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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 four hours of an educational adventure. Observing rehabilitating Sea Turtles, lab experiments, taking our Exhibit Gallery challenge, and learning from 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. The fee is $3 per student and $6 per any extra adult chaperones. The fee includes a three and a half hour program with interactive activities for the students. 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 from 10:00 to approximately 1:30 pm. start and finish times can be modified if time is a problem because of your schools distance to the Marine Science Center.

How do I book a field trip to the Marine Science Center?
Call the Education Coordinator, Sandy Burns 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.

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?
This program can accommodate groups up to forty students. The students must be divided into groups of ten prior to arrival to the center. The students will be rotated throughout all of the activities provided.

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 across from 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?

• Make sure they are ready for outside beach activities. They should dress appropriately; wear sunscreen, and a hat.
• Even though water fountains are available, students should be encouraged to bring a portable water bottle.
• Teachers can access pre-and post curriculum on this website that correspond with the Marine Science Center Field Trips.