Educational STEM Tours for Students
Science, Technology & Innovation Trips
Innovation, ingenuity, and inspiration: our STEM-focused tours will provide your students with real-world, hands-on experiences that breathe new life into the pages of their textbooks. You’ll find that science and technology show up in unexpected places—you may have admired The Bean in Chicago, but do you know the engineering behind its construction? You’ve seen the White House, but have you discovered the cutting-edge innovations inside the People’s House?
From geographic wonders like caves and waterfalls to the marvels of modern engineering, every STEM journey opens students’ eyes to the world around them. Whether traveling across the country or exploring opportunities close to home, each trip inspires curiosity and deeper learning.
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Mammoth Caves - Spanning over 400 miles underground, it’s the longest known cave system in the world with incredible limestone formations.
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Northern Michigan - Taquamehnon Falls - One of the largest waterfalls East of the Mississippi River, must-see natural landmark in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
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Soo Locks - A marvel of engineering and a vital gateway for ships passing from Lake Superior to the lower Great Lakes.
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Mackinac Island - The only car-free city in the U.S., a charming historical Island featuring a unique blend of history and outdoor adventure.
Chicago
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The Field Museum - World-renowned Museum of Natural History and home to SUE, the most complete T-Rex skeleton ever discovered!
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Adler Planetarium - An array of fascinating exhibits about our solar system and beyond, with a dome for sky shows and a terrace to view the Chicago skyline.
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Shedd Aquarium -A student favorite; a breathtaking hub to learn about marine life and aquatic ecosystems from around the globe.
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Millenium Park - Home to iconic Chicago landmarks like the interactive Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden, and of course, “The Bean”.
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Museum of Science and Industry - A major global center for science education with hands-on exhibits including a coal mine replica and a captured German submarine from World War II.
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McCormick Bridgehouse Museum - See the giant gears that raise Chicago’s iconic bridge and learn about the city’s growth along the river.
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Flyover Chicago - An immersive simulator at Navy Pier that gives you the sensation of flying over the city, complete with wind, mist, and scents.
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Tilt / 360 Chicago - A 94th floor observation deck with panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan, plus TILT, a glass platform that leans visitors out over the skyline.
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Architectural Cruise - View Chicago’s most iconic architecture from the river.
Washington D.C.
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Smithsonian Museums - A collection of world-class museums highlighting history, science, and culture.
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The People’s House - An immersive White House experience with full-size replicas and tech innovations.
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D.C. Botanical Gardens- See diverse plants from around the world in its conservatory and outdoor gardens.
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National Air and Space Museum - Showcases the history of flight and space travel, featuring the 1903 Wright Flyer, the Apollo 11 command module, and a planetarium.
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National Zoo - Home to a wide variety of animals from around the world, including giant pandas, elephants, and lions, with conservation and education programs.
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Udvar-Hazy Aerospace Museum - Home to the Space Shuttle Discovery and a Concorde jet, this museum showcases historic aircraft and artifacts from aviation and space exploration.
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-Spy Museum - Explores the history, techniques, and gadgets of espionage, with interactive exhibits on spies and global intelligence operations
Discovery at the Grand
Attend our “Discovery at the Grand”, two days of fun and educational events on Mackinac Island! This one-of-a-kind overnight trip takes students to the historic and iconic Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, where they will engage in hands-on STEM sessions, explore the island’s natural beauty, and create lasting bonds with peers.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Experiential Learning
About Our Tours
Educational Value
At CTS, we believe the best way to inspire future innovators is to let them experience science, technology, engineering, and math in action.
Our STEM Student Tours connect classroom learning to real-world discovery through interactive visits to cutting-edge research centers, universities, museums, and tech hubs.
Students witness how scientific principles shape our world — from robotics and renewable energy to space exploration and biomedical breakthroughs — sparking curiosity and encouraging them to imagine what’s possible.
Who We Serve
CTS partners with teachers, schools, and youth organizations nationwide to design engaging STEM experiences for students from middle school through high school.
Whether your group is exploring the science behind theme park engineering, touring NASA facilities, or diving into hands-on experiments at a leading science museum, our team ensures each itinerary complements your curriculum and meets educational standards.
Every tour is an opportunity for students to learn, collaborate, and see themselves as the problem-solvers of tomorrow.
What's Included
Every CTS STEM Tour includes expert planning and support from start to finish. Our packages feature:
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Guided access to STEM-focused attractions, labs, and educational centers
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Customized itineraries aligned with STEM learning objectives
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Comfortable transportation and trusted accommodations
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Experienced tour leaders and on-site assistance
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24/7 support and comprehensive safety management
From concept to completion, CTS makes it simple to plan a transformative learning adventure that energizes students and empowers educators — all while making STEM education truly come alive.