I'm surprised I haven't mentioned this field trip yet. We have visited the
NASA Glenn Visitor Center in Cleveland numerous times, and it is always enjoyable, and always informative.
The basic field trip program includes 3 parts:
1) A 20-30 minute "lecture" or talk by a staff member about what it's like to live and work in space. The students get to see the layers of the space suit, common types of food eaten by the astronauts, and other items used in the space shuttle. There is plenty of time for questions, and the guides have always been very friendly and helpful. On our last visit, March '05, our guide even talked about his opinions of how space travel affects the astronauts spiritually.
2) A very entertaining video of the astronauts actually living and working in space. It takes the students on a quick tour of the inside of the shuttle and highlights many of the humorous aspects of being astronauts. The astronauts involved in the video were definitely enjoying themselves.
3) A visit to the exhibits in the Visitor Center with a grade-specific information scavenger hunt. The students are given clipboards, pencils and copies of a fill-in-the-blank type paper. The answers can be found in different areas of the visitor center. The field trip contact is responsible for making copies for their group ahead of time and bringing them along. The scavenger hunt is helpful in making the information actually remain in the students' heads, but it can take a good amount of time. Usually 30 minutes is allotted for this activity. It isn't necessary, however, and the students can enjoy the visitor center without it. For a first visit, I recommend doing it. You can spend more time on your own in the center after the program is over.
Because it is a government-funded facility, the program is
free. Reservations are required, however, and they will not give a program to less than 20 people. You can visit the visitor center anytime for free outside of the program, and they often have promotional weekends and other programs to take part in.
When you visit, be prepared to stop and talk to a guard. They will ask you questions about carrying weapons, your citizenship, etc., and if they have time, they may search your trunk, etc. This is due to the heightened security measures at every government facility since 9/11. If this makes you uncomfortable, stay home. The guards there are not to be messed with. Personally, it's no big deal, and it's worth it for the visit.
NASA is a cool and fun field trip for anyone. There is no problem with strollers, etc. It is handicapped-accessible. If your little one is making noise, you might want to sit in the lobby during the video and lecture. I usually go to the back of the auditorium when my daughter gets restless. There are also great educator resources available. If you are interested in space and rocket science or even just physics, this is the place to go.
