Frequently Asked Questions

Who can book a program? To reserve a program requires a minimum of 20 or more students from a K-12 educational institution. Home school groups are invited to form a group of 20 students in order to book a program and receive the group rate.
How many chaperones do we need? For the safety and benefit of all visitors, we require one chaperone for every five students. Chaperones and teachers are responsible for the behavior and safety of their students. They must stay with their groups at all times. Disruptive or unsafe behavior may result in the termination of the visit.
What if parents are members? ASC memberships and reciprocal memberships do not apply to school group visits. Our members would pay the same rate as the students in your group (advance only). Coupons, special offers, or discounts do not apply to school group visits.
Do you have a lunchroom? The lunchroom is available by reservation and seats 96 people. Each 30-minute slot is $15. Groups are asked to bring lunches in marked boxes or rolling containers and to clean up after themselves when through. Food and drink are not permitted in exhibit areas.
What if my group size changes?
- Get accurate counts at least two weeks before the date of your visit.
- If numbers change, call (615) 862-5177 as soon as possible. We cannot guarantee space in a program if your group size changes within two weeks of the date of the field trip.
- For non-Metro schools, adult additions to the original estimate that arrive the day of the field trip pay the regular public admission rate plus program fees.
What if our group has to cancel?
- Call (615) 862-5177 as soon as possible.
- IF YOU BOOKED A LAB - Call no later than three days before the field trip date or you will be charged a $50 cancellation fee.
What if we are running late? Call (615) 862-5177 to notify us. It may be necessary to cancel or shorten programs, or rearrange your schedule, if possible. Lab fees are non-refundable.
How do we enter and exit? Enter in single file lines through the front entrance doors. Verify the schedule with the front desk in case of room changes. New this year: An ASC greeter will conduct orientations on your buses or help your group disembark.
Where do we park? Buses use the one-way single lane in front of the Center to load and unload students before moving to the lower lot to park. Groups arriving in cars may park in any available spaces in the upper and lower lot.
How do we pay? Pay by check, cash, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). On arrival, one school representative checks in at the front desk with exact counts of all children and adults. The Front Desk staff calculates the number of free chaperones based on actual totals. Coupons, memberships, reciprocal memberships, special offers, or discounts do not apply to school group visits.
Where are the restrooms? You can download a map of the Science Center to find the locations of exhibits, emergency exits, and restrooms. The high capacity restrooms are located on the first floor close to the Front Desk and on the second floor next to Eureka Corner. All restrooms have ADA approved stalls and diaper-changing stations.
What kinds of structured floor activities are available for my students? You can download scavenger hunts and other self-guided activities to copy and provide to chaperones and students. Gallery guides, Treks, and Scavenger Hunts will be available at designated locations in the building.
What do I do if a child gets lost or we have lost something?
- Go to the Front Desk on the first floor to report a lost child. Stay at this location while staff begins a lost child search.
- Go to the Front Desk on the first floor to report lost or missing items.
What if there is an emergency? In cases of weather and fire emergencies, staff will implement a plan to evacuate or move visitors to designated areas. All exit doors in the Center except the front entry doors are alarmed and staff members carry radios.

Expedition Guide

Learning Expedition Guide

Frequently Asked Questions