The Fire Museum of Memphis offers a free fire safety field trip for students. Interactive fire safety exhibits and historical artifacts are on display. Children will learn the dangers of fire, how to find an escape route out of the fire maze, learn fire safety tips in the fire safety house, and hear the history of Memphis firefighting. The fire safety program lasts one hour. Allow extra time for the students to explore the museum, play on the fire trucks and slide down the fire pole in the play area. Advance reservations are required for the fire safety field trip. The museum can accommodate groups from 10 to 60 students and chaperones.
The Memphis Zoo welcomes students to explore and learn about its many animals. The zoo's education department can customize activities to coincide with your fifth graders' curriculum. Dirt on Plants, Rainforest Adventure, Wonderful World of Biomes and Owls Eat Whoo are examples of some of the zoo's educational programs geared toward a fifth grade curriculum. Advance reservations are required for field trips. One chaperone per every 10 students is required. The zoo opens at 9 a.m.; plan a full day field trip for your class.
The Playhouse on the Square offers students an opportunity to enjoy the art of live theatre. Matinee performances are available for student field trips. "Rag Time," "Peter Pan," "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "The Main Street Kid's Club" are some of the performances on the 2011 schedule. Study guides and conversations with the actors are an added educational feature at the playhouse. Reservations are required. Ticket cost can be partially funded by the Greater Memphis Arts Council to qualifying groups.
The Agricenter is the world's largest farm and research center. Students can experience hands-on how plants grow and produce food. They will learn about various types of crops. There are many programs designed specifically for fifth grade students. The "Plant Exploration" tour teaches students about cotton, soy beans and corn. "Discover the Forest" will allow students to learn about trees and their job. The "Water Festival" is all about water. "Ecosystem Scavenger Hunt" will allow students to explore the forest and ecosystem. "Farm Education Day" gives students a close up look at farm animals and crops. Reservations are required for all group field trips.