Museum of Science and Industry

Simple Machines

Suggested for grades 2 - 8
Focus your field trip on simple machines found throughout the Museum with activities to do in the classroom and at the Museum. Be sure to check out the teacher and chaperone hints in the chaperone cheat sheet!

• Simple Machines Student Guide (PDF)
• Simple Machines Pre-Visit Activities (PDF)
• Simple Machines Chaperone Cheat Sheet (PDF)

Self-Guided Exploration

Suggested for all grades
m.Stories is a field trip exploration that educates and entertains. This writing activity asks students to note what they observe, understand what they're seeing and connect it to their lives, thus changing their Museum experience from passive observation to meaningful discovery.

U-505 Instructors Manual

Suggested for grades 4 - 12
Prepare for your class field trip with insider knowledge about the U-505 Submarine. The U-505 Instructors Manual includes pre-visit tips, activities and interdisciplinary classroom lessons in science, writing and history.

• Download U-505 Instructors Manual (PDF)

Genetics

Suggested for grades 6 - 9
Focus your visit on our Genetics: Decoding Life exhibit with these pre-, during and post-visit activities that highlight the genetic similarities between animals and humans, and the science involved in cloning, mutations and genetic engineering.

• Download Guide for Genetics - Decoding Life (PDF)

Transportation: Rail

Suggested for grades 4 - 8
Enhance your visit to The Great Train Story exhibit with pre-, during and post-visit activities that highlight the different needs for rail transportation among those who move raw materials (coal), manufactured goods (automobiles), crops (grain), and passengers.

• Download Guide for The Great Train Story (PDF)

Transportation: Flight

Suggested for grades 4 - 8
Bring our dramatic flight exhibits -- including the Transportation Gallery and the Wright Flyer -- to life with pre-, during and post-visit activities that highlight the historical advancements that led to the first powered flight as well as the physics involved in making vehicles airborne.

• Download Guide for Flight (PDF)

Physics

Suggested for grades 4 to 8
This set of pre-, during and post-visit activities link to exhibits throughout the Museum, including Foucault Pendulum and the flight exhibits in the Transportation Gallery. Activities strengthen student understanding of energy, flight, and gears and pulleys.

• Download Guide for Physics part 1 (PDF)
• Download Guide for Physics part 2 (PDF)

(Documents are in Adobe PDF format)