This impressive museum offers a robust selection of field trips and educational programs tailored to K-12 students, with free general admission for all South Carolina students. Their programs focus heavily on STEM education, providing immersive learning experiences through the planetarium, observatory and hands-on classes.
The museum’s Boeing Observatory offers students a chance to view the cosmos with a professional telescope, guided by museum educators. Students can also explore the 55-foot digital dome planetarium, which hosts affordable shows about celestial objects, star formation and Earth’s ecosystems through enriching visual storytelling.
The AstroSphere portable planetarium brings the experience directly to classrooms for virtual field trip opportunities. This inflatable dome offers interactive astronomy lessons covering topics like star navigation and the phases of the moon, aligning with both state and Next Generation Science Standards. It is available for booking from September to May, with programs scheduled throughout the school day to accommodate multiple classes.
Beyond astronomy, students can participate in workshops about chemistry, electricity, and the properties of light, further encouraging their engagement with STEM topics. The museum also supports teachers by offering virtual learning options and outreach programs, making science accessible to students across the state.
