Milwaukee's Mitchell Park
Horticultural Conservatory
DONATE MEMBERSHIP BOOTHMAKE A RESERVATION
The Domes are a pillar to the education of Milwaukee and the surrounding communities. The FOD Education Program's goal is to provide powerful experiences to our visitors and members with the use of this deeply unique and globally diverse facility. We look forward to welcoming members of our plant-loving community to the Domes and other venues across the greater Milwaukee area for fun-filled field trips and workshops.
Keep posted on upcoming events: here on our website, on our calendar, on social media, or become a member and receive our emails and member discounts on course admissions.
For more information about refunds or about our workshops, contact the Education Director at ericaputman.fod@milwaukeedomes.org
This page includes information and request forms for groups attending educator-led programming at the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory ("The Domes"), as well as information on VIRTUAL SCIENCE programs.
Examples of groups that can attend our programming are: Schools, Scouts, After-school, Youth, Child-care centers, Home school, Daycare, CLCs, Non-Profits, Boys & Girls Club, or any other groups with children/youth ages 5-17.
The Friends of the Domes’ Education Program brings you virtual, interactive science experiences! Mr. Pete (with his seemingly never ending supply of props, songs, stories, and Puppet Pals) explores various science topics that meet Wisconsin Academic Standards for Science and Health, Grades K-6th. For schools, home schooled students, scout groups, camps, or any other group of children!
Virtual Science Live! is our current stand-in for in-person field trips to the Domes. These experiences take place completely virtually, with our interpretive educator leading a 40-60 minute, synchronous lesson, followed by optional asynchronous activities. Our current curriculum offerings are designed to meet state curriculum standards. Our goal is to provide educators a fun and engaging way to deliver a required curriculum. Although designed for teachers, any group of young learners can benefit from this unique programming!
Mr. Pete is our FANTASTIC Lead Interpretive Educator and will lead all Virtual Science Live programs. To learn more about Mr. Pete, visit our Education page.
Cost for virtual experiences:
A final head count and payment are due one week prior to the workshop.
Full or partial scholarships are available!
Rescheduling and Refunds:
Rescheduling the workshop due to extenuating circumstances is possible. No refunds will be issued for last minute cancellations (cancellations within 5 days of the scheduled workshop) or for drops in attendance (for example, a drop from the "larger group" category to the "smaller group" category within 5 days of the scheduled workshop will not result in a reduced price). Refunds due to technical difficulties will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
An online request form is required for all Virtual Science Live workshops. Click Here for the Request Form
PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE STARTING MONDAY, 9/28/2020.
In this form you will need:
Meet Honey B. as she explains the diversity of pollinators and flowers. Mr. Pete will lead you in the game show, "Who's Your Pollinator?" All this and much more as we explore the importance of pollinators in your backyard and around the world! A pre-recorded version of this program is available.
Major Standards Met: Science: Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI) - Life Science 1 (LS1), Life Science 2 (LS2), Science: Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI)
Standards Extended:
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC?! DO YOU BELIEVE IN SCIENCE? Mr. Pete explores all the steps of the scientific method through "magic" and fairies. Uncover the secrets of magic tricks based on science, make and test hypotheses, and explore new ways to conduct science experiments at home!
Major Standards Met: Standard SCI.SEP: Science: Science and Engineering Practices
Standards Extended:
Everything is connected! Discover how energy and matter flow through an ecosystem! Why are plants green? Who eats who? Through fun, humor, and lots of enthusiasm, Mr. Pete and his Puppet Pals will take you on a journey of the energy cycle!
Major Standards Met: Science: Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI) — Life Science 1 (LS1), Life Science 2 (LS2)
Standards Extended:
Mr. Pete and his Puppet Pals teach you that your classroom can still be a team, even during virtual learning! Get to know each other through interactive and personal team-building activities that focus on relationship-building and positive communication.
Major Standards Met
Health, Health Science, Family and Consumer Science
Standards Extended:
No questions yet! Ask one at: ericaputman.fod@milwaukeedomes.org
Due to uncertainty of COVID-19 social distancing requirements, requests for in-person field trips can be made by emailing ericaputman.fod@milwaukeedomes.org, and we can discuss field trip possibilities.
In-person field trips will be unable to take place until requirements have been lifted. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.
Educator-Led Field Trip Information:
Schools, Scouts, Youth, After School, Home school, Camps, and any other group of children attending Educator-led Programming.
Thank you for choosing the Mitchell Park Domes as your field trip destination! Our unique facility allows children to explore the rainforest, desert, and mediterranean - all in one day!
The Friends of the Domes Education Program offers NEW field trips programs for grades K5-12. These programs, available for scheduling throughout the school year and summer, provide every attendee with the opportunities to acquire nature-based knowledge, experiences, hobbies, and values.
Each Field Trip will include:
Educator Guided Program (School Groups, Scouts, Youth, Home school, Camp, etc.) | |
Presenter/Guide | Friends of the Domes Lead Interpretive Educator |
Reservation/Registration | An online registration request is required before a field trip can be scheduled |
Minimum Required Notice | Requires a minimum of THREE WEEKS PRIOR to your program date |
Prepayment | Required a minimum of TWO WEEKS PRIOR to your program date |
Final Numbers | Required a minimum of TWO WEEKS PRIOR to your program date |
Days of the Week | Monday-Friday, Mornings preferred |
Content Available | Developed to meet national standards. Choose between a variety of available curriculum |
Child Cost (Updated 2020) | $7 per child |
Minimum and Maximum Numbers | Minimum of 15 students (or $105) per field trip, Maximum of 60 students. Larger groups will need to be split to accommodate current staff capacity. |
Minimum Fee | $105 (15 paid students) |
Chaperone/Adult Cost | 1 free adult for every 10 students (rounded down), $7 for each additional adult |
Cancellation/Administrative Fee | $50 cancellation fee applied if the program is cancelled under two weeks prior to your program. $105 cancellation fee applied if the program is cancelled under 5 days prior to your program. Programs that are cancelled by FOD leadership do NOT incur a cancellation fee. |
Scholarship Information | Financial assistance is available: partial or full scholarships |
Additional Information on Fee Structure
Chaperone Numbers and Costs:
Chaperones include any and all adults attending with the group during the time of your field trip, including teachers, assistants, paraprofessionals, aides, school staff, parents, etc.
Groups must have one adult per every 10 students*. (for example, if you have 35 students, you must bring at least 3 adults that will follow the Chaperone Policy). These adults will receive free admission. The fee for each additional adult is $7.
*Groups with all students over the age of 14 may have one adult per every 15 students.
Groups with young students or students with accessibility or special needs are recommended to have additional chaperones, although it is not required.
Scholarship Information
The Dr. & Mrs. John Thomas Scholarship Fund was created through the generosity of the Thomas's with the intention of underwriting field trips for schools in need of financial assistance. Any schools that are interested in visiting the Domes for an educational program, but lack funding, are encouraged to apply to this fund for assistance. The fund generally funds 50% of the cost of a field trip.
If you are interested in applying for a partial or full scholarship, please indicate this on the Field Trip Request Form. We will contact you with more information.
Booking Information
Please email ericaputman.fod@milwaukeedomes.org for information on booking an in-person field trip.
In this form you will need:
Busy Times at the Domes
Field trips are scheduled during times that the Domes are open to the public. Please keep in mind when scheduling your trip that afternoons, especially in winter, are typically busier.
For a full calendar of events, please visit: https://milwaukeedomes.org/events-calendar
*Please note when the Show Dome is closed.
Our programming for the 2020-2021 school year is currently being developed!
The current program categories are listed below. You will choose a category, then we will send options for more specific programming to fit your groups' learning objectives!
Lunch: The Mitchell Park Domes is unable to accommodate onsite lunch or a lunch area for groups. We recommend that your field trip is scheduled in a way that allows you to eat lunch at school or elsewhere. On a nice day, there is space to eat outside.
Parking: The Domes offers free parking. Buses may pull to the front roundabout for drop off.
LOCATION AND HOURS:
Address: 524 Layton Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53215
The Domes are open 9:00AM to 5:00PM on weekdays and 9:00AM to 4:00PM on weekends and holidays (when the Domes are reopened).
Program Times: Because the Domes are open to the public, it is beneficial to plan your field trip during less busy times at the Domes. The morning is the best time to visit the Domes with a group as well as when the Show Dome is closed. The busiest times at the Domes are during the winter, especially in the afternoon.
Gift Shop and Vending Machines: Please discuss with your students prior to your trip if they will be permitted to visit the gift shop or vending machines. No more than 5 students may enter the gift shop at a time and must be accompanied by an adult.
Mitchell Park Exploration: Is there more to do in Mitchell Park? Absolutely! Mitchell Park includes 61 acres for outdoor activities, walking paths, a pond, and playground. Seems like a great place for some Capture the Flag before you head back to school! Mitchell Park Map
Additional Contact Information: For more information, please contact Erica Putman, Education Director at ericaputman.fod@milwaukeedomes.org