Education

On-site Group Programs

SERC Group Programs

Thank you for your interest in SERC Programs! Please note that at this time these programs are only offered during the summer time June - August. Check out our offered programs below and for more information please contact Karen McDonald (McDonaldK@si.edu).

    General SERC Programs
    Age Program Activities/Stations Available Time Required Group Size Cost
    All Ages SERC Science Talk Talk and PowerPoint 1 hour Up to 40 Flat rate of $300
    8 to Adult Guided Hike Hike to Hog Island 1.5 hours Up to 18 Flat rate of $300 minimum
    6 to Adult Canoe Excursion Muddy Creek canoe trip 3 hours Up to 20 5-10 people flat rate $300

    11-20 people flat rate $460
    Hands-On Programs
    Age Program Activities/Stations Available Time Required Group Size Cost
    9 to Adult Shoreline Connections
    • Plankton/Microscopes
    • Oysters (seasonally aquatic invertebrates)
    • Seining
    • Marsh Hike
    • Aquatic Invertebrates
    • Blue Crabs
    • Terrapins and Turtles
    		 1 activity = 1 hour

    2 activities = 2 hours

    3 activities = 3 hours

    4 activities = 4 hours    		 Max group size 30 for multiple stations 10-15 people, 4 stations ($300)

    10-15 people, 2 stations ($250)

    16-30 people, 4 stations ($510)

    16-30 people, 2 stations ($460)
    5-8 years Explore Nature
    • Seining
    • Blue Crabs
    • Marsh Walk
    • Terrapins
    		 1 activity = 1 hour

    2 activities = 2 hours

    3 activities = 2.5 hours

    4 activities = 3 hours    		 Max group size 30 for multiple stations 10-15 people, 4 stations ($300)

    10-15 people, 2 stations ($250)

    16-30 people, 4 stations ($510)

    16-30 people, 2 stations ($460)
    12 to Adult Biodiversity Field Study Participants will learn how scientists study biodiversity and join in participatory science by helping survey the biodiversity of different habitats using sampling grids and iNaturalist. 3 hours Up to 18 5-15 people flat rate of $300
    Engineering and Design (STEM) Programs
    Age Program Activities/Stations Available Time Required Group Size Cost
    12 to Adult Engineering a Blue Crab STEM building hydraulics 3 hours Up to 18 $375 minimum, cost includes materials fees

    Please follow the instructions below to receive more information or to book a field trip with us.

    1. Complete the Form: You can request a form from Karen McDonald (McDonaldK@si.edu) or you can fill out our online Field Trip Request form. Once we receive your request we will contact you for future details. Please note, this form does not constitute an agreed-up booking or reservation.
    2. Group Ages: We require that for all groups with minors, students be within three grades or three ages of each other (ex: 6th, 7th, and 8th grade or 9th,10th, and 11th graders). If you have students in a wider range of ages then you will need to book separate field trips for them. This could be on the same day (morning and afternoon) or on separate days.
    3. Program Payment: Payment is due no later than two weeks before your trip. All reservations are non-refundable unless there is inclement weather, but we will make every attempt to rebook your group before refunding fees. If your group does not give five day’s advance notice of cancellation you will be charged and invoiced the entire program fee.

    Mixed Grade Groups

    We ask that groups be composed of students within at least three grades or years of each other. For example, 5th, 6th, and 7th grade could be together, or 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. If you have a larger mix, then you must book two separate field trips. However, those trips could run on the same day.

    Chaperones

    If the group has more than each number of students, they should round up. For example, if you have 12 students, round up to two chaperones instead of one. For mixed age groups, you should use the ratio for the youngest grade you have for the entire trip. For example, if you have grades 2, 3, and 4, then you’d use the chaperone ratio for 2nd grade.

    CITs and Jr. Counselors: Please note that minors, CITs, and Jr. Counselors DO NOT count as adults and chaperones. You must have one adult, age 18 or older, with each sub-group.

    We allow up to 5 CITs and Jr. Counselors per group. After that, they are included in the student numbers. They must be distinguishable from students (wearing a name tag, specific shirt / hat, etc.).

    Students Number of Chaperones Needed
    Ratio of adults to children
    K-2nd 1:5
    3rd-12th 1:10
    Special Needs Students 1:5

     

    Read the SERC Education Field Trip Policies