ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

FOR EDUCATORS


	•	WELCOME

	•	ECHO FIELD TRIP: THE MOVIE

	•	REGISTER ONLINE

	•	ECHO SCHOOL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

	•	ECHO EXHIBITS

	•	ECHO SCHOOL PROGRAMS

	•	ECHO ENCOUNTERS

	•	EDUCATOR ENRICHMENT EVENINGS

	•	ECHO EARTH WEEKS

	•	LCBP RESOURCE ROOM

	•	LAKE CHAMPLAIN LIVE! BOAT PROGRAM

PLAN YOUR FIELD TRIP

Need up-to-the minute ECHO info? Contact your ECHO School Ambassador - your school’s ECHO liaison and resource. If your school doesn't have an ECHO School Ambassador consider becoming one today! Click here for responsibilities and benefits!

PLANNING CHECKLIST

Review ECHO School Programs.
Determine your preferred field trip dates.
Review Pre and Post Activities.
Find out about current and upcoming Exhibits.
Review ECHO Encounters and downloadable ECHO Treks.
Estimate the number of students, grade(s), and adults to maintain 1:5 ratio.
Calculate your admission and program fees from our Fee and Payment information.
Determine if your school is eligible for an ECHO School Scholarship.
Check our Hours of Operation. Most field trips last about three hours including lunch.
Add time to visit to ECHO's Eclectic Gift Shop.
Review Parking information and plan your transportation needs.
Read ECHO’s Cancellation Policy.
Sign up for ECHO Earth Weeks and Art Contest – an opportunity assess student learning.

Go paperless and complete your Online Registration Form. Our registrar will review your requests and call to confirm your field trip needs. A confirmation letter will then be mailed to you with billing information. If you have problems sending the Registration Form online, then please call us Toll-Free at 1-877-ECHOFUN x127.

CHAPERONES & STUDENT GUIDELINES

Chaperones play a very important role in making your group's visit as rich as possible. In return for your help, ECHO provides complimentary admission for one chaperone per every five students and a complimentary admission for your bus driver. Download ECHO's Chaperone Guidelines and Expectations.

FEES AND PAYMENT

FREE!	Teachers who can show their NEA Membership or a copy of their Teaching Certificate receive free admission everyday!
FREE!	One chaperone per five students (1:5) ratio
$4.50	Per student
$7.00	Each additional adult
$30.00	ECHO Staff-led one hour Programs
$75.00	ECHO Staff-led Inquery Programs (10:00AM - 1:00PM) includes lunch and group assessment session - same topic for up to 60 students
$100.00	Scholarship maximum per school year

All ECHO programs and group visitations require registration at least two weeks in advance of your desired arrival date. All groups are on a first come, first serve basis for scheduling. Payment must be received upon arrival. Check our School Scholarship Program for school eligibility requirements. ECHO accepts VISA, MasterCard, American Express, cash and checks made out to "ECHO". No purchase orders, please. See our cancellation policy below.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

ECHO is pleased to offer schools an opportunity to apply for an ECHO School Scholarship. The scholarship is a discount of up to $100 off the total cost of your field trip. Eligibility requirements ask that your school currently be serving a minimum of 30% of enrolled students who are on free or reduced lunch according to federal income guidelines. All Scholarship applications will be processed on a first come, first serve basis once your field trip is confirmed. Scholarship funds are limited. Please, one scholarship per school. To submit a Scholarship Application please print and fax your application to ECHO, Attn: Tracy Truzansky FAX: 802.864.6832.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Regular Hours: Daily 10:00AM - 5:00PM

School Groups w/ Reservations: Monday - Friday 9:30AM to 5:00PM.

Winter Hours: Open November 1 - March 31st Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00AM - 5:00PM. ECHO will be closed on most Mondays. We will also be closed on Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Eve and Day.

THE ECHO CAFE

The ECHO café operates during the summer season only. For school groups, the café offers excellent lunch seating overlooking the Lake. Schools are expected to bring bag lunches. Our front desk will coordinate your lunch break on the day of your visit.

ECHO'S ECLECTIC GIFT SHOP

ECHO's Eclectic Gift Shop is filled with wonderful science-themed items and local Vermont products. Prices are reasonable for student budgets. Consider a wide variety of items for classroom activities, decorations, lesson props, or thoughtful presents for chaperones.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Trips may be cancelled and rescheduled due to weather conditions without penalty. If you are concerned about weather, please call the day before your trip. For non-weather related cancellations, schools must contact us within 10 working days to re-schedule, or pay a cancellation fee of $100.

PARKING

Buses will unload in front of ECHO and park in our rear lot. Your bus driver receives complimentary admission. Schools traveling by private car pay $4.00 per car. ECHO is located at One College Street on the Waterfont in Burlington, Vermont