Lab-Based Programs
- Lab-based programs can be held at the Perot Museum or on your campus.
- All programs are 45 minutes in length, unless otherwise noted.
- Programs at the Museum can accommodate up to 30 students, and require one chaperone for every seven students (K-8) or one chaperone for every ten students (9-12). These are available on Monday–Friday from September 9, 2019 to May 29, 2020.
- Programs on your campus can accommodate up to 30 students, and require a teacher or other school employee present at all times. These are available year-round.
At the Museum
The Perot Museum is full of expert educators who share your commitment to inspiring minds through nature and science. Our hands-on programs are a great way to enhance your field trip to the Museum.


On your campus
We know that going off campus for field trips can be difficult. That’s why our On Your Campus educators lead highly engaging, TEKS-aligned programs that can come directly to your school.
Available Programs
-
ABCs of Chemistry
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: 2nd - 12th
Area of focus: ChemistryYoung chemists will explore the fundamentals of chemistry, including basic properties of matter, states of matter, and physical and chemical changes that matter can undergo. The program will also emphasize laboratory safety and introduce students to basic equipment and techniques.
Areas of focus by level:
- 2nd-5th – physical properties of matter, states of matter
- 6th-12th – atoms, elements and compounds, physical and chemical changes
- 9th-12th – the periodic table, physical and chemical changes and properties, types of chemical reactions, energy changes, conservation of mass
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
Area of focus: physical properties of matter, states of matter
2nd: 1ab, 2aef, 3bc, 4a, 5abcd
3rd: 1a, 3ad, 4ab, 5abcd
4th: 1a, 2a, 3ad, 4ab, 5abcd
5th: 1a, 3ad, 4ab, 5abcd
Area of focus: atoms, elements and compounds, physical and
chemical changes
6th: 1a, 3ad, 4ab, 5acd
7th: 1a, 3ad, 4ab, 6ac
8th: 1a, 3ad, 4ab, 5abcdef
Area of focus: the Periodic Table, physical
and chemical changes and properties, types
of chemical reactions, energy changes,
conservation of mass
HS Chemistry: 1a, 2e, 3aef, 4acd, 5a, 8d, 11ab
HS IPC: 1a, 3aef, 6ac, 7abcd -
Adapt to Survive
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: 1st - 8th
Area of focus: BiologyEver wonder how snakes swallow their prey whole or how beavers cut down trees? In this instructor-led, dialogue-based program, students observe taxidermy specimens, skulls, pelts, and other natural items to uncover the ways in which animals are both physically and behaviorally adapted to survive, and thrive, in their habitats.
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
1st: 2abce, 3bc, 9ac, 10a
2nd: 2abf, 3bc, 9ac, 10a
3rd: 2af, 3ad, 9ab, 10ab
4th: 2af, 3ad, 9b, 10ab
5th: 3ad, 9abc, 10ab
6th: 2a, 3ad, 12ef
7th: 2a, 3ad, 10b, 11abc
8th: 2a, 3ad, 10abcd -
Air and Weather
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: Pre-K - 8th
Area of focus: Earth and PaleontologyThis hands-on investigation encourages students to explore the air, weather patterns, seasons, the water cycle, and the influence of the sun — the ultimate driver of atmospheric change.
Areas of focus:
- Kindergarten–1st – relative measurements of weather
- 2nd–3rd – quantitative measurements of weather
- 4th–8th – weather maps, weather, and climate
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
Area of focus: relative measurements of weather
K: 1a, 2abcde, 3bc, 4ab, 8abc
1st: 2abcde, 3bc, 4ab, 8abcdArea of focus: quantitative measurements of weather
2nd: 2abcdef, 3bc, 4ab, 8abcd
3rd: 1a, 2abef, 3acd, 4ab, 8aArea of focus: weather maps, weather and climate
4th: 1a, 2abef, 3acd, 4ab, 8ab
5th: 1a, 2acef, 3acd, 4ab, 8ab
6th: 1a, 2abce, 3ad, 4ab
7th: 1a, 2abce, 3ad, 4ab, 8a
8th: 1a, 2abce, 3ad, 4ab, 10abc -
All about Bugs
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: Pre-K - 5th
Area of focus: BiologyStudents will develop a deep appreciation and curiosity for Earth’s most common animals — insects. Uncover the unique characteristics, diversity, and life cycles of invertebrates through live bug encounters and hands-on activities.
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
K: 2abcde, 3bc, 4ab, 9ab, 10abc
1st: 2abcde, 3bc, 4ab, 9a, 10acd
2nd: 2abcdef, 3bc, 4ab, 9ac, 10ac
3rd: 2af, 3c, 4a, 10ac
4th: 2af, 4a, 10abc
5th: 2cf, 4a, 10ac -
Amusement Park Physics
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: 6th - 12th
Area of focus: Physics and ChemistryIn this station-based program, your students will learn how physics plays a role in their favorite amusement park rides. Activities will explore topics such as potential and kinetic energy, Newton’s laws of motion, and conservation of energy.
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
6th: 1a, 2abcde, 3acd, 4a, 8abd, 9c
7th: 1a, 2abcde, 3acd, 4a
8th: 1a, 2abcde, 3acd, 4a, 6abc
HS Physics: 1a, 2abefghijkl, 3aef, 4abcd, 6bd
HS IPC: 1a, 2abcde, 3ae, 4abde, 5abd
HS Principles of Technology: 2efhj, 3adef,
4cdfhj, 6abd, 7ab, 9abdMATH TEKS
6th: 1abc, 3de, 11, 12a
7th: 1abc, 3ab
8th: 1abc, 4c
HS Algebra I: 1abc, 3ab -
Career Days
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: Kindergarten - 12thNeed a Career Day Speaker? Engage with one of our Museum educators! A Museum educator will come to your class and talk about their career path, interests, and experiences with your students. Specific fields of science can be requested but can’t be guaranteed due to the varied nature of our educator backgrounds and schedules. $175 (two 20-minute programs back to back or one 45-minute program). 30 students maximum per program.
To book a Career Day Speaker, contact us at:
Phone: 214.428.5555 ext. 8
Email: reserve@perotmuseum.org
Fax: 214.756.5890, Attn: ReservationsMailing Address:
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Attn: Reservations
2201 N. Field Street
Dallas, Texas 75201 -
Catapult Science
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: 3rd - 5th
Area of focus: Physics and ChemistryYour students will explore force, motion, and energy by using catapults simulating the three classes of levers, then follow the steps of the scientific method to determine which class of levers launches a ball farthest.
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
3rd: 1a, 2abcdef, 3ad, 4a, 6bc
4th: 1a, 2abcdef, 3ad, 4a, 6d
5th: 1a, 2abcdef, 3ad, 4a, 6dMATH TEKS
3rd: 1abc, 5a
4th: 1abc, 5a, 8c
5th: 1abc, 4b, 7 -
Chemistry Connections
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: 3rd - 5th
Area of focus: Physics and ChemistryYour students will investigate chemistry connections to fields such as geology, astronomy, engineering, and biology. The program also highlights exciting opportunities in STEM careers across the scientific disciplines.
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
3rd: 1a, 2adf, 3ad, 4ab, 5abc, 6a, 8b
4th: 1a, 2ad, 3ad, 4ab, 5ab, 6a
5th: 1a, 3ad, 4ab, 5ad, 6a
6th: 1a, 3ad, 4abcd, 5bd, 6c, 11ac, 12a
7th: 1a, 3ad, 4ab, 12a
8th: 1a, 3ad, 4ab, 5abe, 8ac -
CSI: Wildlife Crime Investigation
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: 5th - 8th
Area of focus: BiologyStudents will use a range of forensic techniques to examine, identify, and compare evidence collected from the scene of a crime against a species of wildlife. They will attempt to link suspect, victim, and crime scene with physical evidence.
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
5th: 1a, 2acde, 3abcd, 4ab
6th: 1a, 2acde, 3abcd, 4abb
7th: 1a, 2acde, 3abcd, 4ab, 11a
8th: 1a, 2acde, 3abcd, 4ab -
Diagnosis: The Body in Question
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: 7th - 12th
Area of focus: BiologyStudents will review selected processes involved in treating an ER patient, such as evaluating vital signs, triage, diagnostic tests, and procedures. When supplied with information from a hypothetical patient’s ER admitting form, as well as various test results, students will evaluate the patient’s condition and make a diagnosis.
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
7th: 1a, 2ce, 3bc, 4a, 12b
8th: 1a, 2ce, 4a
HS IPC: 1a, 2cde
HS Biology: 1a, 2fh, 5b, 10c, 11a
HS Chemistry: 1a, 2fhi
HS Physics: 1a, 2ghjk -
Dig Those Dinos
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: Pre-K - 2nd
Area of focus: Earth and PaleontologyPiece together puzzling prehistoric clues, discover fossils from far and wide, and follow dinosaur tracks where they may lead in this station-based program that immerses students in an ancient world of wonder.
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
K: 1a, 2abcde, 3bc, 4ab, 5a, 10ab
1st: 1a, 2abcde, 3bc, 4ab, 5a, 10ac
2nd: 1a, 2adf, 3bc, 4a, 9abc, 10a -
Do Bugs Bug You?
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: Pre-K - 2nd
Area of focus: BiologyThere are lots of “bugs” in the world, but not all of them are insects. Through live insect encounters and instructor-led activities, your students will discover the unique characteristics and life cycles of insects.
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
K: 2abcde, 3bc, 4ab, 9ab, 10abc
1st: 2abcde, 3bc, 4ab, 9a, 10acd
2nd: 2abcdef, 3bc, 4ab, 9ac, 10ac -
Faces of the Earth
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: 3rd - 12th
Area of focus: Earth and PaleontologyLandforms are the effect of Earth’s processes. This lab focuses on features of Earth’s surface today as a window to the deep interior and deep time of Earth.
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
3rd: 1a, 2abcde, 3ac, 4a, 7bc
4th: 1a, 2abcde, 3ac, 4a, 7b
5th: 1a, 2abcdef, 3ac, 4a, 7bd
6th: 1a, 2abcde, 3ac, 4a, 10acd
7th: 1a, 2abcde, 3ac, 4a, 8b
8th: 1a, 2abcde, 3abc, 4a, 9abc
HS Earth and Space Science: 1a, 2bcfi, 3af,
7a, 9abc, 10bcdef, 11abcd -
Fuel the Future
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: 3rd - 12th
Area of focus: Earth and PaleontologyStudents will examine alternative energy sources, the carbon cycle and the importance of biofuels in this hands-on, activity-based program. They’ll explore how living organisms can be converted to energy, explore what would make the best biofuel, look at plant cells though a digital microscope and investigate other alternative sources to meet our needs — all to better understand the balance of energy on our planet.
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
Science TEKS:
3rd – 1a, 2abcde, 3ac, 4a, 6a, 7d
4th – 1a, 2abcde, 3ac, 4a, 7c
5th – 1a, 2abcdef, 3ac, 4a, 7ac
6th – 1a, 2abcde, 3ac, 4a, 7a
7th – 1a, 2abcde, 3ac, 4a, 6a
8th – 1a, 2abcde, 3abc, 4a
HS Earth & Space Science – 1a, 2bcfi, 3af, 12bc
Environmental Systems –1bcegjk, 5cd, 6bc, 9j
Integrated Physics and Chemistry – 2cde, 3a, 5hi -
Geo-Logic
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: 3rd - 12th
Area of focus: Earth and PaleontologyThrough hands-on stations, students can learn the language to describe and compare rocks and minerals, examine the rock cycle, piece together the ancient arrangement of continents, and explore how movement of Earth’s crust has shaped the landforms we see today.
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
3rd: 1a, 2abcde, 3ac, 4a, 5a, 7abcd
4th: 1a, 2abcde, 3ac, 4a, 5a, 7ab
5th: 1a, 2abcdef, 3ac, 4a, 5a, 7ab
6th: 1a, 2abcde, 3ac, 4a, 6c, 10abcd
7th: 1a, 2abcde, 3ac, 4a
8th: 1a, 2abcde, 3abc, 4a, 9ab
HS Earth and Space Science: 1a, 2bcfi, 3af,
7ac, 9ac, 10bcdef, 11abc -
Geo-Logic, Jr.
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: Pre-K - 2nd
Area of focus: Earth and PaleontologyWhen we walk, eat, or talk on the phone, we interact with material of Earth. In this program, students explore our planet through various stations that encourage tactile investigations of the basic properties of rocks and minerals, rock formation, and soil — where life and Earth interact.
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
K: 1a, 2abcde, 3bc, 4ab, 5a, 7ac
1st: 1a, 2abcde, 3bc, 4ab, 5a, 7ac
2nd: 1a, 2abcde, 3b, 4ab, 5a, 7ac -
LEGO®: Simple Machines
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: 1st - 5th
Area of focus: Physics and ChemistryYour students will learn about simple machines, how they work, and where they are found in our everyday lives. Young engineers will work in pairs to build simple and compound machines using LEGO® Education simple machines kits.
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
1st: 2abe, 3a
2nd: 2abef, 3ac
3rd: 2adf, 3ad, 6b
4th: 2a, 3ad, 6d
5th: 2a, 3ad, 6d -
Look Out! The Eye Dissection
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: 4th - 12th
Area of focus: BiologyDuring this guided dissection program, your students will gain a better understanding of vision by exploring the basic structures of a cow’s eye, its connection to the brain, and how the parts of the eye work together.
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
4th: 1a, 2abf, 3ad, 4ab, 10a
5th: 1a, 2bf, 3ad, 4ab, 10a
6th: 1a, 2ace, 3ad, 4ab
7th: 1a, 2ace, 3ad, 4ab, 12ab
8th: 1a, 2ace, 3ad, 4ab
HS Biology: 1a, 2ef, 3af, 5b, 10a -
Physics Fun
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: Pre-K - 2nd
Area of focus: Physics and ChemistryDiscover the exciting world of physics and engineering with this hands-on program. Your students will explore the wonders of force, motion, and energy by interacting with magnets, LEGO® kits, robots, and more!
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
K: 1ab, 2abe, 3abc, 4ab, 6abcd
1st: 1ab, 2abe, 3abc, 4a, 6abcd
2nd: 1ab, 2abef, 3abc, 4a, 6abcd -
Pump Up! The Heart Dissection
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: 4th - 8th
Area of focus: BiologyDuring this guided dissection of a sheep’s heart, students will learn about the structure and function of a mammal’s heart, as well as how oxygen, nutrients, and hormones are transported throughout the body.
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
4th: 1a, 2abf, 3ad, 4ab, 10a
5th: 1a, 2bf, 3ad, 4ab, 10a
6th: 1a, 2ace, 3ad, 4ab
7th: 1a, 2ace, 3ad, 4ab, 12ab
8th: 1a, 2ace, 3ad, 4ab
HS Biology: 1a, 2ef, 3af, 5b, 10a -
Robotics 101
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: 4th - 12th
Area of focus: Physics and ChemistryYour students will learn the fundamentals of robotics in this station-based program that explores electrical circuits, how robots communicate, the parts of a robot, and how those parts interact. They will also learn how robotics can open the doors to STEM careers!
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
4th: 2a, 3ad, 6abc
5th: 2a, 3ad, 6ab
6th: 2a, 3ad, 9c
7th: 2a, 3ad
8th: 2a, 3ad
HS Physics: 2e, 3ade, 5df
HS IPC: 2b, 3ade, 5f
HS Principles of Technology: 2e, 3ade, 4cd, 6abcd, 8g -
Rocks and Minerals
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: Pre-K - 6th
Area of focus: Earth and PaleontologyRocks and minerals are the alphabet of Earth’s story. Station-based activities help students discover properties of minerals and learn how they act as building blocks for rocks and so much more!
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
K: 1a, 2abcde, 3bc, 4ab, 5a, 6b, 7ac
1st: 1a, 2abcde, 3bc, 4ab, 5a, 7ac
2nd: 1a, 2abcde, 3b, 4ab, 5a, 7ac
3rd: 1a, 2abcde, 3ac, 4a, 5ad, 6c, 7ad
4th: 1a, 2abcde, 3ac, 4a, 5ac, 7a
5th: 1a, 2acef, 3acd, 4ab, 8ab
6th: 1a, 2abcd, 3ac, 4a, 6c, 10b -
Texas Ecosystems
Location: Museum Learning Lab or Your Campus
Grade Levels: 1st - 8th
Area of focus: BiologyOur great state contains many different ecosystems. Your students will observe a range of bio-facts (skulls, pelts, tracks, fossils, etc.) from unique ecosystems within different ecoregions to discover how organisms interact with their environment.
Grade and TEKS Objectives:
SCIENCE TEKS
1st: 2abce, 4a, 9abc, 10a
2nd: 2abce, 4a, 9ab, 10ab
3rd: 2a, 3c, 4a, 9ab, 10a
4th: 2a, 3c, 4a, 9ab, 10a
5th: 2a, 4a, 7d, 9ab, 10a
6th: 2a, 3b, 4a, 12c
7th: 2a, 3b, 4a, 12a
8th: 2a, 3b, 11ab
For more information about field trips, please contact us at 214.428.5555 ext. 8 or reserve@perotmuseum.org.
