School + Community Programs
Featured Programs
Museum Field Trips
Get out of the classroom with a trip to OMSI! Explore the Turbine Hall, Natural Sciences Hall, traveling exhibits, and more. The Museum is a great place for learners of all ages! Time to get out of the classroom and into OMSI for learning and fun! A museum field trip includes four exhibit halls and […]
all grades
art, chemistry, earth science, health and wellness, life science, physics engineering, space science
field trip to the museum
museum admission
Traveling Education Programs
OMSI Traveling Education Programs bring the joy of learning on the road and directly to your school, community organization, or other indoor outing! Topics range in subject material and includes over 30 classroom lab programs, 5 large scale assembly programs, a portable planetarium dome, and 12+ tables full of Science Festival brain-teasers! Traveling Education Programs […]
adults, all grades
chemistry, physics engineering
community family events, program at your site
assemblies, community family events, lab programs
Outdoor School
Fall Registration Now Open OMSI Outdoor School is the perfect opportunity to get your class out in nature in-line with current science standards. Our full-service program is specifically designed for students in grades 4 through 8, but participants of all grade levels are welcome. The entire trip was amazing. The instructors are knowledgeable and engaging. […]
all grades
around the region, earth science, life science, space science
outdoor school
overnights
Family Science Nights
Time to get out of the classroom and into the museum for an evening of family learning fun! This exclusive event for your school or non-profit group is designed to foster community between teachers, parents, and students. Family Science Nights at the Museum strengthen parent and family involvement in science exploration and discovery as well as […]
adults, all grades
art, chemistry, earth science, health and wellness, life science, physics engineering, space science
community family events
community family events
Submarine Overnights
Time to get out of the classroom and into OMSI for learning and fun! A Submarine Overnight includes four exhibit halls, programming, breakfast, and more! Experience what it’s like to live on a submarine, explore the torpedo room, peer through a periscope, and sleep in the crew’s quarters. Learn about density and buoyancy as you […]
all grades
physics engineering
overnight programs at the museum
overnights
All Programs
Paper Circuits
In this hands on lab experience students investigate how basic circuits work. Through observation and testing, students examine open and closed circuits with a visible outcome. Students build science skills by practicing modeling, using critical thinking, and engaging with problem solving. Each student builds, decorates, and shares their circuits resulting in unique LED light projects […]
grades 3 5, grades 6 8
physics engineering
field trip to the museum
lab programs
Physics of Survival
Shipwrecked! You and your crew are trapped on a deserted island. Using physics knowledge and supplies left behind from the ship, students will work in groups to build a circuit to power a light source and signal device, use magnets to create a functioning compass, and construct a life raft out of scraps to try […]
grades 3 5, grades 6 8
physics engineering
field trip to the museum
lab programs
Coaster Science: Fast, Epic Ingenious
In this hands on lab experience students investigate gravity, potential and kinetic energy, friction, and inertia by designing and engineering a mini roller coaster. Through a series of challenges, students iterate solutions that meet increasing criteria. Each team of students build science skills by brainstorming, problem solving, and communicating with the team and class as […]
grades 3 5, grades 6 8
physics engineering
field trip to the museum
lab programs
Marshmallow Spacesuit
In the hands on lab experience students discover the criteria engineers must meet to safely send an astronaut to space. Through fun experimentation, students design and build a spacesuit for a marshmallow that connects function and structure to ensure the marshmallow survives in space. Students build science skills by using inquiry and observations, problem solving […]
grades 3 5, grades 6 8
physics engineering
field trip to the museum
lab programs
Solar Power Challenge
In this hands on lab experience students investigate how solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. Through guided experimentation, students explore how light energy is transformed into electrical energy and how factors like angle and intensity affect energy output. They work collaboratively to build circuits, measure voltage, and design solar powered systems, culminating in the challenge […]
grades 3 5, grades 6 8
earth science, physics engineering
field trip to the museum
lab programs
Wind Energy: From Breeze to Power
In this hands on lab experience students investigate how wind energy can be harnessed to generate electricity. Through guided experimentation students explore how blade shape, angle, and design affect the efficiency of wind turbines. They measure electrical output using multimeters and apply the engineering design process to improve turbine performance. Students build science skills by […]
grades 3 5, grades 6 8
earth science, physics engineering
field trip to the museum
lab programs
Nature Series
How do plants grow and why are pollinators so important? How does food go from the ground to the grocery store? Why does it all matter? In this 5-week program, students will learn about important components of ecosystems and how they are connected. This program is specifically designed for grades 1 through 3. Looking for […]
grades 3 5, grades k 2
life science
field trip to the museum
lab programs
What's the Matter?
Students experience hot ice, floating fog and exploding liquid to explore the states of matter, their properties, and how they change from one form to another (and back again). Your class will have a gas! OMSI’s stage programs bring concepts to life with thought-provoking demonstrations and audience participation. This show occurs in OMSI’s Auditorium on […]
grades 3 5, grades 6 8, grades k 2
chemistry
field trip to the museum
assemblies
Mixing It Up- Environmental Chemistry
Scientists are in a race to save the Earth. Explore the chemistry of water, land and air. Students complete up to six hands-on experiments, view exciting demonstrations and have their questions answered by an OMSI educator in a personalized setting. This program is specifically designed for grades 3 through 8. Looking for more information? Explore […]
grades 3 5, grades 6 8
chemistry
field trip to the museum
lab programs
Phenomenal Applied Physics Series
Physics is everywhere and it’s all about how we use it! Join us in this series as we use our knowledge of the forces of nature to build and design circuits made with paper, roller coasters, and space suits. This program is specifically designed for grades 5 through 6. Looking for more information? Explore quick […]
grades 3 5, grades 6 8
physics engineering
field trip to the museum
lab programs