Field Trips and Programs Registration

About Virtual and On-site Field Trips

The Howard B. Owens Science Center staff is dedicated to providing engaging learning experiences that align with the Next Generation Science Standards and enrich and support Prince George's County Public Schools curricula. 

Registration for SY 2023-2024 for our first-semester field trips and programs is now open. Use the registration link below.  If you have any questions, please email howardb.owens@pgcps.org or call 301-918-8750.  Virtual Field Trips are conducted with a Howard B. Owens Science Center instructor via Zoom. 

All field trips will remain virtual for the first semester of SY2023-2024. Virtual field trips are 60-90 minutes in length. On-site field trips will begin to occur at the HBOSC during the third quarter, and transportation will be scheduled by the HBOSC for PGCPS students.  All field trips and programs are free to PGCPS students; however, all transportation costs are the responsibility of the attending school.    

Field Trip Descriptions     Registration for  Field Trips

Frequently Asked Questions

All answers have been provided by Ms. Lorrie Armfield, Program Administrator/Instructional Supervisor. Please email howardb.owens@pgcps.org with any questions. 

Q - Is there a notification process for parents for virtual field trips? Can they opt out of the trip? 

A - It’s up to the visiting classroom teacher to decide what students will do if they do not participate. There is no permission slip or parent notification required. However, we highly suggest that you inform parents using your school’s approved method of communication. When informing parents, include the date, time, field trip title/content topic, and names of HBOSC’s staff members who will be instructing their students.

Q - Is there a notification for the administration for virtual field trips?

A - Teachers MUST have the permission of their principal before signing up. A confirmation email will go out from Owens confirming a field trip and cc the principal. That will be the administrator's notice that a trip was booked.

Q - Do these virtual trips need to be approved by the area office?

A - No. WE ARE EXEMPT FROM ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE 6153. Administrative Procedure 6153 (See Section H) 

Q - Are chaperones needed or allowed?

A - No, chaperones are not allowed. This is for student privacy reasons. All programs have been created with this in mind.

Q - Are parents allowed to join the trip? 

A - Parents cannot join the trip; only teachers and students through their PGCPS account.

Q - Student cameras have the option to be on or off, correct? 

A - Yes, students have the option to have their cameras on or off. We ask that all students check with their teachers when participating in a virtual field trip in the PGCPS classroom.  

Q - Can/should we record lessons during virtual field trips? 

A - No, virtual field trips should not be recorded by the classroom teacher, HBOSC staff, or students/parents.