Phriendly Physics field trip

Our Phriendly Physics field trips get students hands-on with physics!

Phriendly Physics is a Next Generation Science Standards-focused physical science field trip for elementary school students to Fermilab’s Lederman Science Center.

Field trip activities

Teachers may schedule one or more of the four available Phriendly Physics field trips at Fermilab. Each of the field trip topics focuses on physics concepts inspired by current Fermilab research. Each topic has unique hands-on activities at Lederman Science Center.

Electricity and Magnetism

Explore the properties of magnets and electrical circuits to discover how they are part of the same force! Students will design and construct an electromagnet, test different types of magnets, investigate different types of circuits, and discover what creates natural batteries. Data is recorded throughout each of the explorations.

Standards alignment

• 2-PS1-1
• 3-PS2-2
• 3-PS2-3
• 4-PS3-2

Forces and Motion

Investigate Isaac Newton’s first (inertia) and second (acceleration) laws through a series of explorations, while comparing and contrasting data. Students will discover the physics of accelerated and non-accelerated motion and will work through simple machines. Students will also investigate force and lift, and then consider their applications to the world.

Standards alignment

• K-2-ETS1-2
• 3-PS2-1
• 3-PS2-2
• 5-PS2-1

Light and Color

Discover the fascinating properties of light and make connections to the world! Students will use everyday tools to explore and observe the properties of white light, colored light, shadows, refraction, and reflection. Students will also experience real-world scientific applications of these concepts through a spectroscopy demonstration.

Standards alignment

• 1-PS4-2
• 2-PS1-1
• 4-PS4-2
• 5-PS1-3

Matter and Its Interactions

Investigate the properties of materials and substances and explore the unseen! Students will analyze data obtained from testing different materials to learn about the various properties of matter and the processes that change them. Students will observe more-extreme changes in the properties through a liquid nitrogen demonstration.

Standards alignment

• 2-PS1-1
• 2-PS1-3
• 5-PS1-1
• 5-PS1-3

Field trip details

• Teachers can bring students to Fermilab for free field trips!
• Field trips must be scheduled at least four weeks in advance.
• Group size: minimum of 10 students within the same grade level, maximum of 60
• If your group exceeds the capacity for a given field trip, you may plan multiple visits to accommodate everyone.
• Program length: 2 hours
• Chaperones: One adult chaperone (instructor or responsible adult) is required for every five students. Field trips are not permitted for groups that arrive without the minimum number of required chaperones.
• Teachers, aides, chaperones, and any participants 18 years of age and older MUST have a REAL ID-compliant document, such as a passport or enhanced driver’s license, to enter Fermilab. More information about accepted documents is linked here.

Field trip essentials

To fully prepare your students for a physical science or life science visit, you must participate in either a two-hour training session or a summer teacher workshop. These will give you all the information and resources to implement engaging preparatory activities in the classroom that introduce the essential concepts, content, and logistics of the field trip. Your participation will allow your students to learn more about the research and ecology of Fermilab and to better appreciate their on-site experience.

Click here to learn more about the required field trip essentials and to register for future sessions.