Virtual Field Trips and DE Docs - No Permission Slips Required!

These virtual events let you take students to amazing places and topics that give them remarkable experiences, without ever leaving the classroom. All Discovery Education Virtual Field Trips are free, but may require you to register. There are also many on-demand virtual field trips that you can watch any time.

Clicking on the titles will take you to the event's registration page and the link below will take you to Discovery Education's Virtual Field Trip page. 

Discovery Education Events - https://www.discoveryeducation.com/community/virtual-field-trips/ 

• Meet a Solar Telescope: A Virtual Field Trip to the U.S. National Science Foundation Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope - (Grade: PreK-2 | 3-5) Now Available! Go behind-the-scenes to discover the people and science behind the Inouye Solar Telescope, the world’s largest solar telescope located near the summit of Haleakalā, as we explore the inner workings of our Sun. - Duration: 28 min

• Forging Innovation: A Mission Possible Virtual Field Trip (Grades 6-12) - Premieres October 9. Sign up for a virtual journey into the world of steel to learn how it is made, shaped, and used in innovative engineering to solve complex problems. Duration: 21 min

• Nature's Blueprint: A Virtual Field Trip (Grades: 6-12) - Premieres October 21 - Step into the fascinating world of genomics and discover how scientists are uncovering the secrets of nature’s blueprint. In this Virtual Field Trip, students will learn how genetic mutations influence the traits of living organisms and contribute to groundbreaking medical discoveries. Along the way, they’ll encounter animals with remarkable traits and see how space-based genetic research is helping scientists better understand our environment and life on Earth. - Duration: 26 min

• Careers at Sea and Shore: A Virtual Field Trip to Maritime Manufacturing Centers (Grade 6-12) - Premieres October 29 - Dive into the world of marine innovation with Careers at Sea and Shore: A Virtual Field Trip to Maritime Manufacturing Centers. This Virtual Field Trip takes you on an exciting journey to explore how submarines are built and the amazing careers behind them. Discover how the choices you make today can lead to meaningful and rewarding careers in the future. - Duration: 21 min

• Amphibian Adventures: A Build the Change Virtual Field Trip to the Georgia Wetlands (Grades 3-8) - Premieres December 4 - Join LEGO and Discovery Education on a Virtual Field Trip to Jekyll Island and the Okefenokee Swamp to learn about the lifecycle and habitat of everyone’s favorite web-footed friend: frogs. As an indicator species, frogs can tell us a lot about the health of an entire ecosystem—what’s working and what’s not. “Hop” aboard a swamp boat to explore frog conservation efforts in this exciting VFT, including ways you can build the change to help frogs in your community. - Duration: 25 min

Connect2Texas - https://www.connect2texas.net/pages/home/events/

Note: You will need to register an account before you can register for an event. Not all events are free, but you can filter to only see free events, as well as, events that are still open for registration. Free events fill up fast so be sure to register early!

***The events listed below may have other dates and times that you can register for. Search by title if you need a different time and date.***

• Spotlight Session: Spooky Critters: The Science of Snakes and Spiders - Petroleum Museum (Grade Levels: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade) Thursday, October 30, 2025, 9:00-9:45am MST/El Paso - On October 30th, students will slither and crawl into the fascinating world of spiders and snakes! They’ll explore how these amazing creatures move, hunt, and survive! Observing how they use their sticky webs to catch prey or slithering quickly on smooth scales, students will get a first-hand look at uncovering their uniquely spooky superpowers. This spotlight is designed to spark curiosity, build respect for wildlife, and highlight the important roles spiders and snakes play in nature!

• Dinos 101 - Petroleum Museum (Grade Levels: Pre Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade) - Monday, October 06, 2025, 11:00-11:45am MST/El Paso - Students will journey back in time to learn about the various species of dinosaurs that lived during the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, including those that lived in the area now known as Texas. Dig into topics including fossils, trace evidence, geology, carnivores, herbivores, omnivores, and more! Includes a 40-minute interactive program with a museum educator and materials mailed for post-program extension activities. Diamondback Energy generously sponsors Dinos 101 for the 2025-2026 school year.

• Little Learners Storytime: Dancing Hands- How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln - Amon Carter Museum of American Art(Grade Levels: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade) Monday, October 20, 2025, 8:30-9:00am MST/El Paso - Listen to a fun story and explore connections between American art and literature. This month, we'll be reading Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln by Margarita Engle. *Please note there is a minimum registration of 10 students for interactive programs.

• State Symbols: What Makes Texas, Texas? - Bullock Texas State History Museum (Grade Levels: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade) Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 8:30-9:15am MST/El Paso - What comes to mind when you think of Texas—bluebonnets, armadillos, or maybe the state flag? In this fun and interactive program, explore some of the official symbols chosen to represent our state. Discover the meaning behind these symbols and explore what they say about the Lone Star State. From flowers to flags, it’s a celebration of Texas pride that sparks curiosity and state spirit!

• Chasing the Dream: U.S. Westward Expansion (INTERACTIVE) - Amon Carter Museum of American Art (Grade Levels: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade) Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 9:15-10:00am MST/El Paso - Journey west as the United States adds new territory beyond the Mississippi River. Explore artworks documenting the Oregon Territory, the U.S.–Mexican War, and the California Gold Rush.

• Texas Tombstones: What Cemeteries Teach Us About Texas History - Bullock Texas State History Museum (Grade Levels: 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade) Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 10:30-11:20am MST/El Paso - Discover the stories buried in Texas’s historic cemeteries! What makes a cemetery “historic,” and why preserve these places? Explore diverse Texas cemeteries and uncover clues about people and events that shaped the Lone Star State. Through maps, headstone analysis, and historical context, learn how cemeteries reflect community heritage. Promote empathy and respect for preservation using Texas history connections in a meaningful way.

• Beasts, Birds, and Bugs: Art and the Natural Environment (INTERACTIVE) - Amon Carter Museum of American Art (Grade Levels: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade) Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 12:15-1:00pm MST/El Paso - Investigate the ways artists have used close observation to represent the world around them. Let the Carter’s collection help you study creatures and identify their roles in the life cycle. *Please note there is a minimum registration of 10 students for interactive programs.

• Genre Discovery: Fractured Fairy Tales - Bullock Texas State History Museum (Grade Levels: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade) Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 8:30-9:15am MST/El Paso - Saddle up for a Texas twist on a classic tale! Enjoy an entertaining reading and discussion of the story Bubba, the Cowboy Prince by Helen Ketteman. Explore the fairy tale genre and key literary elements such as character, setting, problem and solution. Discover what makes this Western romp a fractured fairy tale as you compare and contrast this story with its familiar fairy tale partner. Yeehaw!

• Planet Earth (INTERACTIVE) - Amon Carter Museum of American Art (Grade Levels: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade) Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 9:15-10:00am MST/El Paso - Tour the planet through the Carter’s collection and discover how artists have played a role in conservation efforts while highlighting the world’s beauty. *Please note there is a minimum registration of 10 students for interactive programs.

• French Explorers in Texas — How La Salle Changed History - Bullock Texas State History Museum (Grade Levels: 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, Adults) Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 10:30-11:20am MST/El Paso - Dive into a Texas-sized story of 17th-century exploration, shipwreck, and discovery! Learn about French explorer La Salle and how he and his sunken ship, La Belle, reshaped Texas history. Investigate artifacts, uncover the impact of La Belle’s sinking, and explore the remarkable technology used to excavate, preserve, and bring the mystery of this 300-year-old ship to life.

• Tell me a Story: Literary Elements and Art (INTERACTIVE) Amon Carter Museum of American Art (Grade Levels: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade) Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 12:15-1:00pm MST/El Paso - All the world’s a stage as we examine narrative elements used by artists who create works to tell a story.  *Please note there is a minimum registration of 10 students for interactive programs.

• Spanish Missions in Texas Bullock Texas State History Museum (Grade Levels: 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, Adults) Thursday, October 23, 2025, 9:30-10:20am MST/El Paso - Dates covered: 1650–1750 - Who were the first Europeans to try to tame the Texas landscape? Learn why the Spanish built missions in Texas in the 16th and 17th centuries—and what impact they had on American Indians who lived in the area. With the help of maps, timelines, and historical sources, investigate the goals, struggles, and lasting effects of the Spanish mission system and whether these missions were a success, a failure, or something in between.

• American Indians: Cultures and First Encounters Bullock Texas State History Museum (Grade Levels: 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade) Friday, October 24, 2025, 10:30-11:20am MST/El Paso - Dates covered: 1500s–1600s - Step back in time to explore the lifestyles of early American Indian tribes of Texas, such as the Caddo, Jumano, Apache and Karankawa. Learn about where they lived, foods they ate, farming, hunting, and other aspects of their lives prior to meeting Spanish explorers. Discover through paintings and artifacts how the lives of both the American Indians and the Spanish explorers changed after their first encounters in the land that would become Texas.

• Chasing the Dream: U.S. Westward Expansion (INTERACTIVE) Amon Carter Museum of American Art (Grade Levels: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade) Friday, October 24, 2025, 12:15-1:00pm MST/El Paso - Journey west as the United States adds new territory beyond the Mississippi River. Explore artworks documenting the Oregon Territory, the U.S.–Mexican War, and the California Gold Rush. *Please note there is a minimum registration of 10 students for interactive programs.

• Rocks Rock! Petroleum Museum (Grade Levels: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade) Monday, October 27, 2025, 9:00-9:45am MST/El Paso - Rocks Rock! is generously sponsored by Diamondback Energy for the 2023-2024 school year. Geared for students in third through sixth grade, this interactive program sets a geological foundation for students by covering key concepts such as layers of the earth, the rock cycle, fossil fuel formation, and more.  This program can be tailored to fit the needs of your classroom. Includes a 40-minute interactive program with a PBPM museum educator and materials mailed for post-program extension activities.

• Vaqueros: The Original Texas Cowboys Briscoe Western Art Museum (Grade Levels: 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade) Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 10:30-11:15am MST/El Paso - Who were the original Texas Cowboys? Join the Briscoe Museum to learn about Vaqueros. A museum educator will lead students to discover who they were, where they came from, and why they were important to the development of the west.

We suggest scheduling groups of 35 students so that most of your students can participate in the interactive parts of the program. Please note that the date and time will be reserved for you and your students. The teacher must serve as a co-host during the lesson. The teacher will assist in calling on students and managing any behavior concerns.

There may be two classrooms participating in this program. If you want to be the only classroom participating, please email education@briscoemuseum.org.

If the date/time listed on the calendar for this program does not work for you, please email education@briscoemuseum.org to schedule the program at a different date/time.

• Byte-Sized Coding Petroleum Museum (Grade Levels: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade) Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 11:00-11:45am MST/El Paso - Geared towards students in Kindergarten - 4th grade, our objective is to help students create a solid foundation in coding by using interactive "Unplugged Coding" activities and incorporating common coding vocabulary. Through coding, students can develop and strengthen a number of important skills, such as algorithmic thinking, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.

This program can be tailored to fit the needs of your classroom. Registration includes a 40-minute interactive program with a PBPM museum educator and materials mailed for post-program extension activities.

• Hatchery Water: How it Flows! (Interactive) Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (Grade Levels: 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade) Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 9:00-9:45am MST/El Paso - Join a member of TPWD's Marine Development Center to learn all about the use of water in a fish hatchery and how the water and nitrogen cycles affect how water is used at the facility. Learn about how biotic and abiotic factors directly interact with our fish and guide how we care for them in different hatchery environments. The topics covered in this program will be appropriate for grades 6-8.

Interactive sessions are limited. If you are unable to use a camera and microphone to interact with the presenter, please sign up for a non-interactive session.

• Fueled By Science: Energy Petroleum Museum (Grade Levels: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade) Friday, October 31, 2025, 9:00-9:45am MST/El Paso - Fueled By Science:  Energy is generously sponsored by Ovintiv for the 2023-2024 school year. Geared for students in grades Kindergarten through sixth grade, this interactive program fuels students' insights into the world of energy, conservation of energy, real-world examples of energy, and more.  This program can be tailored to fit the needs of your classroom.  Includes a 40-minute interactive program with a PBPM museum educator and materials mailed for  post-program extension activities.

• Storytime: Creepy Crayon! (INTERACTIVE) Amon Carter Museum of American Art (Grade Levels: Pre Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade) Friday, October 31, 2025, 9:00-9:40am MST/El Paso - Join us to experience the funny and creepy tale of Jasper Rabbit. Creepy Crayon! by Aaron Reynolds tells the story of Jasper who struggles with his schoolwork because there are just too many other fun things to do. Soon he finds a special crayon that's purple, it's pointy, it's perfect. Or is it? Students will make connections to the story and works of art from the Amon Carter Museum of American Art collection.

• All About Alligators (LIVE ANIMAL RECORDING) Texas Wildlife Association (Grade Levels: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade) Friday, October 31, 2025, 12:00-1:00pm MST/El Paso - To register for this recording, go to TWA's Distance Learning webpage. Be sure to download the follow-along worksheet and post activities. This program features the largest reptile in Texas and North America, the American Alligator. We will discuss the wetland habitats they call home, their adaptations including their role in the food chain as an apex predator, and the differences between alligators and crocodiles. Students will also get to see a real alligator egg and skull, as well as our guest star, a real live alligator.