Education – School Field Trips
General Information
More than 50,000 students from all over our community participate in guided field trip tours at the museum each year. The museum’s educators, all certified teachers, facilitate experiences that support 21st-century skills including basic core academics as well as creative problem solving and critical thinking. Educators choose from a variety of grade level appropriate programs that focus on developing literacy in civics, health, social studies, math, science, history, economics and the environment.
Reservations are required for all guided field trip tours. Tours may be scheduled Tuesday through Friday throughout the school year. Tours may also be scheduled on Mondays during the months of December, April and May.
For further information or to make a reservation, please contact the Education Department at educationinfo@magichouse.org.
| Tour TImes | |
|---|---|
| 9:00 am and 9:45 am | |
| 9:00 am, 10:00 am and 11:00 am | |
| 9:15 am, 9:45 am, and 10:15 am | |
| 9:15 am and 10:15 am | |
| 9:30 am and 10:30 am | |
Home School Organizations
On select Mondays from 9:30-11:30 am, home school families and organizations can tour The Magic House when the museum is closed to the public. The two-hour reserved program includes exploration of the museum. The discounted admission rate for this program is $3.00 per person and children under the age of 1 are free. Select Mondays reserved for the 2011-12 school year are: October 3, November 7, February 6 and March 5.
Field Trip Rate
The field trip rate is $5.75 per person for students and adults. One teacher per classroom is admitted free of charge. Regular admission is $8.75 per person. Because adult interaction is an integral part of every tour, one adult for every five students is required. Groups that would like a self-guided tour of The Magic House may visit after noon, Tuesday through Friday. Groups of 15 or more that include one adult for every five students will receive the group rate of $5.75 per person.
Education Program Scholarships
FREE field trips and outreach programs are available to schools that serve 50% or more free and reduced lunch students on a first-come, first-served basis. Thanks to these generous donors who contributed to The Magic House Education Program Fund which enables all students to have access to free learning experiences.
To inquire about Education Program Fund Scholarships, please contact the Education Department: educationinfo@magichouse.org.
Grade Level Expectation (GLEs)
The content of all education programs at The Magic House is consistent with the statewide academic requirements identified by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The GLEs satisfied by each Magic House program are noted below the program description.
A Little Bit of Magic – Preschool ages 3 to 5
On A Little Bit of Magic tours, groups explore an area designed especially for our youngest visitors. This space was developed to enhance a young child’s understanding of cause-and-effect relationships, to refine gross motor skills and encourage exploration.
School groups are greeted by a museum teacher who introduces the exhibits and escorts children through A Little Bit of Magic. Each one hour and 15 minute tour includes an hour in the hands-on exhibit area before moving to a classroom where a children’s literature program is presented with an accompanying hands-on learning activity, designed to build basic skills. Favorite A Little Bit of Magic exhibits include the Puppet Wall, Texture Tunnel, Sand Play and a wet and wonderful playground, WaterWorks.
For further information or to make a reservation, please contact the Education Department at educationinfo@magichouse.org.
Special Discounts
Field Trip Special – September and October 2011
The Magic House is offering a $3 admission rate for every student and accompanying adult on a reserved field trip tour during the months of September and October. Make your reservations early before this good buy sells out.
Read All About It! – November 2011
Donate a NEW picture book for children under 5 and receive FREE admission when visiting on a A Little Bit of Magic reserved tour. One book per person is required. Books will be donated to Ready Readers, a program for young children from low-income communities. Please note: NO chapter books, textbooks, activity books, workbooks, sticker books, or coloring books can be accepted for FREE admission.
New Year Special – January 2012
Ring in the New Year at The Magic House and start the semester with a bang! Schools visiting on a reserved field trip tour during January 2012 will be admitted for a special admission rate of just $3 per person.
Education Program Fund Scholarships
FREE field trips and outreach programs are available to schools that serve 50% or more free and reduced lunch students on a first-come, first-served basis. Thanks to these generous donors who contributed to The Magic House Education Program Fund which enables all students to have access to free learning experiences.
Children’s Village – Early Elementary Grades
In the Children’s Village, special exhibits spark the imagination of 5- to 9-year-old 21st-century learners and provide a world of opportunities that encourage literacy in math, economics, social studies, science, literature, art appreciation and much more.
School groups are greeted by a museum teacher who accompanies them through the Gatehouse entrance and gives a brief introduction to the Children’s Village. Each one hour and 30 minute tour includes an exclusive exploration of the exhibit space and concludes with an educational program. Favorite Children’s Village exhibits include the Super Service Center, Village Restaurant, Market, Walker Fishing Pond, Children’s Village Hospital and the newly remodeled bank!
Special Discounts
Field Trip Special – October 2011
The Magic House is offering a $3 admission rate for every student and accompanying adult on a reserved field trip tour during the month of October. Make your reservations early before this good buy sells out.
New Year Special – January 2012
Ring in the New Year at The Magic House and start the semester with a bang! Schools visiting on a reserved field trip tour during January 2012 will be admitted for a special admission rate of just $3 per person.
Education Program Fund Scholarships
FREE field trips and outreach programs are available to schools that serve 50% or more free and reduced lunch students on a first-come, first-served basis. Thanks to these generous donors who contributed to The Magic House Education Program Fund which enables all students to have access to free learning experiences.
Special Holiday Offering
Winter Wonderland – December 2011
This special holiday tour begins in the Children’s Village, transformed into a winter wonderland complete with snowmen! Young ones enjoy exclusive exploration of the exhibit space before moving to a classroom to hear a special story told by Mrs. Claus herself. The Magic House Mouse, written specifically for the museum, is a touching tale of a group of mice who live in The Magic House and learn about the true spirit of giving. A surprise visit from a very special guest will follow the story. Interested school groups should request this option when making a reservation.
Children’s Village Programs
| Small Change, Big Money | K to 2nd grade |
The Magic House is on the money with this program about U.S. coins. The program begins in the Children’s Village, where students role play earning and saving in a kid-sized community. Children then participate in a coin hunt relay game and decide how to wisely spend their newfound fortune. Count on a fun and engaging financial literacy experience!
Small Change, Big Money Support Materials
GLEs: Mathematics K-4: Number Operation Social Studies K-4: Economic Principles
| Community Workers | K to 2nd grade |
Students explore the concept of a community as they take on the roles of bankers, electricians, mechanics, librarians and other community members. After students visit the Children’s Village, museum educators will guide them in creating a model community of their own, determining what roles and institutions are necessary for it to function. They will also sharpen their map skills as they become city planners and create a map of their own community.
Community Workers Support Materials
GLEs: Social Studies K-4: Economic Principles
| Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees | 2nd to 3rd grade |
This financial literacy program helps students make connections between everyday living and finances. Students earn paychecks, make consumer choices, use teamwork at their job sites and learn how members of a community depend upon each other. They also form a “family” and demonstrate the ability to make appropriate personal economic choices about their wants and needs. Attendance at a FREE teacher workshop is a prerequisite for teachers new to the program. See the Professional Development page for details on the workshop
Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees Support Materials
GLEs: Social Studies K-4: Economic Principles
Thanks to a generous grant from The Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation, a limited number of qualifying school groups will participate in this program free of charge.
Classic – Elementary Grades
During Classic Tours, elementary students will discover dozens of exciting and challenging hands-on exhibits that encourage 21st-century learning skills. The adventure begins with the exploration of magnetism, shadows, sound, the power of air and more than 50 other educational exhibits that enhance creativity, critical thinking, problem solving and scientific literacy.
School groups are greeted by a museum teacher who introduces the exhibits and escorts students on their Classic Tour. Every two-hour tour includes an exploration of the museum’s three floors of interactive exhibits and an educational program of your choice. Available programs include an investigation of electricity, a physical fitness challenge or a Lewis and Clark Adventure. Favorite Classic exhibits include the Electrostatic Generator, the Shadow Wall, Pulley Room, Fitness Center and the three-story slide.
Special Discounts
Field Trip Special – September and October 2011
The Magic House is offering a $3 admission rate for every student and accompanying adult on a reserved field trip tour during the months of September and October. Make your reservations early before this good buy sells out.
Kids Can Help – November 2011
It is better to give than to receive. During November 2011, every student, teacher, and accompanying adult who brings a can of food to a reserved Classic field trip tour will be admitted free of charge. All canned foods will be
donated to the St. Louis Area Foodbank.
New Year Special – January 2012
?Ring in the New Year at The Magic House and start the semester with a bang! Schools visiting on a reserved field trip tour during January 2012 will be admitted for a special admission rate of just $3 per person
Education Program Fund Scholarships
FREE field trips and outreach programs are available to schools that serve 50% or more free and reduced lunch students on a first-come, first-served basis. Thanks to these generous donors who contributed to The Magic House Education Program Fund which enables all students to have access to free learning experiences.
Classic Programs
| NEW! Magic Tree House® | K to 4th grade |
Available November 29, 2011 through May 24, 2012
The Magic Tree House® Exhibit is spinning into The Magic House to whisk students away on an adventure exploring American history! Based on the best-selling children’s book series written by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca and published by Random House Children’s Books, this limited engagement exhibit invites visitors to join Jack and Annie as they travel back in time to a way of life only read about in books. Magic Tree House® selections featured in the exhibit include:
• Thanksgiving on Thursday, challenging students to climb Plymouth Rock and prepare a Thanksgiving feast the Pilgrim way!
• Civil War on Sunday, offering students a bumpy ride in a horse-drawn ambulance and a job helping Clara Barton tend to wounded soldiers in a field hospital!
• Twister on Tuesday, calling students to become the conductor of a steam locomotive, experience life on the prairie in a one-room school house and crawl into a storm cellar to escape a twisting tornado!
| Bright Ideas | 2nd to 6th grade |
This exploration of electricity and magnetism features a visit to the museum’s Expericenter where students will participate in electrifying activities! Included is an investigation of conductors, insulators and circuits. Students will light up as they make their own working switches, electronic games, magnet mazes and transform ordinary pencils into magic wands. This program enables students to explore the processes of scientific inquiry and learn firsthand about the forces that power our world.
Bright Ideas Support Materials
GLEs: Science K-4: Matter and Energy, Force and Motion, Scientific Inquiry, Impact of Science
| The Lewis and Clark Adventure | K to 8th grade |
The adventure continues! The Lewis and Clark Adventure invites children to experience the challenges and excitement of this historic expedition. Students can assume the identity of a member of the Corps of Discovery and follow President Jefferson’s instructions to explore the uncharted Louisiana Territory, documenting their discoveries as they search for a water route to the Pacific Ocean.
Lewis and Clark Support Materials
GLEs: Science K-4: Earth Systems, Living Organisms, Impact of Science
GLEs: Social Studies K-4: Geography
| Fitness First | 2nd to 6th grade |
Seasonal: September-October or March-May
Stretch your muscles and your mind with Fitness First!, a program promoting health literacy and encouraging students to make appropriate health-related decisions. Students are sure to get their heart pumping as they participate in a fast-paced outdoor relay game. Clues describing fantastic foods and physical fun are sure to have team members chanting as they compete in this challenge!
Fitness First Support Materials
GLEs Science K-4: Force and Motion
GLEs Science 5-8: Matter and Energy, Living Organisms
Science Detectives – Elementary Grades
This tour begins in the Can You Solve the Mystery? exhibit where young investigators use 21st-century learning skills to discover how forensic experts do their job! Science Detectives tours include participation in a forensic science exploration challenging students to unravel the Mystery of the Missing Masterpieces and crack an art forgery case. An examination of evidence revealing the secrets of investigative science proves there is no such thing as “disappearing without a trace!”
School groups are greeted by a museum teacher who introduces the exhibits and escorts students on their Science Detectives tour. Each one hour and 30 minute tour includes an exclusive exploration of the exhibit space and concludes with an educational program promoting scientific inquiry. Favorite Science Detectives exhibits include Can You Solve the Mystery?, Modern Artists, Ductwork Crawl, Hidden Forensic Lab and Disguise Room. Last but not least each visitor on a Science Detectives tour is challenged to conquer the ever popular Jack and the Beanstalk Climber!
Special Discounts
Field Trip Special – September and October 2011
The Magic House is offering a $3 admission rate for every student and accompanying adult on a reserved field trip tour during the months of September and October. Make your reservations early before this good buy sells out.
Kids Can Help – November 2011
It is better to give than to receive. During November 2011, every student, teacher, and accompanying adult who brings a can of food to a reserved Science Detectives field trip tour will be admitted free of charge. All canned foods will be donated to the St. Louis Area Foodbank.
New Year Special – January 2012
Ring in the New Year at The Magic House and start the semester with a bang! Schools visiting on a reserved field trip tour during January 2012 will be admitted for a special admission rate of just $3 per person.
Education Program Fund Scholarships
FREE field trips and outreach programs are available to schools that serve 50% or more free and reduced lunch students on a first-come, first-served basis. Thanks to these generous donors who contributed to The Magic House Education Program Fund which enables all students to have access to free learning experiences.
Science Detectives Programs
A scientist’s work never ends! After the mystery is solved, students head to the Curiosity Classroom to perform a Kitchen Detectives lab. Teachers may choose one of two labs:
Dusting Dilemma Lab (3rd to 6th grade): putting powders to the test.
Clean Green Lab (3rd to 6th grade): eco-cleaner experimentation.
Students practice the skills of science inquiry and the scientific method as they pose questions, make observations, gather and analyze data, construct explanations and communicate results.
Science Detective Support Materials
GLEs: Science 2-6: Matter and Energy, Scientific Inquiry
Star-Spangled Center – Elementary Grades
Star-Spangled Center Tours include visiting the Presidential Rotunda, Oval Office, Legislative Chamber and Courtroom. These interactive environments offer students the opportunity to practice 21st century skills as they learn about our government of the people, by the people and for the people. Focusing on civic literacy, students are invited to take on the roles of Executive, Judicial and Legislative government officials acting out governmental processes. An engaging experience that’s sure to turn students into educated young citizens working together to ensure the future of our great country.
School groups are greeted by a museum teacher who introduces the exhibits and escorts the students on their Star-Spangled Center Tour. Each one hour and 30 minute tour includes an exclusive exploration of the exhibit space and a grade level specific program. Favorite Star-Spangled Center exhibits include Famous Phrases, You Can Be President Too, Sign the Declaration and the Liberty Bell. Last but not least each visitor on a Star-Spangled Center tour is challenged to conquer the ever popular Jack and the Beanstalk Climber!
Special Discounts
Field Trip Special – September and October 2011
The Magic House is offering a $3 admission rate for every student and accompanying adult on a reserved field trip tour during the months of September and October. Make your reservations early before this good buy sells out.
New Year Special – January 2012
Ring in the New Year at The Magic House and start the semester with a bang! Schools visiting on a reserved field trip tour during January 2012 will be admitted for a special admission rate of just $3 per person.
Education Program Fund Scholarships
FREE field trips and outreach programs are available to schools that serve 50% or more free and reduced lunch students on a first-come, first-served basis. Thanks to these generous donors who contributed to The Magic House Education Program Fund which enables all students to have access to free learning experiences.
Star-Spangled Center Programs
| Oh Say Can You See? | K to 2nd grade |
From the bald eagle to the Liberty Bell, American icons represent important concepts and events in our nation’s history. This program introduces 10 prominent American symbols: the White House, the Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Great Seal, the rose, the bald eagle, the Liberty Bell, the Statue of Liberty, the flag and Lady Justice.
Oh Say Can You See? Support Materials
GLEs: Social Studies Principles of Democracy
| Majority Rules! | 1st to 3rd grade |
Cast your vote! Students register to vote, cast their ballots and evaluate election results on issues that matter to kids. This program llustrates how voting is one of our most important rights and responsibilities and demonstrates democracy in action.
Majority Rules! Support Materials
GLEs: Social Studies K-8: Government Systems, Principles of Democracy
| Law or No Law | 3rd grade to 8th grade |
All in favor say “aye” for this hands-on civic education program designed to help students identify Congress as the primary law-making body of the United States government. An activity inviting young representatives to follow the law-making process from an idea for a bill, to discussion, vote and finally to the president’s desk is sure to have all participants learning how our laws are made.
Law or No Law Support Materials
GLEs: Social Studies K-8: Principles of Democracy
| Mock Trial | 4th to 8th grade |
All rise for a civic education opportunity that’s sure to have the jury deciding in favor of a field trip to The Magic House! The Star-Spangled Center Courtroom serves as the stage for students to act out their very own mock trial. Preparation is key ensuring participants arrive ready for trial to learn firsthand how the American court system helps solve disputes. Contact us soon to have your students added to the Courtroom docket!
Mock Trial Support Materials
GLEs: Social Studies K-8: Government Systems
Thanks to a grant from The Boeing Company, a limited number of qualifying school groups will participate in these programs free of charge.