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Field Trip FAQ

Field Trip FAQ

Need help navigating a field trip to The Tech Interactive? Check out our FAQs below! If you have a question not listed below, feel free to contact Group Reservations at (408) 294-8324, option 3.

Planning and Booking

  • What does a field trip day at The Tech Interactive look like? It’s hard to explain in a few words, so check out this brief video highlighting all The Tech has to offer to you and your students!
  • Who can qualify for a field trip? School field trip pricing and programs are available to all TK-12 school groups, including public, private, charter, and home schools. Title I pricing is only available to California TK-12 schools. Summer field trip pricing is available to all youth-serving out of school time programs, such as camps, community programs, and summer schools. If you are unsure if your group qualifies for this pricing, please give our Group Reservations team a call at (408) 294-8324 option 3. Our staff is happy to walk you through the pricing options for your group.
  • When are field trips available? School field trips are available early September through mid-June from 9 am to 3 pm. Summer group field trips are available mid-June through mid- August from 10 am - 5 pm.
  • How do I get a quote on pricing? Review our pricing below:
  • Are chaperones required for school and youth groups? Yes, The Tech Interactive requires adult chaperones over the age of 21 for all school and youth groups serving grades TK-12. See the ratio requirement table below. Chaperone to Student ratio Grades K-1 Maximum: 1 adult per 4 students Minimum: 1 adult per 8 students Grades 2-8 Maximum: 1 adult per 6 students Minimum: 1 adult per 8 students. Grades 9-12 Maximum: 1 adult per 8 students Minimum: 1 adult per 12 students *Groups with students requiring 1:1 aides or paraprofessionals are exempt from the ratio maximum. Please specify at the time of booking that you have students requiring an aide or paraprofessional to ensure free access for these chaperones.
  • Can I bring more chaperones if I’ve exceeded the limit? Additional chaperones beyond the maximum ratio for your grade level will be charged the student rate ($12 per person or $17 for IMAX + Admission Combo). Chaperones with Tech Interactive memberships are not able to use their membership for entry as part of a field trip group.
  • What programs or experiences are available to my students? There are many opportunities for exploration for your students at The Tech Interactive! Please see the list below for our available field trip experiences. Exhibits Hands-on Lab Programs* Educational IMAX You can also find a floor map of The Tech Interactive on our website. Floor Maps
  • Are there any special programs offered during specific times? Yes, we offer lab and IMAX add-ons for all field trips, but they must be booked in advance. Please inquire at the time of booking for lab and IMAX add-on options. Our Special Field Trip Events details any bigger events throughout the year. Additionally, we recommend checking Today at The Tech Interactive during the week of your visit to see the latest programs and events happening at The Tech Interactive.
  • How do I request a field trip reservation? You can now reserve your field trip date online! A $100 deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation, regardless of Title I status. This deposit will be applied toward the final cost of your field trip. Once your reservation and deposit have been received, a Group Reservations Specialist will contact you within five business days to finalize your booking and discuss any additional experiences you'd like to add. If you would like to arrange an alternative payment method, please contact us at groupreservations@thetech.org or call (408) 294-8324, option 3. Please note that reservations must be made at least: 2 weeks in advance for museum admission only 3 weeks in advance for Hands-on Science Labs and educational IMAX films Reserve Your Date Today
  • What is your cancellation policy? No refunds will be issued for your field trip admission, labs, or IMAX film if you cancel less than three (3) weeks before the reserved date. Please know that we will be flexible in the case of public health or school district directives; in this instance, we will work with you to reschedule your trip or refund your payment. In addition, no refunds will be issued for unused field trip admission and/or IMAX tickets on the day of your visit. However unused admission and/or IMAX can be applied towards late-addition chaperones.

Preparing for Your Visit

  • Can I explore The Tech before the field trip to help plan? Yes! Field trip organizers can get one free entry ticket if they bring their order confirmation and photo ID to the ticketing desk on any of our open operating days. Alternatively, you can preview a day at The Tech through the following videos: Teacher Expectations - this video will help you prepare for the check-in process and know what to expect as you arrive at The Tech. Exhibits Sneak Peek - if you’d like to get a preview of the types of exhibits your students can interact with, watch this brief video showcasing some of our most popular exhibits! **Exhibits subject to change Labs and IMAX Sneak Peek - if you have booked a hands-on lab experience or educational IMAX for your group, this video gives a brief overview of what to expect in these experiences.
  • Where can I find a floor map of The Tech Interactive? You can find a floor map of The Tech Interactive here.
  • Is there a schedule of programs or activities available? Yes! Check out Today at The Tech Interactive during the week of your visit to see the latest programs and events. Your chaperones can also access this document on the day of your field trip by scanning the QR code from any Today at The Tech sign once onsite.
  • How can I prepare my students for a day at The Tech? We have several videos that can help prepare your students for what they will see and do at The Tech as well as what is expected of them. Student Expectations - this video will help prepare your students for their day at The Tech Interactive. Please have students watch this video the day before your visit to provide the appropriate behavior expectations for their day at The Tech. Exhibits Sneak Peek - if you’d like your students to get a preview of the types of exhibits they can interact with, be sure to show them this brief video showcasing some of our most popular exhibits! **Exhibits subject to change Labs and IMAX Sneak Peek - if you have booked a hands-on lab experience or educational IMAX for your group, this video gives a brief overview of what they could expect in these experiences. We also have an abundance of resources available to support your field trip experience both before and after your visit. Hands-on Lab resources: pre- and post- visit activities to support and extend your hands-on lab experience back in the classroom. IMAX film resources: lessons and activities that can support the film experience. These resources are provided by the film production companies and may not be available for all films.
  • How can I prepare my chaperones for a day at The Tech? Chaperones are essential to a successful day at The Tech Interactive. To best prepare your chaperones for the day, we recommend providing as much information as possible ahead of the field trip day. Below are some resources to help your chaperones have the best day possible. The following videos are not just for students. They can also help your chaperones know what to expect and what they could encounter on their field trip day. Student Expectations - this video highlights the student expectations for their field trip day. As a chaperone, your role is to help guide your students and keep them safe while at The Tech. Please watch this video to know what is expected of your student group. Exhibits Sneak Peek - if you’d like your students to get a preview of the types of exhibits they can interact with, be sure to show them this brief video showcasing some of our most popular exhibits! **Exhibits subject to change Labs and IMAX Sneak Peek - if you have booked a hands-on lab experience or educational IMAX for your group, this video gives a brief overview of what they could expect in these experiences. We also suggest providing a detailed agenda for your field trip day. This should include: Arrival and departure time Student names Any scheduled activities (hands-on lab, IMAX, specific exhibits of interest) Lunch time and meeting location Floor maps
  • I heard you have a Body Worlds Exhibition. Is there a separate ticket for that experience? Since 2017, The Tech has been home to a permanent Body Worlds exhibition called “Body Worlds Decoded.” Entrance to this exhibition area is included in your general field trip admission ticket and available to any student group with valid field trip admission. Please see our Body Worlds Decoded Fact Sheet for more information that you can share with your students’ guardians.
  • What resources does The Tech provide for accessibility? The Tech is committed to making The Tech Interactive accessible to our entire community. Our Accessibility page has full details in all the ways we are making our facility and programs accessible to all.
  • What are transportation options for a field trip day at The Tech? School or charter buses Buses are the primary mode of transportation for field trip groups to The Tech Interactive. Please see the attached parking map for buses. Bus reimbursement may be available for Title I schools. Please inquire at time of booking. Carpool The Tech can provide $5 flat rate validation for two parking garages: Second and San Carlos garage and Convention Center garage. Please see the attached parking map for carpools. Public Transportation The Tech is conveniently located near the San Jose Convention Center VTA light rail and bus stops. VTA’s Youth Outreach Program offers free field trip transportation for schools in Santa Clara County. This is a fun and convenient way to get to The Tech for free!

Day of Your Visit

  • How early can we arrive? The Tech Interactive opens to school groups at 9 am.
  • What happens if we are running late? If your group will be arriving significantly late on the date of your trip, please call Group Reservations at 1-408-294-8324, option 3. If no one is available at that number, call Group Check-In at 1-408-795-6137. We understand that groups may arrive late due to circumstances out of their control. We will do our best to accommodate late arrivals; however, it may not always be possible for lab experiences or IMAX films.
  • What does the check-in process look like? This video provides an overview of the check-in process and what to expect for teachers. Expect the check-in process to take approximately 10-15 minutes depending on crowd levels for the day.
  • When and where can we eat lunch? Each group will be assigned a scheduled lunch time at the time of booking to ensure the lunch area is not overcrowded. Please adhere to your scheduled lunch time. We have a few options for lunch locations at The Tech Interactive: Weather and school policies permitting, we suggest taking your lunches to Cesar Chavez Park across the street. There is plenty of room for students to spread out and burn off extra energy. Within the Interactive, you can take your lunch in New Venture Hall, a large open space on the ground level. Please note that there is no seating available at this time so groups will have to sit on the floor. If you have an IMAX film, your students can eat their lunch in the theater. Staff will ensure your lunch bins are brought to the IMAX entrance prior to your scheduled film time.
  • Are we allowed to exit and re-enter The Tech? Yes! You can exit The Tech and re-enter during your field trip as many times as you need. All you need to do is show your ticket at the entrance. Students must be with their chaperone both to exit and re-enter The Tech.
  • What happens if a student is separated from their chaperone group? If we need first aid? Students or chaperones who have been separated from their group should immediately find a Tech staff member. The staff at The Tech Interactive are trained in the Code Adam child safety program and will begin the protocol for locating and reuniting a lost child. If you or a member of your group are in need of first aid or medical assistance, please alert a staff member right away. The staff member will alert our first aid certified security team to the location of the incident.
  • Is the cafe or concessions open to field trip groups? Yes, both the cafe and concessions are open to field trip groups, if you allow it for your group. The concession stand opens at 11 am. If you are allowing your students to get concessions prior to their IMAX film, please encourage them to get in line at least 20 minutes prior to the start of the film. The Tech Cafe presented by Lunch with Tony opens at 10:30 am. If your entire student group is planning on ordering lunch from the cafe, we suggest ordering in advance to ensure a timely lunch delivery. To order or for more information, contact info@tonycaterstoyou.com or call 408-263-4366 option 1. Minimum of 20 to order.
  • Are students allowed in the gift shop? Completely up to you! Students are allowed in the gift shop, but must be accompanied by their chaperone. We do have a strict capacity limit due to the small size of our gift shop. On busy days, students may have to wait in line for entry to the gift shop.
  • Any other helpful information I should know? If needed, we have two wheelchairs available for checkout. A valid photo ID will be required for checkout. We have a family bathroom available on the ground level near the multi-stall restrooms. Please ask the staff at the ticketing desk for the key. We also have a nursing pod available, located on the lower level near the restrooms. This is not a place for students to play or hide. For any lost and found items, please see the Visitors Services staff or volunteers on the ground level.

After Your Visit

  • I qualified for a transportation reimbursement at the time of booking. How do I get that? Our Group Reservations team will email you a form via DocuSign for you to complete. You will need a copy of the invoice from your transportation company (dated after the field trip date), your order number from The Tech Interactive, and how you would like to receive your reimbursement (check or direct deposit). You have 30 days to complete the form for your reimbursement to be processed.
  • What can we do after our field trip to extend the learning experience? From activities to lessons and full curriculum plans, we have lots of supplementary resources to extend the learning experience back in the classroom, including activities directly related to the content presented in Hands-on Labs and IMAX films.
  • Do you have any resources for educators to use in the classroom? Certainly! We have a range of educator resources available on our website to help bring the spirit of The Tech Interactive into your own classroom. These resources can support and enhance your teaching curriculum. Education Resources Lessons & Activities
  • Is there a process for sharing feedback on the field trip experience? Yes - the booking teacher should receive an email within one week of the field trip with a link to a survey. There should also be a postcard with a link to the survey in the folder provided by the Group Check-in team. If you are the booking teacher, please be sure to forward this information to your colleagues.

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