Field Trip Accommodations

• We can accommodate four rounds per grade level in one field trip.
• If you have five or more rounds, or exceptionally large class sizes, we will make arrangements tailored to your specific needs.

Field Trip Experience Descriptions

Each field trip will include Tinker Time and Big Buildings. Teachers will also choose two additional stations to customize the learning experience for students.

Must Do: Big Building AND Tinker Time

Big Building

Explore Giant Legos and other oversized building manipulatives! Students work with large scale, loose parts building and engineering equipment. These devices inspire free play and group problem solving through hands-on, open-ended, creative, and collaborative play. 

Tinker Time

Students experience a variety of STEM stations in which they can “Build It, Code It, Create It, Take It, and Explore It.”  Examples include:  Keva Planks, Indis, Turing Tumbles, Catapults, Digital Microscopes, and more!

May Do:

Math & Engineering

Our mathematics instruction incorporates Peter Liljedahl’s Thinking Classroom methodology to foster collaborative problem-solving, independent thinking, and increased student engagement. 

Prototyping

Students experience the design thinking process with a focus on rapid prototyping. Students choose an area of their life to improve or reimagine, such as a game for a friend, a new or improved learning space, a new playtime experience, or an invention to help a loved one. Most of this session is spent building with materials in our Makerspace. 

Science Experiments

We tailor our science instruction to meet the specific needs of your students and align closely with your grade level’s standards. Our engaging curriculum incorporates a wealth of hands-on activities and laboratory experiences to foster student excitement and learning.

Tech Time

We foster digital literacy by introducing students and teachers to cutting-edge technology tools. Computer science skills are developed through engaging robotics coding projects.  

Tour

Explore the Innovation Center through a guided tour! You’ll have time to explore 4-5 focus areas with your guide, learn about the IC, and get students excited about the future learning opportunities available to SVVSD students! The tour ends on the Mezzanine where students will experience hands-on learning activities similar to the work done by Innovation Center students each day.

Outreach Opportunities

SVVSD Teachers, did you know the Innovation Center offers engaging STEM enrichment opportunities for elementary teachers and students? Our Outreach STEM Coordinator, Phyllis Ashe, is available to bring hands-on lessons directly to your classroom. Choose from a variety of science, math, and technology-based activities, including robotics combined with geometry concepts, science combined with literacy, and Peter Liljedahl’s Thinking Classroom approach to teaching math. All lessons are aligned with district standards, ensuring a seamless integration into your curriculum. Let us foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning through inclusive and engaging STEM experiences for students. We also offer several opportunities for teachers to extend their STEM learning. Teachers can check out a variety of materials to use in their classroom or earn PD credit for STEM work they are integrating into their classroom.