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Resources for K-12 Educators

Example screen shot of online "virtual lobby" for AstroFest 2020, a game-like browser applet linking to presentations, mini-games, and information.

Planetarium

Come check out the planetarium at University Park! They offer shows year-round to visiting K-12 classes and even community groups (scouts and summer camps). The shows are staffed by student and faculty volunteers and are free of charge for attendance. Check out their website for details and to fill out their "Field Trip Request Form."

Nittany Bots 3

Virtual Science Festival

This free virtual resource features dozens of Penn State scientists sharing video demonstrations and activities you can try at home or in your classroom! In addition, this online resource will continue to serve as a repository for fun STEM videos, engaging DIY science activities, and other educational resources for parents, teachers, and kids alike as new content will continue to be added regularly. Click the link below to begin your science journey!

EMS: Matthews museum

Earth and Mineral Sciences Museum

Come visit their renovated facilities and explore geosciences by examining fossils. Their exhibit is open and free to the public from Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

picture of Penn State's nuclear reactor

Radiation Science & Engineering Center Nuclear Reactor Tour

Come tour the nuclear reactor here at University Park! The Radiation Science and Engineering Center conducts tours of the facility and conducts demonstrations of the reactor for people of all ages and backgrounds. Part of their mission is to deliver innovative educational programs and hands-on laboratory exercises to advance societal knowledge of nuclear science and engineering. Click on the link below to watch an experimental video of the nuclear reactor or to fill out a form to take a one-of-a-kind tour!
 

Questions?

Contact us via email at sciencecamps@science.psu.edu or give us a call at (814) 865-0501

 Office of Science Outreach, 201 Ritenour Building, University Park, PA 16802

For more information, please see Information for Parents from the Penn State Office of Ethics and Compliance.

Planetarium

The Planetarium is open for field trips for groups of 20 students or less.

The Penn State Breazeale Reactor, which first went critical in 1955, is the nation's longest continuously operating university research reactor. 

Breazeale Reactor