• Refer to the curriculum grid to help identify exhibits and shows that support your curriculum.• Visit free to plan your trip. See details below. • Download exploration materials and Teachers’ Guides from www.fi.edu/teachers or design your own.
While You are Here
•
Focus on exhibits and programs that are most meaningful to your class.
Don’t try to see everything in
one trip.•
Vary learning strategies to accommodate different learning styles. •
Check Daily Programs Sheet for schedules of free demonstrations
when you arrive.
• Create classroom opportunities for students to use and extend what they learned. There will be suggestions in the Teacher’s Guides to various exhibits at www.fi.edu/teachers.
Set aside 20–30 minutes to visit the Sci-Store. It offers modestly priced games, books, gifts and souvenirs geared to school-age tastes, as well as books, telescopes and gift items for adults. Advise parents to talk with their children about an appropriate gift/souvenir allowance. Students will not be admitted without chaperones.
We think it is important that you experience the exhibits before you bring your students. Show your school identification card (any state) at the Box Office for FREE admission to Museum exhibits and the Planetarium. Admission to some traveling exhibits and IMAX films are available for additional fees.
When reserving, indicate if any students need wheelchair access, amplification headsets in the Planetarium or IMAX or other accommodation. Call 215.448.1226 for special services. Additional information: www.fi.edu/tfi/info/visitneeds.html.
Choose a lunch in Ben’s Bistro, our full-service cafeteria, operated by Aramark. The menu features pizza, burgers, hotdogs, chicken nuggets, sandwiches and salads. Or, reserve a brown-bag lunchroom when scheduling your visit. There is a $10 fee. Kid-friendly boxed lunches (starting at $7.50 per child, tax/service included) may be purchased in advance.
If you do not wish to reserve, but plan to purchase lunch in Ben’s, contact Aramark to notify them prior to arrival so they can plan accordingly. 215.448.1190.
Menus: www.fi.edu/tfi/services/boxlunch.html
Information: 215.448.1190
Reservations are required for all group visits, including Museum programs, and lunchroom space. The minimum group size is 15 students.
Four Ways to Reserve
Phone:
800.285.0684 (weekdays, 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.)
TDD:
215.448.1226 (hearing-impaired persons only)
Online:
www.fi.edu
Fax:
215.448.1235
Mail:
Reservations, The Franklin Institute
222 North 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103–1194
In order to receive the school rate, there must be a total of at least 15 students in the group. A final headcount, signed letter of agreement and a 25% non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required at least 2 weeks before date of visit. Without the deposit, we cannot guarantee the availability of all requested activities (e.g., IMAX shows). Write your seven-digit reservation number on deposit/payment checks.
Experiential Packages: Full payment is required four weeks in advance for Experiential Packages and any discounted rates.
Groups with overpayments for $100 or less will receive Museum credit that may be used for future visits. Groups may redeem their credits by verifying the confirmation number and the group’s name.
Overpayments of $101 or more will receive a refund check mailed to the school within four weeks of visit date. A processing fee of $10 will be subtracted from the deposit.
Groups with purchase order requirements must submit them to the Museum at least four weeks prior to date of visit. Groups submitting purchase orders are still required to send a 25% deposit at least two weeks prior to their visit.
All balances of $100 or less must be settled at time of check-in.
There are no refunds for trips cancelled less than 14 days before scheduled date of visit. Credits will be issued, which are applicable to visits scheduled to occur before 365 days from original date of visit. Every effort will be made to accommodate rescheduled trips.
Children must be accompanied by a chaperone at all times during their visit. Chaperones include teachers, school staff, and adults over the age of 21. One chaperone for every ten children is required and will be entitled to receive the special chaperone rate. Additional adults wishing to accompany the group must pay the group admission price. There is no chaperone rate for groups visiting on weekends.
Chaperones and students should understand what is appropriate behavior in a museum—prior to arrival.
Your confirmation packet will include detailed information about final payment, bus drop-off and parking, as well as instructions about storing coats and lunches.
Driving and Parking
Driving directions are available at www.fi.edu/groups/travel.html.
We regret that buses and coaches are now prohibited from parking on city
streets. Parking is available at the City’s Callowhill Bus Center for
$20 per bus, per day. For full information, visit www.pcvb.org/busparking.
