Fall 2026 School Field Trip Registration & Information
Fall 2026 field trip registration is now open at the Imaginarium!
Our guided field trips are designed to give students an engaging, hands-on STEAM learning experience through interactive exhibits and challenges.
What to Expect
Each field trip includes 5–6 interactive STEAM stations. Every station is facilitated by a trained graduate student who introduces the activity, guides students through the challenge, and supports their learning.
Students rotate through the stations in small groups of approximately 4–5 students. Smaller groups allow students to participate more fully, ask questions, collaborate, and receive more individualized support.
Group Size
We can accommodate up to 30 students per session. However, groups of approximately 20–24 students are preferred whenever possible because they allow for a more interactive and personalized experience at each station.
Larger school groups may schedule a morning and an afternoon session on the same day, depending on availability.
Field Trip Schedule
Field trips typically last two hours.
Morning Session: 8:30–10:30 a.m.
Afternoon Session: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
We may be able to offer some flexibility with start times when needed. For example, a morning session may begin at 8:45 or 9:00 a.m. upon request.
Cost
The standard cost is $10 per student.
Teachers and chaperones attend at no cost.
We understand that cost may sometimes be a barrier. When needed, we try to remain flexible and may be able to work with sponsors who can help cover part of the cost.
Before Your Visit
After your visit is scheduled, we will ask your school to:
- Divide students into groups of 4–5.
- Complete and return the required field trip contract and related forms.
- Send us the student group lists so we can prepare personalized name tags.
- Clearly highlight any students who should not be included in photographs.
Request a Fall 2026 Field Trip
View available dates and submit your preferred session through our scheduling calendar:
View the Fall 2026 Scheduling Calendar
Submitting a date request does not confirm your reservation. Our team will contact you after receiving your request to confirm availability, finalize the details, and complete the required paperwork.
We look forward to welcoming your students to the Imaginarium for an exciting and meaningful STEAM experience!
General Information for Imaginarium School Field Trip
Welcome to the Imaginarium at Mississippi State University—a creativity and STEAM discovery center where students explore, imagine, and innovate through hands-on learning. Field trips at the Imaginarium offer guided, interactive experiences that inspire curiosity, collaboration, and creativity across science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM).
Housed within the Department of Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology, and Foundations (CHEF), the Imaginarium provides a dynamic environment where learning comes to life through play, experimentation, and design thinking.
Program Overview
Each field trip includes approximately two hours of interactive, standards-aligned, and guided STEAM activities facilitated by trained educators. Designed for K–8 students, our field trips promote curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving while connecting classroom learning to real-world exploration.
- Program Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: $10 per student
- Group Size: Up to 36 students per session (rotating in small groups)
- Location: Imaginarium, Mississippi State University Campus
Field trips feature rotating exhibits and themes—students might test structures on a Shake Table, experiment with motion on a Car Track, explore Magnet Walls and Wind Tubes, or experience virtual worlds through ClassVR headsets. Visits conclude with an interactive RoboFox Show led by our robot Astro!
How to Schedule a Field Trip
- Request a Field Trip
View available dates and submit your preferred session through our scheduling calendar:
View the Scheduling Calendar
Note: Submitting a date request does not confirm your reservation. Our team will contact you after receiving your request to confirm availability, finalize the details, and complete the required paperwork. - Complete Imaginarium School Field Trip Agreement
The form includes details such as grade level(s), number of students, preferred dates/times, and contact information. - Book at least two weeks in advance. Availability is first-come, first-served.
- Confirmation and Payment
After your request is approved, an invoice will be issued. Payment is due within 30 days of the field trip date, payable to "MSU Imaginarium". - Arrival and Check-In
Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow for orientation. Groups arriving late may have a shortened session.
Field trips are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, and space fills quickly; early scheduling is recommended!
Supervision and Safety
The safety and well-being of all learners is our top priority. Schools must provide qualified chaperones following MSU’s Minor Protection Policy:
- 1 adult per 6 students (ages 5 or under)
- 1 adult per 8 students (ages 6–8)
- 1 adult per 10 students (ages 9–14)
Chaperones are expected to actively supervise students and assist with transitions. Imaginarium staff facilitate the activities but do not assume supervisory responsibility for student conduct.
Cancellations and Weather
In the event of severe weather or university closures, trips may be rescheduled. We will make every effort to accommodate your group on an alternate date.
Photography and Media
Imaginarium may take photos or video recordings during field trips for educational, research, and promotional purposes. Schools may opt out by submitting a written request at least seven days before the visit.
Contact Us to Schedule
Imaginarium: Creativity & STEAM Discovery Center
Department of Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology, and Foundations (CHEF)
Mississippi State University
129 Morgan Avenue
Mississippi State, MS 39762
imaginarium@colled.msstate.edu