Each year, our museums make over 20,000 school children think, dare and become inspired through our science and history programs, outreaches and loan kits designed to support elementary curriculum. Our special programs include The BIG Lesson and 3rd grade Michigan History Week: From Furs to Fire.
To learn more about all of the engaging hands-on opportunities for schools, please download our Teacher’s Guide below.
The museum offers two different busing grants. For those coming for a STEAM based program the Howmet Transportation Grant will offer $400. For all other field trips the museum busing grant will offer $100. Only one grant will be awarded per grade for each school during a given year.
Grants will not be awarded for trips that were made prior to receiving the application. Grant recipients will be notified by e-mail and a check will be sent after the field trip has been completed. Recipients are also asked to provide a thank you letters or a card that we can pass along to bus grant donors.
Download the Bus Grant Application >
Download the Howmet Transportation Grant Application >
1. Select a program from our Teacher’s Guide and several possible dates and times.
2. Please contact Jennifer Reeths at jennifer@lakeshoremuseum.org or by calling (231) 724-5543 at least two weeks in advance to schedule a guided program. Reservations are also required for self-guided tours. No more than two classes will be scheduled at one time.
3. You will receive a program confirmation by mail.
4. At least one adult for every 10 children is required unless otherwise noted. Supervision is the responsibility of the teachers and chaperones.
5. Would you like to preview the museum before your visit? Click Here to print the Educator Preview Pass from the button below. Bring the completed form along with your school ID or a pay stub to receive free entry (where entry fees apply). Check our hours prior to your visit, while the Museum Center is open year-round, our other sites have seasonal hours.
Students are required to wear nametags. Please let us know if you have any special needs. The Museum’s handicap accessible entrance is on Fourth Street (Press the buzzer to notify us of your arrival).
Download a List of Our Virtual Programs >
You can schedule the Live Virtual Museum Programs via Zoom or Virtual Explorers Packs with our Assistant Program Manager, Jennifer by email at jennifer@lakeshoremuseum.org.
You can schedule our Historic Sites Virtual Tours via Zoom with the Historic Sites Director, Erin at erin@lakeshoremuseum.org.
Lakeshore Museum Center has a wide variety of Educational Loan Kits containing many useful and fun tools to enhance almost any lesson. Resource binders include lesson plans, helpful teaching tips, artifact/specimen explanations and websites for additional information. The Loan Kits are available at no cost and can be checked out for a maximum of two weeks.
Loan kit subject descriptions are available in our Teacher’s Guide.
To reserve a loan kit, call Jennifer Reeths, at (231) 724-5543 at least two weeks in advance. Please have a program or loan kit and several possible dates and times selected.
Muskegon County Schools
Free Class Admission to Museum
Out-of-County Admission and Program Fees
Class Admission to Museum
(Includes 1 teacher and up to 5 chaperones)
- $90 for a class of 16-30 students
- $45 for a class of 15 or less students
- $3 for each student over 30
- $5 for each additional chaperone
Museum-led Program
(Includes 1 teacher and up to 5 chaperones)
- $30 for up to 30 students for each program
- $1 for each additional student over 30
- $5 for each additional chaperone
Out-of-County Outreach Fee
Outreaches are now available to schools outside Muskegon County, within a 50 mile radius of the museum. Contact the Programming Department at 231-724-5533 if you are unsure if your school is within this radius. For a list of available programs see the Teacher’s Guide at the top of this page.
Cost:
- $100 for the 1st presentation for up to 30 students, and $50 for each additional presentation of up to 30 students.
- Plus federal mileage rate for round trip from museum.
- $100 deposit is required 2 weeks prior to program with remainder due the day of program.
Interactive Worksheets
Teachers, community groups and parents can use the PDF resources below for even more interactive fun during your museum visit.
Animal Detective
Artifact Detective
New Museum Challenge and Key
Coming to the Lakes Challenge & Key
Habitats Gallery Advanced I Spy
Habitats Gallery Mammals I Spy
I-Try Scavenger Hunt
Nearly Impossible Scavenger Hunt & Key
Additional primary resources and exhibit related information is available for teachers. Please email pat@lakeshoremuseum.org if you need additional materials.
TEACHER TESTIMONIALS
BIG Lesson is always the highlight of our year. The students are immersed in the learning and are able to make meaning of and connections to history. Education has become student-driven and this week is truly all about the kids! I try to use this same construct with other units, but the resources at the museum are invaluable. Former students often stop me and ask if I’m going to the museum again!
-Dee Lakos, Teacher, Lakeside Elem