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 month of December.
For further information or to make a reservation, please contact the Education Department at educationinfo@magichouse.org or call 314.288.2513.
| Tour TImes | |
|---|---|
| 9:00 am and 9:45 am | |
| 9:00 am, 10:00 am and 11:00 am | |
| 9:15 am and 9:45 am | |
| 9:15 am and 10:15 am | |
| 9:30 am and 10:30 am | |
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 $9.50 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.
Target Title 1 Field Trips
The Magic House is honored to team with Target affording Title 1 schools throughout the bi-state region of Missouri and Illinois free field trip tours for students in kindergarten through 5th grades! Take aim soon to reserve your space for this limited opportunity!
PNC Foundation
A generous donation from PNC Foundation will provide free educational programming for early childhood educators, their students and families. This grant will provide free field trips, outreach programs, teacher professional development or family nights for disadvantaged preschool children and their parents.
Education Program Scholarships
FREE field trip programs are available to schools that serve 50% or more free and reduced lunch students on a first-come, first-served basis. Thanks to our 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.
Standards
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.
Common Core (CC)
Missouri has joined 44 other states nationwide to integrate the Common Core Standards for Language Arts and Math into K-12 curriculum. Where appropriate, activities reinforcing the CC Standards 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, Light Brite, 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 2012
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 2012. Make your reservations early before this good buy sells out.
New Year Special – January 2013
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 2013 will be admitted for a special admission rate of just $3 per person.
National Train Month—November 2012
Thanks to a grant from the Union Pacific Foundation, a limited number of qualifying school groups will participate in this program free of charge.
Bring a Book – February 2013
Donate a NEW picture book for children under 5 and receive FREE admission when visiting on a A Little Bit of Magic February 2013 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.
Target Title 1 Field Trips
The Magic House is honored to team with Target affording Title 1 schools throughout the bi-state region of Missouri and Illinois free field trip tours for students in kindergarten through 5th grades! Take aim soon to reserve your space for this limited opportunity!
PNC Foundation
A generous donation from the PNC Foundation will provide free educational programming for early childhood educators, their students and families. This grant will provide free field trips to A Little Bit of Magic for a limited number of qualifying school groups.
Education Program Fund Scholarships
FREE field trip programs are available to schools that serve 50% or more free and reduced lunch students on a first-come, first-served basis. Thanks to our 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 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, Village Bank and our new Pet Clinic!
Special Discounts
Field Trip Special – September and October 2012
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 2012. Make your reservations early before this good buy sells out.
New Year Special – January 2013
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 2013 will be admitted for a special admission rate of just $3 per person.
Target Title 1 Field Trips
The Magic House is honored to team with Target affording Title 1 schools throughout the bi-state region of Missouri and Illinois free field trip tours for students in kindergarten through 5th grades! Take aim soon to reserve your space for this limited opportunity!
Education Program Fund Scholarships
FREE field trip programs are available to schools that serve 50% or more free and reduced lunch students on a first-come, first-served basis. Thanks to our 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 2012
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
| New Biz on the Block | 2nd to 3rd grade |
This NEW financial literacy and entrepreneurship program provides the basic building blocks of economics and inspires students to become active citizens who create their own opportunities and strengthen their communities.
Young entrepreneurs-in-training begin with an exploration of the Children’s Village, taking on the role of business owners and participating in a scavenger hunt to “learn the ropes” of business from the ground up! Next, miniature moguls will participate in a small group activity to develop a plan for a New Biz on the Block. Utilizing kid-friendly tools, students will:
• brainstorm possible business ventures
• weigh the pros and cons of each and come to a consensus
• develop a simple business plan, motto and logo
• find the best location for their business on the map
• practice marketing skills as they pitch their plan to their entrepreneurial peers
At the end of the program, each new venture will receive their business license from the town mayor, aka their teacher! The Magic House is excited to add New Biz on the Block to our educational offerings and feel confident it will prove to be a profitable experience for your students!
GLEs Social Studies 2-3: Economic Concepts 4A, 4B; Geography 5A
Common Core Standards Language Arts: SL.2-3.1
National Standards for Entrepreneurial Education: A.07, A.10, A.16, A.30
| 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-2: Measurement 1D Social Studies K-2: Economic Principles 4A
| 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-2: Geography 4A; Institutions and Traditions 6A, 6B
| 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 on October 3 or October 9 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 2-3: Economic Principles 4A Mathematics 2-3: Measurement 1D
Thanks to a generous grant from Wells Fargo Advisors, 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 visit to The Magic School Bus Kicks Up a Storm (February 12 – May 17) or a Lewis and Clark Adventure. Favorite Classic exhibits include the Electrostatic Generator, Bubble Room, Shadow Wall, Pulley Room, Ram's Training Center and three-story slide.
The Art of the Brick
School groups visiting on a Classic tour from September 25, 2012 through January 25, 2013 may request a viewing of The Art of the Brick, a one-of-a-kind art exhibition featuring more than 30 sculptures created out of nearly one million LEGO® bricks by New York-based artist Nathan Sawaya. The Art of the Brick is sure to stack up to the expectations of LEGO and art fans alike resulting in awe-inspiring and thought provoking sculptures.
Thanks to a grant from the Employees Community Fund of Boeing St. Louis, a limited number of qualifying school groups will participate in this program free of charge.
Special Discounts
Field Trip Special – September and October 2012
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 2012. Make your reservations early before this good buy sells out.
Kids Can Help – November 2012
It is better to give than to receive. During November 2012, students and adults who donate a can of food will receive FREE admission when visiting on a reserved Classic or Science Detectives field trip tour. All canned foods will be donated to the St. Louis Area Foodbank.
New Year Special – January 2013
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 2013 will be admitted for a special admission rate of just $3 per person.
Target Title 1 Field Trips
The Magic House is honored to team with Target affording Title 1 schools throughout the bi-state region of Missouri and Illinois free field trip tours for students in kindergarten through 5th grades! Take aim soon to reserve your space for this limited opportunity!
Education Program Fund Scholarships
FREE field trip programs are available to schools that serve 50% or more free and reduced lunch students on a first-come, first-served basis. Thanks to our 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! The Magic School Bus Exhibit | K to 4th grade |
The Magic House detects a fabulous forecast on the radar from February 12 through May 17! Fasten your seatbelts, and join Ms. Frizzle and her class as The Magic School Bus™ Kicks Up A Storm!
School groups visiting The Magic House for this special Classic tour are invited to whirl into weather with Ms. Frizzle! Students will investigate the concepts and technologies of weather in a hands-on environment based on Scholastic's best-selling The Magic School Bus™ books and hit TV show. Meteorologists-in-training will conduct experiments in Ms. Frizzle’s Classroom, then create, experience and measure weather aboard the Weather Observatory bus, and finally gather data for broadcast on the Frizzle News Network in the Walkersville Weather Center.
Schedule your visit soon before this limited engagement exhibit blows away!
GLEs Science K-4: Earth Systems 1C, 2E, 2F, Scientific Inquiry 1A
Common Core Standards Language Arts: RI.K-4.3, RI.K-4.9
Thanks to a generous grant from the Edward Chase Garvey Memorial Foundation, a limited number of qualifying school groups will participate in this program free of charge.
| Bright Ideas | 2nd to 6th grade |
This exploration of electricity and magnetism features a visit to a museum classroom 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 2-6: Matter and Energy 2A, Force and Motion 2D, Scientific Inquiry 1A
Common Core Standards Language Arts: RI.2-6.3, RI.2-6.9
Thanks to a generous grant from Energizer, a limited number of qualifying school groups will participate in this program free of charge.
| 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 Social Studies K-8: Geography 5B, 5D; History 3aF, 3aH
Common Core Standards Language Arts: RI.K-4.3, RI.K-4.9
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 45 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?, 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 2012
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 2012. Make your reservations early before this good buy sells out.
Kids Can Help – November 2012
It is better to give than to receive. During November 2012, students and adults who donate a can of food will receive FREE admission when visiting on a reserved Classic or Science Detectives field trip tour. All canned foods will be donated to the St. Louis Area Foodbank.
New Year Special – January 2013
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 2013 will be admitted for a special admission rate of just $3 per person.
Target Title 1 Field Trips
The Magic House is honored to team with Target affording Title 1 schools throughout the bi-state region of Missouri and Illinois free field trip tours for students in kindergarten through 5th grades! Take aim soon to reserve your space for this limited opportunity!
Education Program Fund Scholarships
FREE field trip 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): students test kitchen spices as fingerprints powders.
Clean Green Lab (3rd to 6th grade): students test green cleaners to clean up a crime scene.
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 3-6: Scientific Inquiry 1A, 1B
CC Language Arts: RI 3-6.3, RI 3-6.10
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 2012
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 2012. Make your reservations early before this good buy sells out.
New Year Special – January 2013
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 2013 will be admitted for a special admission rate of just $3 per person.
Target Title 1 Field Trips
The Magic House is honored to team with Target affording Title 1 schools throughout the bi-state region of Missouri and Illinois free field trip tours for students in kindergarten through 5th grades! Take aim soon to reserve your space for this limited opportunity!
Education Program Fund Scholarships
FREE field trip programs are available to schools that serve 50% or more free and reduced lunch students on a first-come, first-served basis. Thanks to our 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 K-2: Principles of Democracy 1D
CC Language Arts: SL.K-2.1, SL.K-2.2, SL.K-2.3
| 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 illustrates how voting is one of our most important rights and responsibilities and demonstrates democracy in action.
Majority Rules! Support Materials
GLEs Social Studies 1-3: Governance Systems 3B; Principles of Democracy 1B
CC Language Arts: SL.1-3.1, SL.1-3.2, SL.1-3.3
| 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 3-8: Principles of Democracy 1A; Governance Systems 3B, 3C
CC Language Arts: SL.3-8.1, SL.8.3
| 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.
GLEs Social Studies 4-8: Governance Systems 3B
CC Language Arts: SL.4-8.1, SL.4-8.2, SL.4-8.3