Exploring the Museum of Science and Industry: A Homeschool Field Trip Review
- Meagan Shahin
- Sep 19
- 8 min read
As a homeschool family, we're always looking for ways to make learning fun. As a family, we discovered that a trip to the MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry) could do just that, offering a dynamic and immersive experience that no home curriculum could replicate.
On our trip, I learned that there was so much more to learn with MOSI's education team with their field trip options, and organized a homeschool group field trip. Along with our busy bee family we returned in April of last year, and enjoyed the educational classes along with the exhibits.
"The moment we sat in the planetarium seats, my daughter's face lit up with excitement. As the stars and planets were shown on the screen, my daughter said she felt like she was flying through space. That single experience set the tone for an incredible homeschool day at MOSI."- Busy Bee Homeschool Hive Member
What We Explored & Accomplished
MOSI offers an exciting array of permanent and temporary exhibits throughout the year, and our group had the thrilling opportunity to dive into them! Nearly all of these exhibits are interactive, delivering fun-filled activities for all ages to enjoy!
Permanent Exhibits -
Aviation Evolution - Dive into this thrilling interactive maze designed for aviation enthusiasts! Every twist and turn uncovers the fascinating journey of aviation's history, culminating in an exciting test of flight forces—thrust, drag, lift, and weight—with your very own paper airplane. And if that's not enough, don't miss the optional virtual reality experience that lets your kids soar through the clouds!
Flight Club Drone Zone - Our group had a blast taking command of real drones, racing friends, and skillfully navigating through obstacles!
Mission: Moonbase - Explore MOSI’s incredible permanent lunar base for a firsthand glimpse of life on the moon. Get ready to drive a rover and even collect some lunar minerals!
Dinovations Dig- Budding paleontologists, rejoice! Experience the thrill of a hands-on fossil excavation adventure.
Butterfly Garden - Observe butterflies as they feed from flowers, and search for caterpillars inside our flight cage. Learn to identify the most common butterflies found in
Florida.
Planetarium -
The Saunders's Planetarium at the Tampa, Fl, MOSI is America's second-largest planetarium. At 8 stories tall with a 10,000 square foot screen, it offers enough seats to accommodate 330 people.
Feedback & Reviews - With an incredible array of exhibits to discover, everyone was constantly on the go! After the trip, there wasn't a single disappointing review about the exhibits. In fact, some exhibits were absolute standouts and a must-see!
The crowd favorites were - Mission: Moonbase, the exciting Flight Club Drone Zone, and the fascinating Aviation Evolution.
Educational Programs -
In addition to exploring their permanent exhibits, our group participates in behind-the scenes educational programs. Each interactive hands-on program was based on age group, and was led by a MOSI staff educator.
Kid's Chemistry (K-2nd Graders)- Our younger friends participated in creating ooze, and studying the states of matter- solid, liquid, and gases.
Totally Ooey Gooey Science (3rd-5th graders) - Our upper elementary crew took ordinary house hold items, and experimented with chemical properties to create acid/base reactions.
Junior Investigative Health Experience (6th graders and up) - Our older crew teamed up to dissect a sheep's pluck-- which is the trachea, lungs, and heart. They observed the organs, tissues, valves, and explored their functions.
Feedback & Reviews-
Overall, these programs were engaging. Our group found the Kid's Chemistry and Totally Ooey Gooey Science to be educational, though they were quite similar and not something the parents or kids would want to do again.
However, one class received unanimous praise. Both parents and kids were thrilled with the Junior Investigative Health experience. Many expressed interest in repeating it, as there was a wealth of knowledge to gain. The instructor was enthusiastic and actively involved with the students in exploring and dissecting the organs.
Temporary Exhibits -
During our visit in April, MOSI hosted two additional temporary exhibits for us to explore:
Grossology
Our group took a plunge into the sticky, slimy, and stinky realm of the human body and discover its most intriguing functions! Characters from the bestselling book Grossology animate the squishy, scaly, and smelly details, sharing captivating facts and scientific insights throughout the journey. We participated in identifying human body smells, climbing a skin "climbing wall" that had various blemishes and pimples, helped characters burp, and learned about what causes the gross bodily functions we all experience. Aaaand... of course they loved it
Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas
We explored by Dinosaur Discoveries, where fascinating insights into the world of dinosaurs come to life, captivating guests of all ages! It took us into the exciting realm of science, exploring how experts use cutting-edge tools like computer simulations and specialized X-rays to uncover amazing details about dinosaurs—their looks, behaviors, and even how they moved. Plus, the exhibition invites you to tackle a gripping question: why did dinosaurs disappear—or did they?
What We Learned on our Homeschool Field Trip
“At MOSI, we’ve found that one of the best ways to get kids to look toward career paths in important fields like science and engineering is to get them doing real science and engineering themselves,” says Grayson Kamm of MOSI. “Once they're exposed to these fields in new ways such as building and programming their own robots, they get far more interested and engaged. Some students start to picture doing this kind of cutting-edge work as part of their own future careers.”
The field trip reinforced what we already knew,
1- Getting students to do hands-on science and engineering at MOSI can encourage them to consider future careers in these fields.
2- MOSI's activities can provide a spark that reinforces classroom learning and makes concepts more tangible for students. The hands-on setting allows students to see cause-and-effect relationships and connect what they learn in class to real-world situations.
3- The hands-on, interactive experiences inspire curiosity, build confidence in STEM fields, and create lasting memories for students of all ages.
My Favorite Part - The People
We had an incredible turnout with over 80 people of all ages joining the trip! It was truly a remarkable experience to witness such a diverse group come together, spanning various generations, from enthusiastic toddlers to engaged grandparents. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as families arrived, each one bringing their unique energy and enthusiasm for the day ahead. It was such a joy to meet so many new faces and connect with kids and families, creating a sense of community that is often hard to find in our busy lives.
One of the highlights of the day was witnessing the children form friendships that blossomed right before our eyes. It was heartwarming to see them engage in activities that encouraged collaboration and teamwork, allowing them to bond over shared interests such as science experiments, creative arts and crafts, and interactive games. The laughter and chatter among the kids were infectious, and it was clear that they were not just having fun but also learning valuable social skills as they navigated new friendships.
Meanwhile, parents got to kick back and relax, enjoying a well-deserved break from their daily routines. They were able to unwind and connect with one another, sharing stories and experiences while letting MOSI take care of the teaching and the mess for the day. This allowed them to fully engage in the moment, knowing that their children were in a safe and stimulating environment where they could explore and learn without the usual pressures of everyday life.
The staff at MOSI did an outstanding job of facilitating the day’s events, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and that every participant had the opportunity to engage with the exhibits and activities. From hands-on science demonstrations to guided tours, every aspect was designed to spark curiosity and inspire a love for learning. The collaborative spirit of the day fostered an environment where both children and adults could discover new interests and share their passions with one another, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Overall, the trip was not just an outing; it was a celebration of community, learning, and connection. The smiles on the faces of both kids and parents alike were a testament to the success of the day, and we left with a renewed sense of camaraderie and excitement for future events.
Accommodations & Accessibility
As a homeschool group that promotes special needs and neurodiversity, I'd like to include a little feedback on the physical and sensory accommodations.
Wheelchairs - MOSI is accessible for wheelchairs, featuring ample handicapped parking, wide doors, and elevators for easier navigation. The planetarium also includes reserved areas that accommodate wheelchairs. MOSI does offer wheelchairs on site to borrow if needed, as well.
Sensory Considerations - Many exhibits offer interactive multi-sensory experiences. The virtual reality, planetarium, and Mission: Moonbase feature heightened sensory stimulation with lights, depth perception, and sounds.
Most other exhibits are situated either in the open-air building or outside in the fenced-in yard area.
Due to walls and displays, visibility of children is limited, necessitating close proximity if there are concerns about eloping.
Moreover, the presence of walls and numerous exhibits can make the space feel somewhat cramped or overstimulating when large groups are present.
If you need accommodations for your visit, please contact our Guest Services Department at least 15 working days in advance by calling (813) 987-6000 or emailing Reservations@mosi.org.
For assistance for the hearing-impaired, please call the Florida Relay System at 711.
Partners with CARD - MOSI has collaborated with USF's CARD to create a more inclusive experience for individuals with autism. For any specific questions or concerns, please contact the Guest Services Department mentioned above.
Would We Go Again?
Reflecting on our journey, would we dive in again? Absolutely, without a doubt!
We've gained some valuable insights that make us feel more organized and informed. And guess what? We're already planning another adventure this January!
Click the link below to discover more and sign up to join us!
Tips for future visitors: How to have the best experience
Arrive early- The doors open at 10am, and the kids are definitely ready to start right away.
Bring Food & Drinks - MOSI is happy to store lunch boxes if anyone brings food with them. There are also small on-site food options available for extra.
Include the age-appropriate educational class available with admission. This helps the kids connect, work as a team, and enjoy some behind the scenes experiments and activities that they are sure to love.
Best Age Group:
MOSI is a fantastic destination that truly caters to individuals of all ages, making it an ideal place for families, school groups, and curious minds alike. The museum boasts a wide array of exhibits that span various topics, ensuring that every visitor can find something that piques their interest.
Exhibits for Younger Visitors
For the youngest guests, MOSI features interactive exhibits designed specifically to engage and educate. These areas allow children to explore fundamental scientific concepts through hands-on activities. From learning about basic physics through playful experiments to discovering the wonders of nature in immersive environments, the museum provides a stimulating atmosphere where young minds can thrive.
Engaging Experiences for Teens
Teenagers will also find plenty to captivate their attention at MOSI. The museum offers more advanced exhibits that delve into technology, engineering, and the sciences. Interactive displays often challenge older children and teens to think critically and solve problems, fostering a sense of innovation and creativity. .
Family-Friendly Areas
In addition to specific exhibits for different age groups, MOSI includes family-friendly areas where visitors can come together to enjoy activities.
Field Trip Passport
Are you seeking an engaging way to document your child's educational experiences from field trips, as well as a memorable keepsake for their school year?
Busy Bee Homeschool Hive has collaborated with Dana Davies, a homeschool evaluator in the Lakeland, FL area, to create a field trip passport book available for purchase.
This passport acts as your child's ticket to their adventures, featuring a stamp for each trip they attend.
Additionally, it alleviates the pressure on parents by simplifying the inclusion of field trip learning in their child's annual homeschool evaluation portfolio.
Learn more below:
Looking for a fun, inclusive homeschool community to join?
We offer a variety of membership levels, each packed with exclusive perks and events just for you. Enjoy fantastic discounts on events and merchandise, and earn Bee Bucks to put towards the cost of our amazing field trips. Our memberships are the perfect way to save big on all the fun and adventures we have in store!
To learn more, click below-
Comments