FIELD TRIPS
Homewood Science Center, just south of Chicago in downtown Homewood, is a non-profit organization with two field trip options.
Click on the images below to learn more or book your field trip online.
Pre-K4 to 1st grades
1st-5th grades
Reserve your date with a $100 non-refundable deposit. You must notify us with a minimum of 72 hours prior to your field trip if you need to reschedule your field trip date. If you need to cancel your field trip, Homewood Science Center will not refund your deposit.
Questions? Email kmitchell@homewoodsciencecenter.org
NOW BOOKING 2019-2020 FIELD TRIPS
“Roller Coasters: An Inventor’s Journey”
A 90 minute field trip for 1st -5th grade students to gain skill, understanding , and self-efficacy in the engineering design process.
See the field trip in action
Educators and partners share their perspective
The Details
For more information contact kmitchell@homewoodsciencecenter.org
Student limit per session: 55 students
Chaperone requirements: 2 teachers, 4 chaperones
Session duration: 90 minutes
Time: 9:30am-11am on select Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
Session Fee: $350 with $100 non refundable deposit


History of Homewood's John Miller
A Roller Coaster Inventor in the 1900's
Roller Coasters: An Inventor’s Journey begins with a history lesson on John Miller, former Homewood resident, and roller coaster inventor. Students will get to know John Miller and learn about his inventions which are still used to this day to make roller coasters safer!
Interactive 3D
Roller Coaster
Ride
Kids love the thrill of the 3D Roller Coaster Ride in our Michael Wexler Theater! We encourage kids to raise their arms and experience the twists and turns of our 3D Roller Coaster Ride. How fun!


Invent a Roller Coaster!
Children have amazing ideas and they will have an opportunity to become a modern day roller coaster inventor! First, students’ will conduct observations of several types of roller coasters set in various exotic locations. Next, they will write up their ideas and create a prototype sketch of their roller coaster innovation. Finally, each student will receive a bag of recycled materials to build their own model based on their prototype sketch. Their inventor’s journey concludes when they receive feedback on their model from their neighbors. Students can bring home their portable model to show off their experience as a Homewood inventor!
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Next Generation Science Standards
"Roller Coasters: An Inventor's Journey builds towards NGSS performance expectations!

Building towards NGSS Standards:
K-2-ETS1-1. Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
K-2-ETS1-2. Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.
3-PS2-1. Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.
4-PS3-1. Use evidence to construct an explanation relating the speed of an object to the energy of that object.
5-PS2-1. Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down.
3-5-ETS1-1. Define a simple design process reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
3-5-ETS1-2. Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
Science and Engineering Practices:
Developing & using models
Asking questions & defining problems
Crosscutting Concepts:
Cause & effect
Systems & system models
Structure & function

NOW BOOKING 2019-2020 FIELD TRIPS
Lego STEAM Park Field Trip
A 90 minute field trip for young primary school students to gain skill, understanding , and self-efficacy in the engineering design process.
The Details
For more information contact kmitchell@homewoodsciencecenter.org
Grades: PreK4-2nd Grade
Student limit per session: 48 students
Chaperone requirements: You must provide
1 chaperone for every 4 students
Session duration: 90 minutes
Time: 9:30am-11am
Dates: Fridays. Please check our calendar for open availability homewoodsciencecenter.org/fieldtrips
Session Fee: $350
Deposit: $100 nonrefundable
Learn with LEGOs!

The scientific method is fun, especially when LEGOs are involved!
During a 45 minute lesson with LEGOs students will:
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Observe what happens when you place objects on a ramp
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Make predictions
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Measure how far objects move
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Record data using graphs
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Build larger models with Imagination Playground
Learn through play

Students will enjoy 45 minutes of open play with Imagination Playground. A breakthrough playspace concept conceived and designed by renowned architect David Rockwell. Imagination Playground was developed to inspire unstructured, child-directed play — the kind of free play that experts say is critical to children’s healthy development, with its interactive play and learning environments. With Imagination Playground blocks kids build a new world every day.

Builds towards NGSS performance expectations:
K-2 - ETS1-1 Engineering Design: Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Reserve your date with a $100 non-refundable deposit. You must notify us with a minimum of 72 hours prior to your field trip if you need to reschedule your field trip date. If you need to cancel your field trip, Homewood Science Center will not refund your deposit.
Questions? Email kmitchell@homewoodsciencecenter.org
Field Trip Sponsors
Thank you to local corporations and groups who have made it possible for
low-income school districts to attend our field trip!
Become a sponsor!
Read "What A Ride" blog article on the impact of these sponsorships.