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School
Field Trip Questions and Answers
Why should I
bring my class to the Marine Science Center?
The Marine Science Center offers nearly fourteen field trip
options which will provide your class with an exciting
educational adventure. Observing rehabilitating Sea Turtles and birds,
bird field trips, Exhibit Gallery, and
educational beach activities are a unique and fun way to educate all
ages about the fragile environment in Florida.
What is the
field trip fee at the Marine Science Center?
We require a 1 to 10 ratio of chaperones to students. All
chaperones within that ratio are free. Fees are based on the program
chosen. Payment
should be made upon the arrival to the Marine Science Center. Please
make checks payable to: County of Volusia Marine Science Center.
When are
school field trips offered?
Field Trips are offered while school is in session; Tuesday
through Friday and may start as early as 9:00 am or as late as 11:00
am. Start and finish times can be modified if time is a problem because of
your school's distance to the Marine Science Center.
How do I
book a field trip to the Marine Science Center?
Call the Field Trip Coordinator, Michelle Webster at (386)
304-5529, to reserve a date for your field trip.
What do we
do about lunch?
Lunches are not provided by the Marine Science Center and
must be brought by individuals attending programs. Weather permitting,
lunch will be eaten under the beach pavilion at Lighthouse Point Park
or on the back porch of the science center.
What happens
if it rains?
Programs will be modified if inclement weather occurs. The
beach activities will be replaced with activities at the Marine
Science Center.
How many
students can the Marine Science Center accommodate for such field
trips?
The program numbers vary
depending on which field trip is chosen. See the field trip
program option pages.
Where is the
Marine Science Center located?
The Marine Science Center is located at 100 Lighthouse
Drive in Ponce Inlet. Drive south on South Atlantic Avenue, until it
ends at the tollbooth for Lighthouse Point Park. Turn right at
Lighthouse Drive. The main entry for the Marine Science Center is
located on the right side of Lighthouse Drive.
Where do the
students get dropped off?
If arriving by bus, please stop the bus on the north
(right) side of Lighthouse Drive directly in front of the Marine
Science Center entrance sign. Students will be escorted up the main
sidewalk to the front entrance of the Marine Science Center. If
arriving by separate cars, please park in the main parking lot to the
right on Lighthouse Drive. Take the boardwalk to the Marine Science
Center.
Where do we
park the bus?
After safely dropping off the students, proceed west
(straight) down Lighthouse Drive to the stop sign; turn right, park at
the boat trailer parking on the right. When the students are ready to
be picked up, return the bus to the main entrance of the Marine
Science Center. A designated chaperone will then act as a school
crossing guard, while students cross the road to enter the bus.
When else is
the bus needed during the school field trips?
The bus must be available to take students to and from the
Marine Science Center and Lighthouse Point Park during the field trip
for beach activities. Upon arrival the driver will get specific
instructions on your program schedule.
Is there a
gift shop at the Marine Science Center?
There is a wonderful gift shop at the Marine Science Center
that features unique marine themed gifts and educational materials at
affordable prices. Everything from informative books to beautiful
jewelry can be purchased during a scheduled time for the gift shop.
Proceeds help pay for the operation of the facility and care for the
animals.
How should I
prepare my students for a day at the Marine Science Center?
If you choose an outside
field trip:
- Make sure they are ready for
outside beach activities. They should dress appropriately; wear
sunscreen, and a hat. For some field trips close toed shoes
and bathing suits are necessary.
- Even though water fountains are
available, students should be encouraged to bring a portable water
bottle.
