A robust mix of hands-on experiences spanning science, art, and technology awaits middle and high school student groups.
Pennsylvania offers students plenty of opportunities to engage in dynamic STEM and STEAM experiences in locations where science, innovation, creativity, and real-world problem-solving come together in immersive environments. Explore planetariums, interactive science centers, environmental education sites, art studios, college campuses, conservation centers, working farms and more, which provide students with meaningful ways to connect classroom concepts to firsthand experiences.
STEM and STEAM experiences throughout Pennsylvania support middle and high school groups studying ecology, engineering, agriculture, food science, health, astronomy, design, technology, transportation and career exploration in memorable locations for curriculum-connected field trips.
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STEM & STEAM AT A GLANCE
Astronomy & Space: Mather Planetarium at West Chester University, Reading Public Museum & Planetarium, Moonshot Museum
Engineering & Transportation: American Helicopter Museum and Education Center, AACA Museum – America’s Transportation Experience, Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, Strasburg Rail Road, Rivers of Steel
Environmental Science & Conservation: Longwood Gardens, Stroud Water Research Center, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Powdermill Nature Reserve, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
Food Science & Agriculture: The Chocolate Lab at The Hershey Story Museum, Hershey’s Chocolate World, Hollabaugh Bros., Turkey Hill Experience, The Woodlands at Phillips Mushroom Farms, Rodale Institute
Science Museums & Discovery Centers: The Franklin Institute, Lancaster Science Factory, Whitaker Center for Science & the Arts, Kamin Science Center, Reading Science Center
STEAM & Design: Moravian Pottery & Tile Works, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Michener Art Museum, Pittsburgh Glass Center, Mattress Factory, Museum of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art
SCIENCE IN ACTION
Throughout Pennsylvania, science-focused attractions allow students to get hands-on and experiment, explore and observe STEM concepts that connect to classroom learning. From astronomy and physics to biology, health, natural history and chemistry, these destinations help students understand how science shapes the real world.
Interactive Science Centers
Explore interactive STEM exhibits that bring live science into students’ hands at places like the Whitaker Center for Science & the Arts in Hershey and Harrisburg, The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Lancaster Science Factory, Kamin Science Center in Pittsburgh, Reading Science Center, and Keystone Kidspace in York.
Planetariums & Astronomy
For planetarium and astronomy experiences, head to the Mather Planetarium at West Chester University and the Neag Planetarium of the Reading Public Museum, where students can immerse themselves in space and technology topics.
Health & Human Sciences
Students studying health and human sciences can visit the Byrnes Health Education Center in York, which supports wellness and health education. When cross-referenced, Philadelphia’s museum landscape boasts additional destinations that will help groups consider anthropology, chemistry, medicine, and scientific discovery through a broader lens. They include the Penn Museum, Mütter Museum and the Science History Institute.
Natural History
Natural history comes into focus at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, the North Museum of Nature & Science in Lancaster and the Oakes Museum of Natural History in Cumberland County, where groups can learn about biology, specimens, Earth science, ecosystems and the natural world.
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: Earth science, human science, biology, health science, physics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, observation and inquiry
ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY & INNOVATION
For groups interested in how things work, move and are built, Pennsylvania offers numerous powerful examples of innovation and engineering. Students can discover STEM lessons in aviation, space exploration, transportation, railroads, steel, automotive design, industrial heritage and military problem-solving techniques.
Aerospace & Space Innovation
Introduce students to aerospace design, flight technology and vertical flight mechanics at the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center in the Brandywine Valley. At the Moonshot Museum in Pittsburgh, groups can explore space innovation that brings students up close to robotics, aerospace careers, lunar exploration and engineering. In Reading and Berks County, discover aviation history at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum and the General Carl Spaatz National U.S.A.A.F. Museum, where groups can get up close to authentic aircraft, fascinating exhibits, and engage with professionals.
Transportation Systems
Compare how different transportation systems move commuters and goods, and connect students to automotive design, mechanics, and transportation history at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia and the AACA Museum – America’s Transportation Experience in Hershey and Harrisburg. Learn about railroads and transit systems at the Strasburg Rail Road in Lancaster, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum near Pittsburgh, and the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum in Reading. Groups can investigate the infrastructure and engineering behind historic rail travel and public transportation. Head to the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles in Reading and Berks County for early transportation history.
Industrial Heritage & Manufacturing
Pennsylvania has deep industrial roots, giving students a large-scale perspective on engineering. Students can examine the technology, science, and labor behind steel and manufacturing, and how innovation has helped shape the industry at places like Rivers of Steel in Pittsburgh, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Joanna Furnace, and the Gruber Wagon Works at the Berks County Heritage Center in Reading and Berks County, and the National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum in the Brandywine Valley.
Maritime, Military & Battlefield Problem-Solving
From waterways and military logistics to battlefield medicine and communication, engineering appears in unexpected places. Students can explore maritime technology, river-based commerce and navigation at Philadelphia’s Independence Seaport Museum. At the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Cumberland County, listen to discussions about military innovation, applied problem-solving and logistics. For STEM connections to Civil War medicine, battlefield conditions, communication technology, engineering challenges and wartime decision-making, visit the Seminary Ridge Museum & Education Center in Gettysburg. Visit the General Carl Spaatz National U.S.A.A.F. Museum and learn about the aviation pioneer and enjoy an immersive experience where small groups are placed in the time frame of war through interactive exhibits and costumed museum staff.
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: Engineering, physics, transportation systems, aerospace, industrial technology, manufacturing, logistics, critical thinking
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AGRICULTURE, SUSTAINABILITY & FOOD SCIENCE
Across Pennsylvania, students can explore food as it relates to agriculture, soil health, fermentation, food production, horticulture, sustainability and the science behind familiar products, including chocolate, mushrooms, ice cream, apples and pretzels.
Chocolate, Dairy & Food Production
Hershey and Harrisburg offer groups unique opportunities to learn how chocolate is made, from bean to bar, while exploring ingredients, systems and food production at the Chocolate Lab at The Hershey Story Museum and Hershey’s Chocolate World. The Turkey Hill Experience introduces students to dairy science, product development and manufacturing in both the Lancaster and York areas. Take a trip to Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery in Lancaster County, where students can connect regional food traditions to production and Pennsylvania’s identity. In Reading and Berks County, learn about daily operations in food harvesting and production at places like Way-Har Farm Market and Seltzer’s Smokehouse.
Farms, Orchards & Horticulture
The Woodlands at Phillips Mushroom Farms in Brandywine Valley offers a distinctive look at agricultural production and mushroom cultivation. In Gettysburg, Hollabaugh Bros. introduces students to horticulture, food production and orchard science, while other agricultural experiences across Lancaster connect groups to farming, rural heritage and food systems that bring food from fields into communities. Reading and Berks County offer students a chance to learn about freshwater science with programming at Blue Marsh Lake.
Food Chemistry & Fermentation
High school student groups can visit Adams County Winery and engage in conversations about agricultural science, chemistry, fermentation, and food science. A trip here allows students to consider how climate, ingredients, timing, technique, and biology shape finished food products.
Soil Health & Sustainability
Students can connect agricultural STEM topics to environmental stewardship and regenerative farming with a trip to Rodale Institute in Reading and Berks County. Gain a deeper look at regenerative organic agriculture, sustainability, and soil health to understand how farming practices affect food systems, ecosystems, and the broader agricultural future.
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: Agriculture, chemistry, food science, biology, sustainability, soil health, horticulture, environmental stewardship, fermentation
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, CONSERVATION & LIVING SYSTEMS
Pennsylvania has a plethora of outdoor classrooms offering immersive experiences throughout gardens, preserves and wildlife centers. These experiences are valuable for students learning about ecology, biology, environmental science, conservation and Earth science, with opportunities for students to study living systems in real time. Groups can observe watersheds, natural habitats, native plants, sustainability practices, and animal care firsthand.
Watersheds & Freshwater Science
In Brandywine Valley, the Stroud Water Research Center provides students with strong connections to freshwater ecosystems, environmental research, and watershed science. Here, they can examine how rivers, streams, conservation, and land use affect living systems and water quality.
Gardens, Plants & Horticulture
Students studying botany and plant science can discover horticulture, landscape design, sustainability, and plants at Longwood Gardens in Brandywine Valley. In Bucks County, groups can explore native plants, habitat preservation, and biodiversity at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve.
Forests, Preserves & Outdoor Classrooms
Guided outdoor learning throughout Pennsylvania connects students with natural environments for firsthand lessons. Discover natural science at places like Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve in Gettysburg, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, French Creek State Park, Berks Nature and Berks County Parks & Recreation in Reading and Berks County, and Kings Gap Environmental Education Center in Cumberland County. These trips bring students up close to natural ecosystems, forests, trails, wildlife habitats, and conservation practices for hands-on education.
Wildlife, Conservation & Animal Care
At John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Delco, students will learn about wildlife and conservation practices. Explore bird species at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh for a unique wildlife experience. In the Laurel Highlands, student groups can visit the International Conservation Center, Powdermill Nature Reserve and Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve at Saint Vincent College for exceptional examples of how conservation, animal care, biological research, habitat protection and environmental stewardship intersect. Head to Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area or Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Reading and Berks County for exceptional up-close wildlife experiences.
Living Systems & Sustainability
Pittsburgh’s Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens provide a strong connection to plant science, environmental design and sustainability. Educators can pair a visit here with nature preserves, environmental education centers and wildlife facilities across the state to show how ecosystems, conservation and human interaction are connected.
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: Ecology, biology, conservation, botany, wildlife science, environmental research, sustainability, watershed science
STEAM THROUGH ART, DESIGN & CREATIVITY
STEAM topics help students understand how science and creativity come together as one subject. Across Pennsylvania, art studios, gardens, design-focused attractions and museums show how materials, light, structure, movement, pattern, space and technology influence how makers create, communicate and solve problems.
Art, Design & Visual Thinking
The Michener Art Museum in Bucks County provides opportunities for students to explore creativity, design and visual culture. In Philly, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Penn Museum are great destinations to study human creativity, architecture, artifacts, cultural innovation and design throughout time, helping learners connect artistic expression with technology, history and problem-solving.
Craftsmanship, Materials & Making
A visit to the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works in Bucks County helps students examine materials, patterns, craftsmanship and historic production techniques up close. For a hands-on creative environment, head to GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading and Berks County, where art, hands-on creation and design come together.
Glass, Heat & Creative Fabrication
The Pittsburgh Glass Center introduces learners to glassmaking and the relationship between heat, material science and creative fabrication. Students can study how chemistry, technique, temperature and tools work together to shape a finished artistic product. Visit Taylor Backes, a glassblowing art studio, for unique experiences with how heat transforms glass into breathtaking designs.
Space, Structure & Installation
At the Mattress Factory Museum of Contemporary Art in Pittsburgh, students are encouraged to think about space and installation-based creativity. Also in Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Museum of Art gives students the opportunity to visually analyze pieces and connect them with design thinking, innovation, and cultural interpretation. These STEAM experiences allow students to consider how artists utilize space, perception, materials, and form to visually communicate ideas.
Landscape Design & Living Art
Also fitting through the STEAM lens is Longwood Gardens in Chester County, with living examples of landscape design, special horticulture planning, and the relationship between botanical science and beauty. Groups can explore how architecture, design, environmental planning, and plant science intersect to create immersive and visually appealing outdoor spaces.
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: Visual arts, architecture, material science, design, cultural innovation, creativity, communication, spatial reasoning
CAREER-ORIENTED LEARNING
For high school students, Pennsylvania offers opportunities to connect STEM and STEAM trips and classroom subjects to college pathways, future careers and technical education. Groups can explore digital literacy, postsecondary education, aviation, health education, conservation, robotics, fabrication, museum positions, transportation and emerging technologies.
College & Technical Pathways
At Gettysburg College and HACC Gettysburg Campus, students can explore college campuses, technical learning opportunities and discussions about academic paths. Experiences here help students start to connect their current interests with potential training programs, majors and future career options.
Digital Literacy, Robotics & Maker Experiences
In Gettysburg, the Adams County Public Library provides students with STEM learning with hands-on programs in robotics, production, coding and other digital literacy topics. These programs are especially helpful for students exploring creative problem-solving, technological skills and future-ready learning beyond the classroom.
Aerospace, Aviation & Emerging Technology
At the Moonshot Museum in Pittsburgh, groups get an up-close look at the future of space technology through interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences. Head to Brandywine Valley and visit the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center, which highlights aerospace, aviation, and flight-oriented career connections for high school students. Reading and Berks County offer group experiences at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum for engaging lessons in aviation. These destinations provide students the opportunities to imagine futures in aerospace engineering, robotics, aviation, and applied technology in real-world settings.
Health, Environmental & Conservation Careers
Students interested in learning about careers tied to health and wellness canvisit the Byrnes Health Education Center in York for in-depth experiences, while those fascinated with conservation can explore the International Conservation Center (Laurel Highlands), Powdermill Nature Reserve (Laurel Highlands), Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Pittsburgh), Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (Reading and Berks County), and John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge (Delaware County).
Transportation, Industry & Museum Careers
Help students understand how STEM skills translate into real-world careers, including transportation, museum education, manufacturing, public interpretation and engineering, in several destinations throughout Pennsylvania. Discover interactive science at Lancaster Science Factory, transportation-related lessons at AACA Museum – America’s Transportation Experience in Hershey, and steel heritage at Pittsburgh’s Rivers of Steel. In Reading and Berks County, students can gain firsthand experience with these careers in places like the R.A.C.C. Schmidt Training & Technology Center, the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum, the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum and the Reading Regional Airport.
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: College preparedness, technical education, career exploration, museum education, aviation, healthcare, digital literacy, robotics, conservation careers
PLANNING TIP FOR EDUCATORS
Build your Pennsylvania STEM or STEAM itinerary by starting with a subject area. Engineering or CTE groups may want a trip to learn about aviation, space, steel, manufacturing, and transportation, while a biology class would benefit from visiting botanical gardens, nature preserves, wildlife centers, and natural history museums.
Ideal destinations for art and design students include spaces that showcase glass, tile, visual art, architecture, and creative studios. Career-focused students will gain firsthand knowledge of potential pathways at colleges and through technical programming and industry experiences. Plan a Pennsylvania field trip that feels focused and memorable by organizing your experience around learning objectives that connect to classroom lessons.
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