map is also included in the Confirmation Letter and the Chaperone Guide.

May a chaperone bring another child or family member that is not enrolled into the class schedule for the field trip?

No, only students enrolled in the class scheduled for the field trip are permitted. This means NO siblings.

What happens if I show up late?

Being late results in students not receiving the full educational experience of the field trip. We ask that you arrive 15 minutes early to ensure we can start on time. We cannot extend time.