Maryland Science Center: For Educators: Traveling Science Program: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mission and purpose of the Traveling Science Program?
The Traveling Science Program supports the mission of the Maryland Science Center by taking the spirit of MSC beyond the wall of the building; we contribute to science literacy while inspiring an excitement and hunger for learning.

What is the geographical reach of the Traveling Science Program?
The mid-Atlantic region is covered by TSP: Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware and the District of Columbia.

How many people does the Traveling Science Program see in a year?
Though actual totals depend heavily on the types of programs booked and weather concerns, TSP averages 120,000-130,000 people served per year.

What grade levels does the Traveling Science Program serve?
There are TSP programs offered for students in K-12; however, we spend the majority of our time with K-5.

How many and what type of programs does the Traveling Science Program offer?
There are 9 assembly programs, 8 classroom programs and 5 Starlab programs. Most of our programs focus on physics, chemistry and astronomy though we do touch on biology, earth science and math.

What does the Traveling Science Program do during the summer?
Libraries, libraries, libraries! Our 9 week summer schedule is normally 75% booked within 2 weeks of the schedule opening in January.

How many times does the Traveling Science Program perform per day and per week?
There can be three 2-person teams on the road five days a week performing up to 2 assembly programs, 5 classroom programs or 8 Starlab programs per day.

How many people staff the Traveling Science program?
TSP is an 8 person team: a supervisor, a logistics coordinator (who takes our bookings), and 6 outreach specialists.

What is the background of the performers?
All outreach specialists are required to have a bachelor’s degree. Though many of the performers come from a science, education or theater background there has been a great deal of diversity over the years, including communications, aviation, English and history majors. Currently the team has performers with degrees in: marine science (English minor), marine transportation, physics (philosophy minor), natural history interpretation (yes, that was her real major), psychology (family studies minor) and a double major in theater and elementary education.

What is the standard audience size?
Assembly programs service up to 250 students while classroom and Starlab programs serve up to 30 students per program.

Who writes the Traveling Science Program shows?
ew shows are developed, written and tested by the TSP team itself based on requests from our audience, curriculum topics and national benchmarks for science literacy.

How much do TSP programs cost?
or all pricing information, please see our Reservation Instructions for directions on how to contact our Logistics Coordinator.

If you have any questions, please contact our Logistics Coordinator at 410-545-5968 or email us at outreach@marylandsciencecenter.org.