School Field Trips and Group Visits

Science is the key to understanding the world around us! At SUNY Oneonta, we’re passionate about providing hands-on opportunities to interact with and learn scientific concepts by experimenting, testing and even playing. Whether it’s being able to identify a constellation as you look up at the night sky, learning how to take better care of our planet, or dreaming up a new invention, our spaces invite schools and groups to explore, learn and make amazing discoveries together.

AJ Read Science Discovery Center and Planetarium

The A.J. Read Science Discovery Center makes a great destination for a school field trip, especially for elementary and middle school students. We have a variety of engaging, hands-on STEM exhibits and demos, and the SUNY Oneonta planetarium is one of the most advanced in the region.

• There is no cost to visit the Science Discovery Center and Planetarium.
• We only book one field trip or group visit per day.
• Group trips are limited to 58 people (students, teachers, chaperones) because of capacity limits in the Science Discovery Center and planetarium.
• Groups larger than 28 will be split into two sections and will rotate through the SDC and Planetarium.

A typical three-hour visit would begin at 10:00 a.m. and include free exploration time at the SDC, time to eat a packed snack/lunch (we have an indoor atrium garden that works well, or space outside when the weather is nice), and a live planetarium show.

To book a field trip or group visit, please go to the A.J. Read Science Discovery Center's explorable places page, scroll down to the Learning Experiences section of the page, click the book now button for the field trip or group trip option you're interested in, select the date you wish to attend and a staff member will contact you to confirm dates and details.

Group visit or field Trip Request

If you have questions, please call 607-436-2011.

Planetarium

We regularly host educational groups from preschool through high school for planetarium shows that supplement in-class instructional units and also offer private group shows.

• There is no cost for shows for school or community groups. There is a $50 suggested donation per show for private group shows.
• Our planetarium can only seat 28, so if your group is larger than that you may wish to make arrangements for two shows.

To request a group visit to the Planetarium, please go to the SUNY Oneonta Planetarium's explorable places page, scroll down to the Learning Experiences section of the page, click the book now button for the field trip or group trip option you're interested in, select the date you wish to attend. Once your request is processed, you will receive additional information via email regarding your visit, bus parking, etc.

Group VISIT Request

If you have questions, please call 607-436-2011.