HIGHLAND ROAD PARK OBSERVATORY FIELD TRIPS
The field trip outings to HRPO are entertaining and thrilling. They are part of our tradition of well-crafted and well-researched children’s programming—created out of a solid foundation in physical sciences, comprehensive professional astronomical support and a long-term knowledge base of amateur skygazing. Next Generation Science Standards apply and are given to the teacher.
Cost: $2.50/child (minimum charge $30)
There is an allowed maximum of sixty children per field trip; one chaperone per ten children is required. Additional children over sixty are $5 each. If the visiting organization is one chaperone short there will be an additional $15 charge. The field trip will not occur if the visiting organization is two chaperones short.
Length of Field Trip:
ninety minutes to two hours
Days Available:
Tuesdays through Thursdays
Field trips will not take place in 2024 between 21 May and 1 August.
Times Available:
HRPO works with the visiting organization to determine the best time for its field trip. Field trips start no earlier than 8am and end no later than 4pm; any field trip requests outside these time boundaries will incur an extra charge.
Field trips must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. HRPO does not accept reservations more than three months in advance.
Cancellation Fee:
more than 72 hours beforehand, $0
fewer than 72 hours beforehand, $15
Components of Field Trips:
A. Talk [choose one]
*The Sun and the Moon
Solar flares and sunspots, lunar craters and maria—it’s all here!
*A Trip to the Planets
An exciting journey to all major planets, from Mercury to Neptune—and Pluto, too!
*Meteors, Asteroids and Comets
Meteors are pieces of space debris that create streaks of light in our atmosphere. Asteroids are the leftover remnants of early Solar System. Comets are residents of the far reaches of the Solar System.
*Constellations and Stars
The constant companions of the night are showcased: the patterns we see them make, how they are born, their astonishing lives and personalities, and how they die.
*American Space Exploration: Past
Covers NASA’s fabled history—its records, accomplishments and discoveries. Also mentions the amazing devices and technology that grew out of our space program!
*American Space Exploration: Present and Future
Covers the current plans to bring robotic explorers to never-investigated worlds, and human explorers back to the Moon, then on to Mars….
B. Tour of Facility + Solar Viewing
C. Activity [choose one]
*planisphere (dipper finder for kindergarteners and first-graders) (good for all ages)
*UV beads + IR goggles (recommended for younger groups)
*sundial + outside testing (weather permitting)
If more than sixty children arrive the activity will not take place due to lack of consumables.
D. Physical Science Demonstration
During the setup phase, personnel will present the arranger with three physical science demos along with science principle covered for each. The arranger chooses one of the three.
HRPO field trips can be adapted for any class or youth club, as well as for adult groups. We hope to see your group here soon!