
Schedule a Field Trip
New ways to visit Roberson!
The pandemic looks different for everyone, so we’re offering three different options for you and your students to enjoy Roberson on your terms! Visit in-person or online through synchronous or asynchronous programs. Or, bring Roberson to you with Roberson on the Road.
Roberson programs are offered 12 months a year.
In-Person Trips
Experience some of Roberson Museum’s most popular exhibitions and features through our diverse program offerings. Students will participate in three 30-40 minute lessons in all of the program packages listed below.
In-person reservations are required at least two weeks in advance to ensure program availability and the best educational experience for everyone. For more information and/or to schedule a class at Roberson, call (607) 772-0660. You must verify the details of your confirmation with Roberson’s Scheduling Coordinator (ext. 262) two weeks prior to your visit.
Cost:
$225.00 per group of 25
*Except for Advanced Sciences which are $250.00 per group of 25
1:1 aides are always free
Grades: K – 12
Length: 2 hours 15 minutes
Capacity: up to 5 groups max (125 students)
Available: Tuesday through Friday 9AM–12PM
**Before our general operating hours so there will be no other visitors in the facility.
Teachers and chaperones are admitted free of charge at a ratio of one adult to ten students. Additional adults will need to pay regular group admission. Adults are to stay with their groups at all times to supervise students. Chaperones are not to bring younger children with them.
Educator’s Discount
A $10 discount is available for educators with valid school ID or homeschooling households. Membership brings special privileges and benefits that provide more ways for educators to share in the life of this dynamic institution. Call (607) 772-0660 and ask for Membership for more information
Haudenosaunee Culture
Location: Roberson Museum & Science Center
Grades: 3–7
Number of students: 1–150
Program length: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Description:
Explore the history and culture of the Haudenosaunee–their beliefs and philosophies, relationship with the land, and association with Europeans migrating to North America. Students will help tell the story of this nation of native peoples as they observe artifacts, create pinch pots and learn Native American constellation legends in the Planetarium.
This program meets the following New York State Learning Standards:
Common Core Learning Standards: English Language Arts
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Research to build and present knowledge
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Comprehension and Collaboration (speaking and listening)
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Presentation of knowledge of ideas (speaking and listening)
-
Vocabulary acquisition and use
Learning Standards for the Arts
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Creating (imagine, plan, make, envision, develop)
-
Performing (rehearse, evaluate, refine, prepare, share)
-
Connecting (relate artistic ideas with societal, cultural & historical context)
Program Categories: Art, English Language Arts, History, Multicultural Museums / Exhibits, Science, Teamwork/Leadership Skills
Cost:
-
$225.00, up to 25 students
-
One free chaperone per every 10 students
-
$7.00 per additional chaperone
- 1:1 aides are always free
NatureTrek
Location: Roberson Museum & Science Center
Grades: Pre-K–12
Number of students: 1–150
Program length: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Description:
Be immersed in a meadow, wetland, forest, backyard or transitional forest as you experience this exciting exhibit: Nature Trek. Students will be engaged in scientific inquiry and discovery. They will be asked to make observations, collect data and draw conclusions based on their experiences. Next Generation Science Standards, 21st Century learning skills and Citizen Science projects will be incorporated throughout the programming. After experiencing Nature Trek, students will gain an appreciation for the beauty and diversity of nature through the art of photography, observation of specimens, immersion, play and simulation. Students will also acknowledge the efforts of photographers and naturalists worldwide to further their understanding of conservation awareness. This program includes two hands-on activities and a planetarium show.
This program meets the following New York State Learning Standards:
Common Core Learning Standards: English Language Arts
-
Research to build and present knowledge
-
Comprehension and Collaboration (speaking and listening)
-
Presentation of knowledge of ideas (speaking and listening)
-
Vocabulary acquisition and use
Common Core Learning Standards: Mathematical Practices
-
Making sense of problems and persevering in solving them
-
Reasoning abstractly and quantitatively
-
Constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others
-
Measurement and data
Learning Standards for Physical Education
-
Safe and healthy environment
-
Resource management
Science and Engineering Practices
-
Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
-
Developing and using models
-
Planning and carrying out investigation
-
Analyzing and interpreting data
-
Using mathematics and computational thinking
-
Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
-
Engaging in argument from evidence
-
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Learning Standards for Technology Education
-
Engineering design
Program Categories: Animals / Environmental Education / Farms / Nature, Art, English Language Arts, Math, Museums / Exhibits, Science, Teamwork/Leadership Skills
Cost:
-
$225.00, up to 25 students
-
One free chaperone per every 10 students
-
$7.00 per additional chaperone
- 1:1 aides are always free
Planetarium Exploration
Location: Roberson Museum & Science Center
Grades: Pre-K–12
Number of students: 1–55
Program length: 1 hour
Description:
Explore the night sky in the area’s only full-dome digital planetarium. Become immersed in the Earth and Space Science disciplines while sitting back and gazing up at the stars. Students will enjoy a short film followed by a guided tour of the night sky. There are many options that can allow you to choose what is best suited for your needs.
This program meets the following New York State Learning Standards:
Common Core Learning Standards: English Language Arts
-
Comprehension and Collaboration (speaking and listening)
-
Vocabulary acquisition and use
Science and Engineering Practices
-
Analyzing and interpreting data
-
Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
-
Engaging in argument from evidence
-
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Learning Standards for Technology Education
-
Tools, resources, and technological processes
-
Technology systems
Program Categories: Animals / Environmental Education / Farms / Nature, History, Multicultural, Museums / Exhibits, Science, Storytelling
Cost:
-
$225.00, up to 25 students
-
One free chaperone per every 10 students
-
$7.00 per additional chaperone
- 1:1 aides are always free
Home for the Holidays (Available November 17 - January 7)
Location: Roberson Museum & Science Center
Grades: Pre-K–12
Number of students: 1–150
Program length: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Description:
This holiday season, discover the many ways people express their cultural heritage. Explore holiday traditions of several ethnic groups through exhibitions and programming including Roberson’s International Forest. Enjoy the magical Roberson Mansion, furnished and decorated for the season. A seasonal planetarium show will round out your visit. Please schedule early, as this program books up quickly. *Only available November 17 through January 7*.
This program meets the following New York State Learning Standards:
Common Core Learning Standards: English Language Arts
-
Comprehension and Collaboration (speaking and listening)
-
Presentation of knowledge of ideas (speaking and listening)
-
Vocabulary acquisition and use
Common Core Learning Standards: Mathematical Practices
-
Counting and cardinality
Learning Standards for the Arts
-
Connecting (relate artistic ideas with societal, cultural & historical context)
Program Categories: Art, English Language Arts, History, Multicultural, Museums / Exhibits, Poetry, Storytelling
Cost:
-
$225.00 per group of 25 students. Multiple groups can be scheduled in one visit.
-
One free chaperone per every 10 students
-
$7.00 per additional chaperone
- 1:1 aides are always free
History Sampler
Location: Roberson Museum & Science Center
Grades: Pre-K–12
Number of students: 1–150
Program length: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Description:
Explore our community’s evolution from prehistoric times to the present. Explore Broome County history by choosing three hands-on programs. Program topics include, but are not limited to: Haudenosaunee Culture, Factory Simulation, Immigration, Edwin Link, and Broome County history. A planetarium show may be one of the programs. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact us and we can work with you to customize your visit!
This program meets the following New York State Learning Standards:
Common Core Learning Standards: English Language Arts
-
Comprehension and Collaboration (speaking and listening)
-
Presentation of knowledge of ideas (speaking and listening)
-
Vocabulary acquisition and use
Common Core Learning Standards: Mathematical Practices
-
Making sense of problems and persevering in solving them
-
Constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others
-
Using appropriate tools strategically
-
Measurement and data
Science and Engineering Practices
-
Planning and carrying out investigation
-
Analyzing and interpreting data
-
Engaging in argument from evidence
-
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Learning Standards for the Arts
-
Creating (imagine, plan, make, envision, develop)
-
Responding (reflect, interpret, evaluate, critique)
-
Connecting (relate artistic ideas with societal, cultural & historical context)
Learning Standards for Technology Education
-
Tools, resources, and technological processes
-
History and evolution of technology
Program Categories: English Language Arts, History, Multicultural, Museums / Exhibits, Storytelling, Teamwork/Leadership skills
Cost:
-
$225.00 per group of 25 students. Multiple groups can be scheduled in one visit.
-
One free chaperone per every 10 students
-
$7.00 per additional chaperone
- 1:1 aides are always free
STEAM Sampler
Location: Roberson Museum & Science Center
Grades: Pre-K–12
Number of students: 1–150
Program length: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Description:
Customize your visit by choosing two hands-on STEAM based programs, and a planetarium show! Program topics include, but are not limited to: The Water Cycle; Nocturnal Animals; Animal Adaptations; Polymers; Constellations; Microscopes; Rocks and Minerals; The Science of Sound; Enviroscapes; Lights and Spectrums; Fossils; Metamorphosis; Molecular Models; Insect Identification; Visual Thinking Strategies; Sketching in the Galleries; Printmaking; Tessellations and Edwin Link, local inventor and engineer. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact us and we can work with you to customize your visit!
This program meets the following New York State Learning Standards:
Common Core Learning Standards: English Language Arts
-
Comprehension and Collaboration (speaking and listening)
-
Presentation of knowledge of ideas (speaking and listening)
-
Vocabulary acquisition and use
Common Core Learning Standards: Mathematical Practices
-
Making sense of problems and persevering in solving them
-
Reasoning abstractly and quantitatively
-
Constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others
-
Using appropriate tools strategically
-
Counting and cardinality
-
Measurement and data
Learning Standards for Physical Education
-
Safe and healthy environment
-
Resource management
Science and Engineering Practices
-
Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
-
Developing and using models
-
Planning and carrying out investigation
-
Analyzing and interpreting data
-
Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
-
Engaging in argument from evidence
-
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Learning Standards for the Arts
-
Creating (imagine, plan, make, envision, develop)
-
Responding (reflect, interpret, evaluate, critique)
-
Connecting (relate artistic ideas with societal, cultural & historical context)
Learning Standards for Technology Education
-
Engineering design
-
Tools, resources, and technological processes
-
History and evolution of technology
Program Categories: Animals / Environmental Education / Farms / Nature, Arts, Math, Museums / Exhibits, Science, Storytelling, Teamwork/Leadership skills
Cost:
-
$225.00 per group of 25 students. Multiple groups can be scheduled in one visit.
-
One free chaperone per every 10 students
-
$7.00 per additional chaperone
- 1:1 aides are always free
Advanced Sciences
Location: Roberson Museum & Science Center
Grades: 6–12
Number of students: 1–25
Program length: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Description:
Choose one of the following options:
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Forensics (Gel Electrophoresis) – A crime has occurred and your students have been called to solve the mystery. Students are introduced to DNA fingerprinting. They will be given four DNA samples from the victim and DNA found at the crime scene and two suspects. Your students will enhance their STEAM skills while comparing the DNA samples through gel electrophoresis to find the culprit.
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River Studies – Discover the Chenango and Susquehanna River habitats by engaging in an intensive field study. Students collect specimens and water samples from the river, analyze the water samples and research specimens. Students encounter an intensive field experience while enhancing their STEAM skills.
This program meets the following New York State Learning Standards:
Common Core Learning Standards: English Language Arts
-
Comprehension and Collaboration (speaking and listening)
-
Presentation of knowledge of ideas (speaking and listening)
-
Vocabulary acquisition and use
Common Core Learning Standards: Mathematical Practices
-
Making sense of problems and persevering in solving them
-
Reasoning abstractly and quantitatively
-
Constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others
-
Using appropriate tools strategically
-
Measurement and data
Learning Standards for Physical Education
-
Safe and healthy environment
-
Resource management
Science and Engineering Practices
-
Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
-
Planning and carrying out investigation
-
Analyzing and interpreting data
-
Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
-
Engaging in argument from evidence
-
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Learning Standards for Technology Education
-
Tools, resources, and technological processes
Program Categories: Animals / Environmental Education / Farms / Nature, Math, Museums / Exhibits, Science, Teamwork/Leadership Skills
Cost:
-
$250.00, up to 25 students
-
One free chaperone per every 10 students
-
$7.00 per additional chaperone
- 1:1 aides are always free
Integrated Multidisciplinary Programs
Location: Roberson Museum & Science Center
Grades: Pre-K–12
Number of students: 1–150
Program length: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Description:
Would you like your students to have a well-rounded visit to the museum? This option will do just that! This program provides flexibility in planning once the school year begins. Teachers make individualized plans with Roberson, schedule visits and integrate elements of museum programs into their curriculum. This option is perfect for teachers who want to visit Roberson, but would like more flexibility in the programming. Three activities are included. Please inquire for appropriate lesson suggestions.
This program meets the following New York State Learning Standards:
Common Core Learning Standards: English Language Arts
-
Responding to literature
-
Comprehension and Collaboration (speaking and listening)
-
Presentation of knowledge of ideas (speaking and listening)
-
Vocabulary acquisition and use
Common Core Learning Standards: Mathematical Practices
-
Making sense of problems and persevering in solving them
-
Reasoning abstractly and quantitatively
-
Constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others
-
Using appropriate tools strategically
-
Counting and cardinality
-
Measurement and data
Learning Standards for Physical Education
-
Safe and healthy environment
-
Resource management
Science and Engineering Practices
-
Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
-
Developing and using models
-
Planning and carrying out investigation
-
Analyzing and interpreting data
-
Using mathematics and computational thinking
-
Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
-
Engaging in argument from evidence
-
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Learning Standards for the Arts
-
Creating (imagine, plan, make, envision, develop)
-
Performing (rehearse, evaluate, refine, prepare, share)
-
Responding (reflect, interpret, evaluate, critique)
-
Connecting (relate artistic ideas with societal, cultural & historical context)
Learning Standards for Technology Education
-
Tools, resources, and technological processes
-
History and evolution of technology
Program Categories: Animals / Environmental Education / Farms / Nature, Art, English Language Arts, Math, Multicultural, Museums / Exhibits, Science, Storytelling, Teamwork/Leadership skills
Cost:
-
$225.00, up to 25 students
-
One free chaperone per every 10 students
-
$7.00 per additional chaperone
- 1:1 aides are always free
We Come to You
Can’t make the trip to Roberson? Let us bring our programs to your school through two special options: Mystery of the Month or our Outreach Programs.
Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance to ensure program availability and the best educational experience for everyone. For more information and/or to schedule, call (607) 772-0660.
Mystery of the Month
Grades: 2–8
Number of Students: 1–55
Equipment Needs: Items will be shipped to schools or can be picked up at the museum
Description:
Your school receives a mysterious artifact once a month (September-May) for your classroom. Artifacts range from tools to toys and relate to American History. Each shipment includes a teacher’s guide and a context clue. This is a great way to get students excited about social history through hands-on observation.
This program meets the following New York State Learning Standards:
Common Core Learning Standards: English Language Arts
-
Comprehension and Collaboration (speaking and listening)
-
Presentation of knowledge of ideas (speaking and listening)
-
Vocabulary acquisition and use
Learning Standards for the Arts
-
Connecting (relate artistic ideas with societal, cultural & historical context)
Program Categories: Art, English Language Arts, History, Multicultural, Museums / Exhibits, Storytelling
Cost: $250.00 per 9-month subscription
Outreach Programs
Grades: K–8
Number of Students: 20–40 (multiple sessions can be scheduled to accommodate more students)
Program Length: 1 hour
Set Up Time: 30 minutes
Take Down Time: 30 minutes
Description:
Can’t make it to Roberson? Bring Roberson to you! These interactive outreach programs based in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math provide unique learning experiences and allow students to explore different science, history and art topics in a hands-on way. Topics include, but are not limited to:
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Steampunk Sculpture Building: Students learn about steampunk art and create their own piece out of scrap woods and metals.
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Historic Object Identification: Students use their deductive reasoning to determine the function of antique objects. They will also take several antique objects and imagine a new use for them.
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Animal Adaptations: Students explore unique attributes of different animals by examining our taxidermy collection as well as hands on activities.
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Phases of Matter: Students explore solids liquids and gases through interactive activities and make their own “slime” to take home.
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Magic of Science: Students will learn demos and experiments that wow, as well as the science that makes them work.
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Fossils: Dig for, and identify common fossils. Students will also learn how fossils are formed, and make their own fossil impression to take home.
For other topics and more information please contact Roberson.
This program meets the following New York State Learning Standards:
Common Core Learning Standards: English Language Arts
-
Comprehension and Collaboration (speaking and listening)
-
Presentation of knowledge of ideas (speaking and listening)
-
Vocabulary acquisition and use
Common Core Learning Standards: Mathematical Practices
-
Making sense of problems and persevering in solving them
-
Constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others
-
Using appropriate tools strategically
-
Measurement and data
Science and Engineering Practices
-
Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
-
Developing and using models
-
Planning and carrying out investigation
-
Analyzing and interpreting data
-
Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
-
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Learning Standards for the Arts
-
Creating (imagine, plan, make, envision, develop)
-
Responding (reflect, interpret, evaluate, critique)
-
Connecting (relate artistic ideas with societal, cultural & historical context)
Program Categories: Animals / Environmental Education / Farms / Nature, Art, English Language Arts, History, Multicultural, Museums / Exhibits, Science, Storytelling
Cost: $7.00 per student + $0.58 per mile (round trip)
Virtual Field Trips
Our virtual programs are available in synchronous and asynchronous formats to allow students to interact in real-time with a Museum educator or explore on their own using the provided museum guides. Programs can be adapted to meet the needs of other grade levels. Multiple sessions can be scheduled to accommodate a larger number of students.
Synchronous
Can’t come to see us? We’ll bring Roberson to you! Join us for one, two, or three of our special virtual programs below where your students will interact in real-time with a Museum educator as you are guided through an activity and video tour of our exhibits. Bonus: Pre and post activities for your students are included so the learning continues even when we log off.
Cost: $100 per session
Length: 30–45 minutes
Capacity: Max of 25 students
Available: Tuesday–Friday, 9AM–4PM
Asynchronous
Not sure if you can gather all of your students at once? Don’t worry, there is still an option for you! All three of our synchronous programs are also available in an asynchronous format. We provide you with a video tour of the exhibit (not guided) and an activity guide so you can teach the program on your own time.
Cost: $75 per access
Length: Flexible
Capacity: Accomodates any class size
Available: On-demand
Habitat Adapt
(Grades 2–5)
Join us as we take a walk through nature in Roberson’s semi-permanent NatureTrek exhibit. Students will observe the biodiversity of five distinct habitats native to upstate New York. Within each habitat, students will learn to identify the adaptations of birds and mammals, and how they help the animal to survive.
Haudenosaunee Culture
(Grades 3–7)
Explore the history and culture of the Haudenosaunee—their beliefs and philosophies, relationship with the land, and association with Europeans migrating to North America. Students will help tell the story of this Nation of native peoples as they observe artifacts, written materials, and diagrams from Roberson’s Haudenosaunee exhibit.
Night Sky Tour
(All grade levels)
Using the same software found in our digital planetarium, we can take you on a tour of the night sky from your very own computer screen! Students will engage in the Earth and Space Science disciplines while discovering the wonders of our solar system and beyond. Is there something special you want to see? Let us know and we can incorporate it into your tour!
Additional Info
Lunches must be scheduled. Roberson can provide an area for students to eat their own bag lunches on a first come, first served basis. Please pack lunches in boxes or coolers so they can be used easily. Weather permitting, picnic areas are available.
Late arrivals: Unfortunately, school groups arriving late will have an abbreviated program schedule. Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made less than 2 weeks prior to the scheduled visit will result in a $30 cancellation fee per group. Cancellations made on the day of a scheduled visit will result in full payment for the intended trip.
For a list of BOCES aidable programs, refer to the Broome-Tioga BOCES Services Guide available from your superintendent. Required BOCES units must be purchased through BOCES prior to booking.
COVID-19 Safety Precautions
- Plexiglass panels are installed at the admissions desk and gift shop checkout.
- Frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces is conducted throughout the day. Hand-sanitizer units are stationed throughout the museum.
- Enhanced ventilation, doubling the Museum’s air exchange to be set at 20 per hour.