Discovery Lab & Tour
The best class field trip ever! Immerse your students in hands-on lab investigations with live animals and realia. Lab activities are designed for specific grade levels to support the Next Generation Science Standards. Your Discovery Lab is followed by a guided tour of sites at Long Marine Laboratory. 32 students maximum.
- Discovery Labs run Tuesday–Friday from October–May
- Lab programs start at 9:00 and 10:50
- Approximately 100 minutes for lab and tour.
- Plan additional time for students to explore the aquarium, shark pool, exhibits, and whale skeletons after your program.
- 32 students maximum per Discovery Lab & Tour—no exceptions. 16 student minimum.
- Please do not bring any additional students or unscheduled groups. Siblings are not permitted in the classroom during the Discovery Lab.
- Only five adults total—the teacher plus four chaperones—are permitted inside the classroom during the Discovery Lab. Any additional drivers and chaperones are free to enjoy the exhibit hall, outdoor exhibits, and nature paths. They are welcome to rejoin students for the guided tour. All adults are expected to assist with supervision and appropriate student behavior.
- We recommend bringing only the number of adult chaperones necessary to transport your students.
What times do Discovery Lab & Tour programs start and finish?
Programs last approximately 100 minutes (Discovery Lab investigations last 60 minutes, followed by a 40-minute behind-the-scenes guided tour and wrap-up discussion).
- 9:00 program concludes at approximately 10:45
- 10:50 program concludes at approximately 12:35
- We encourage you to plan some extra time after your program for your class to enjoy their snack or lunch and explore the aquarium, shark pool, exhibits, and whale skeletons.
How can I improve our chances of scheduling a Discovery Lab?
- Join our Educator Mailing List so you’ll be notified when Discovery Lab & Tour booking calendar opens in late August.
- Have your preferred dates ready in advance so you can book your program as soon as the reservation calendar opens. Consider booking a fall or winter program, since spring dates fill quickly.
- Double-check that the program date/time you book does not conflict with other special school events or transportation schedules.
When will I find out the date scheduled for my Discovery Lab?
Immediately! Once you have scheduled your program online, we will hold the date and time for you.
What if more than one class from my school wants to schedule a Discovery Lab & Tour? Do we need to book a different program for each class?
Yes. Schedule separate Discovery Lab programs for each class. Class size may not exceed 32 students per program.
If two classes must come on the same day in one bus, what can the 10:50 class do while the 9:00 class is in session?
We recommend that the class scheduled for the 10:50 program enjoy our outdoor exhibits and explore the pathways until the Seymour Center exhibit hall opens at 10:00. Or, enjoy the beach at Natural Bridges State Beach, a short drive up the road. Contact Natural Bridges well in advance at (831) 423-0871 or email naturalbridges@ports-ca.us for more information. Be advised that Natural Bridges has no sheltered areas for eating. Make sure the class is back at the Seymour Center by 10:45 to begin their Discovery Lab.
If my class is scheduled for a 10:50 program, can we come early to explore?
Yes, and please let us know what time to expect you. The exhibit hall opens at 10 AM.
Can we eat lunch and snacks at the Seymour Center?
Yes, we have outdoor classrooms with picnic tables available on a first-come, first-served basis. These covered, open-air shelters provide some protection from wind, rain, and sun for your class. In the event of wet/cold weather, be sure to bring activities for students to do in cars/on the bus.
Other questions? Email discover@ucsc.edu