Planetary Science Institute
presents
Journey
through the Solar System
(A Science Field Trip for Grades 3 - 6)
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The Planetary Science Institute (PSI) is proud to present "Journey through the Solar System", a science education field trip program. Since our Science Education Field Trip Program began in 1992, over 23,000 children have attended. Each year, approximately 2,000 school children visit the Planetary Science Institute to learn about Physical Science and Planetary Science in particular. To reserve a
field trip date: Call the Planetary Science
Institute
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Field Trip Description
Science Education specific to many California Science Content Standards required by the California State Board of Education appropriate for 3rd through 6th grade students are met during the Planetary Science Institute's 2½-hour "Journey through the Solar System" field trip program. A detailed workbook, pictures, video, exciting and fun demonstrations involving liquid nitrogen, dry ice, and high voltage electrical discharges as well as student participation in various "hands-on" activities are used to enhance the presentation. Teachers are also provided with a workbook which contains answers to questions plus suggested in-class activities.
The first portion of the program presents a basic understanding of the solar system covering the size and location of the Sun, planets, and asteroids. Demonstrations involving light and "rainbows", free fall in a gravitational field, electrical discharges, planetary orbital motion, relative sizes of the Sun, Earth, and Jupiter as well as their relative distances, provide a stimulating learning environment.
After a short break there is a seventy-five minute hands-on activity period. Students are placed in groups of 4-7 students and spend about 5-7 minutes using equipment that demonstrates a particular aspect of planetary science. As a group, students rotate to each of the activity locations and investigate phases of the moon, plants in the solar system, color and spectra, heat, magnetism, telescopes and images, and view a large projected image of the Sun.
The final portion of the program provides exciting demonstrations involving concentrated light, extremely low temperatures with liquid nitrogen, sublimation of a solid, implosion due to pressure differences, and high voltage electrical discharges. These demonstrations all demonstrate processes that take place naturally on planets or could involve equipment in outer space.
The program presenters are either retired or active science teachers and they keep abreast of the latest pertinent scientific achievements. This helps ensure that the information presented is correct and up-to-date.
On-Site Field Trip Details
Student Grade Level and Time:
- Tuesday or Thursday beginning at 9:30 a.m.
- Third through Sixth Grade Students
- Multiple-Grade Home School Groups
Location:
Fellowship Hall
Shepherd of the Hills Church
30121 Niguel Road
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Parking:
FREE auto and bus parking is located adjacent to the field trip presentation location.
Duration:
Field trips are approximately two hours and thirty minutes in entirety. A
grassy area is adjacent to the facilities for lunch and recreation use.
Cost:
$7 per student; daily group minimum charge is $210 (which covers the cost of the first 30 students in attendance). A group is all the children from one school attending a field trip on a given day (generally 40-75 children). Fee is payable in advance or at the time of the field trip by cash or check. There is NO CHARGE for teachers and parents.
Parent / Teacher Participation:
PSI suggests 1 adult (in addition to the teachers) for every 6 students in attendance. Adults are expected to supervise students at one of various "hands-on" activity stations. Parents frequently comment how interesting the activities are and how this can help them with home support for science education with their children.
California Science Content Standards:
Teachers will be provided with a list of curriculum standards met by the PSI Field Trip. You can also access this list at the link immediately above.
Our field trip program relates directly to the following Science Content Standards categories:
- Planetary Science
- Physical Science
- Earth Science
- Heat Energy
- Investigation and
Experimentation
- Optics and Light
Cancellations and Scheduling Changes:
We request cancellations be made as soon as possible in advance of the scheduled field trip date. PSI reserves the right to change scheduling after a reservation has been made. If this is necessary, we will attempt to reschedule your classes. The Field Trip schedule for the school year often fills early and PSI will maintain a waiting list of schools to contact in the event of cancellations.
About the Planetary Science InstitutePSI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that carries out planetary science research, education, and conferences with funding from program fees, grants, and private contributions.
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