Teachers

Whether you’re planning for a daycare, preschool, homeschool group, or K–12 classroom, there are many ways to experience the Hastings Museum! Visit us for an in-person field trip that can include hands-on educational programs in one of our many exhibits, immersive planetarium shows, engaging films in our theatre, and free exploration time throughout the whole Museum. Can’t make it to us? We can bring the Museum to you! Schools across the country can experience virtual field trips, while Hastings-area schools can enjoy outreach programs delivered right in your classroom. 

No matter how you choose to connect with us, our educational experiences are designed to spark curiosity, encourage discovery, and support learning for students of all ages. Please scroll to the bottom of this page to read all the available information.

All Hastings Museum visits, in-person or virtual, begin with our online booking request form. Every school group should complete this form, even if your visit is only for free exploration.

It allows us to gather your contact information, learn about your students’ needs, and identify your preferred visit dates. Once your request is submitted, our Curator of Education will review your information and contact you to finalize the details of your visit. 

Field trip opportunities are popular throughout the school year, with March–May being one of our busiest seasons. To help us provide the best experience for your students, we recommend scheduling your visit as early as possible. Booking in advance allows you the best chance of securing your preferred date and selecting the programs that best fit your group’s learning goals. 

For questions, please call 402-461-2399. Our Curator of Education, Russanne Hoff, coordinates all school group bookings and can help plan a visit that meets your group’s needs. Our Visitor Services Department may also be able to assist with general questions about your upcoming visit. 

Note: Submitting the request form does not automatically reserve your date. Your visit is not officially booked until you receive a confirmation email from our staff that includes your finalized schedule. 

Museum Admission includes free exploration and all in-person school programs, planetarium shows, and solar observing.  

Receive a $0.50 discount per person on all 3D films when your group brings its own 3D glasses. If you plan to use your own glasses, please let our staff know when you submit your booking request so we can provide the correct invoice amount. 

We offer a wide variety of programs for educators to book. Read below and click the buttons to learn more about each option. When you’re ready to book, review the pricing information above, then complete our online request form to get started.

Bring the Hastings Museum experience directly to your classroom! These 45–60 minute interactive programs explore a variety of engaging topics, including local history, Kool-Aid, and science. Presented live via Zoom by Museum educators, each program offers students an exciting opportunity to learn and connect with Museum resources from anywhere.

Note: Virtual Field Trips must be booked at least two weeks before your preferred date and are scheduled around our Museum educators’ availability. 

Can’t make it to the Museum and prefer an in-person experience? We’ll bring the Museum to you! These 30–60 minute, hands-on programs cover a variety of engaging topics and can be tailored to meet your classroom’s needs. 

Note: Museum in the Classroom programs must be booked at least two weeks before your preferred date. This program is available only to schools within Hastings city limits and the Adams Central School District during the months of August through March.

Connect live with one of our planetarium educators for an interactive virtual session! Students are encouraged to ask questions about astronomy, space, Earth science, and more as they explore and deepen their understanding of the world around them. These engaging virtual sessions are available for up to 30 minutes and can be enjoyed from the comfort of your classroom.

Note: Due to the equipment required to operate the planetarium, this program does not include a live planetarium show.

The Hastings Museum features a super-screen theatre where students can experience both 2D and 3D films that bring science, history, and the natural world to life. With new films added throughout the year and a library of large format films to choose from, there are exciting opportunities to enhance your visit. Theatre experiences complement museum programs and create a well-rounded educational day for students.

Note: Special showtimes and film selections may be available by request. Groups planning to bring their own 3D glasses must notify staff at the time of booking to receive the correct pricing.

Explore the wonders of space in our planetarium! Students can travel through the solar system, explore the stars, travel the universe, and experience immersive shows that bring astronomy and space science to life. In addition to full-dome presentations, the planetarium also offers live programs, astronomy-related events, and other educational experiences for a variety of grade levels. Planetarium programs can be paired with your museum visit for a complete educational experience.

Note: Planetarium seating is limited to 48 people, so larger groups may require multiple show times.

Bring environmental education into your classroom with our free Tree Trunk activity kits! The Hastings Museum offers Project Learning Tree (PLT) and Project WET (Water Education Today) materials for teachers and the public in Hastings and surrounding communities. Each kit includes curriculum and hands-on materials to support engaging environmental education lessons. We also offer environmental professional development opportunities for educators.

Note: Tree Trunks are available free of charge and may be reserved by contacting the Curator of Education, Russanne Hoff.

Designed for students in PreK–6, our in-person educational programs bring natural history, cultural history, and science to life through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Preschool programs are approximately 30 minutes long, while elementary programs run about 45 minutes. With advance notice, programs can be adapted to meet your classroom’s needs. All programs meet Nebraska State Standards. 

Note:  If your group arrives 15 minutes late or more, your first program may need to be canceled. The maximum group size, including students and adults, is 30 people per program.

Take learning outside with our Outdoor Classroom programs! Held entirely in our outdoor learning space, these hands-on experiences connect students with nature through exploration and discovery. Programs can be adapted to fit your schedule and typically run 30–45 minutes, providing an engaging outdoor learning experience for your students.

Note: Please dress appropriately for the weather, as the entire program takes place outdoors. If weather prevents us from being outside on the day of your visit, your program will be adapted to take place inside.

Extend your Museum experience beyond your visit with Hastings Museum’s free digital learning resources.

Our YouTube channel features engaging educational videos, including Museum Minutes, Astronomy Spotlight, and more that bring science, history, and discovery into your classroom or learning space. 

Explore online exhibits, discover new topics through virtual experiences, and use our downloadable Find It! activities to encourage observation, exploration, and conversation during your field trip. These resources are designed to support educators, enhance classroom connections, and help students continue learning wherever they are. 

Throughout the year, Hastings Museum offers special programs and events that enhance field trip experiences, including Tree Jamboree and wildlife experiences with Nature’s Educators.

We also provide workshops and professional development opportunities for teachers and educators, offering new ideas, resources, and strategies to support learning in the classroom.

Explore the links below to learn more about upcoming programs, events, and educator opportunities. 

For questions, please call 402-461-2399. Our Curator of Education, Russanne Hoff, coordinates all school group bookings and can help plan a visit that meets your group’s needs. Our Visitor Services Department may also be able to assist with general questions about your upcoming visit.

School group dates, especially during the busy March–May field trip season, fill up quickly. We encourage teachers to reserve their visit as early as possible to ensure the date and program options that work best for their group.