Bring science to life with experiences your students will remember for a lifetime! A Science Center field trip is a great way to introduce new topics, enhance your classroom curriculum, and have fun exploring science!
James S. McDonnell Planetarium
Don't miss The Space Show in the James S. McDonnell Planetarium. The Space Show includes a 30-minute dark sky Planetarium show* in the Orthwein StarBay followed by live Q & A with a member of the Planetarium staff. In between star shows take a self-guided tour of the Boeing Space Station.
*All Boeing Space Station exhibit areas are closed during the dark sky Planetarium show. Guests will be asked to gather in the Orthwein StarBay during this time.
With more than 100 hands-on exhibits, your students travel from Earth via the StarShuttle (a large-sized elevator) to the Boeing Space Station where they learn how astronauts live and work in space. Your students will be amazed by the Orthwein StarBay where the Zeiss Universarium Model IX projects 9,000+ stars onto the 80-foot-wide dome.
Hands-on activities focus on the crew's quarters - complete with a sleeping bag against the wall, personal hygiene facilities, and a kitchen. The StarBridge is filled with exhibits on astronomy, physics and communications across space. They can rotate solar panels for more energy or try operating a remote mechanical arm. They can view Hubble images or learn about the seasonal night sky. For younger students, crawling through "space tubes" similar to what the astronauts use on board the real space station provides physical fun.
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SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS
The Saint Louis Science Center frequently hosts traveling special exhibitions. These exhibitions present an excellent opportunity for educators looking for fun and educational field trips for their students. Group pricing is available. Schools located within the Zoo/Museum District are eligible for free admission to these exhibitions. More information about the process for reserving free field trip admission can be found here.
OMNIMAX Theater
The OMNIMAX Theater is an experience like no other! Sit under a four-story screen while taking in breathtaking, awe-inspiring scenery in a state-of-the-art wrap-around, domed theater. Sit back, relax and let sight and sound take over as images come leaping toward and around you, while the 15,000-watt sound system tricks you into believing you're really there. The OMNIMAX Theater offers the Rear Window open-captioning service for all films and at all showtimes (unless otherwise noted on the Showtimes page.)
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Discovery Room
Come play with science in the Discovery Room; a great place for young scientists aged 3-7 to explore a range of interactive exhibits. We provide exhibits that allow children to experiment with the properties of magnets, or explore the ways in which water behaves at the water table, and children can even dress up at the medical area or native American area. Our book nooks are ideal places for sitting down on a comfy rug and opening a good book.
Explore science and learning with your children as they begin to understand the world around them. Families can experience the remarkable natural world together in a nurturing child-friendly environment. The Discovery Room helps children focus on the fundamentals of science and technology and provides a learning resource for parents, children and teachers. Program sessions are 45 minutes and begin on the hour. Come and explore the playful side of science!
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Science Center Galleries
The Saint Louis Science Center is a three-building complex (the main building, the Exploradome and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium) with more than 700 hands-on exhibits and is free to the public. Click here to learn more about the Science Center Galleries. Click here to download the Public Programs Guide.
For reservations or additional information: 800.456.SLSC x4424 or 314.289.4424