Bring the fun, science, and WOW of OMSI programs to you!
OMSI Traveling + Outreach 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 + Outreach Programs cover a wide range of subject matters and we have options for every grade level.
Our School Year 2023-2024 Calendar is open! Programs book months in advance and availability is limited. Programs must be booked at least 2 full weeks in advance.
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OMSI is committed to making science-fueled fun available for all in our community. Please inquire about our financial assistance programs for school and community programs.
Need Help Planning?
We know what it takes to coordinate groups of students—we’ve been doing it for years! Contact us to find answers and resources for painless planning.
Traveling Program Highlights
We hit the road to reach groups big and small — from a tiny class in a one-room schoolhouse to a 400-person assembly in a school gym. No matter how many kids we’re working with, our goal is to deliver the joy, excitement and wonderful weirdness of science the way only OMSI can.
Assemblies
You provide the stage, we’ll bring the explosions! OMSI assemblies engage science learners of all ages with eye-popping demonstrations and curious moments.
Portable Stars
Let OMSI bring the planetarium to you. Our unique pop-up planetarium showcases the wonder of the night sky through live presentations and films.
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Classroom Labs
Book a hands-on science lab for your classroom or community. These 1-hour programs are perfect for smaller groups to explore science process skills.
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Science Festivals
Bring the spirit of OMSI to your community. We fill 10 to 12 tables with science equipment and challenges guaranteed to thrill youngsters, perplex adults and offer an unforgettable science experience.
OMSI Financial Assistance
Schools with 30% or more free and reduced lunch population may apply for financial assistance scholarships to off-set the costs of traveling outreach programs.
Traveling Program Map
Every year OMSI travels throughout the Pacific Northwest. Book during one of our pre-scheduled trips and save on travel fees.
Booking + Planning
Step 1: Coordinate Logistics
Work with our registration team to plan a program structure. The best way to start with by completing our online request form. Traveling programs must be booked at least 2 full weeks in advance but our calendar opens months in advance and ability is limited. Programs are not able move from classroom to classroom.
Step 2: Contract and Invoice
The group leader will receive an email to an online confirmation within 2-3 business days after finalizing schedule with the registration team. Invoices can be paid online or by mailing a check to the P.O. box on the invoice. A final headcount is due 2-weeks before your visit.
Step 3: Finalize logistics
One week before we arrive to your school or organization our Traveling program instructor will connect with you by phone or email to finalize parking logistics and where to meet a main contact.
Step 4: While OMSI is At Your Location
A primary contact from your organization must be present during the program(s). Chaperones/volunteers from your organization are welcome to assist students but not required. OMSI staff will not be in charge of a classroom or alone with students at any point during the program(s).
Looking for more information?
Explore quick details and access additional program resources below.
We’re always willing and excited to come to you. Travel fees may be required and vary based on schedule and distance from the museum in Portland, OR. If you are located less than 40 miles from the museum, there are no travel fees.
OMSI plans regional trips throughout the year. Check out our Traveling Programs Map to see when we already plan to be in your region. If you are located more than 40 miles from the museum, travel fees are charged as follows:
- By scheduling a program when we’re in your area (per our Traveling Program Map), each school pays $125 per instructor per day, in addition to the program cost. No mileage is charged.
- If we make a special trip to your school (when we’re not scheduled to be in your area per our Traveling Programs Map), each school is charged 55¢ per round-trip mile (subject to federal rate changes) and $125 per instructor per day, in addition to the program cost.
- Visits to areas beyond the boundaries of the map are available by request and travel fees are negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
We require a deposit of 50% of the program cost for all programs. The deposit is due 14 days after booking. The remaining balance will be due 14 days before your field trip. If booking a field trip at the 14 day mark a deposit and final payment is due within 24 hours of receiving your invoice link.
Programs must be scheduled with at least two weeks’ advance notice. If you have questions, please contact us at 503.797.4661 or register@omsi.edu.
Due to the set-up time required an Outreach Classroom Program cannot move locations, the students must rotate through the space.