Ripley's  Sea  Aquarium
Field Trip Activity

Congratulations!  Your group has been assigned the responsibility of planning your classes next field trip to Ripley's Sea Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Your group must gather all of the vital information necessary for planning a successful field trip, such as:

  the admission price for students and adults

    a meal menu and cost of meals (adults, students)

    mileage to and from your school to the aquarium

    the cost of bus fees: ___ cents per mile x ___miles

    bus driver fees

     required number of chaperones

    create a time schedule: departure, arrival, lunch, and return to your school

Once this information has been gathered and computed your group must then present it to your classmates.  In addition, your presentation must include an overview of the attractions and activities that are featured at the sea aquarium and relate the field trip to your thematic unit on Oceans and Ocean Life.
 
 

The fees for admission to the aquarium are as follows:

Students (K - 12) $6.00
(This includes a souvenir guidebook.)
Additional adult chaperones - $6.00 per person

**Ripley's requires 1 chaperone per every 5 students.
Chaperones and Teachers are admitted free of charge.  Additional chaperones pay the student rate of $6.00.

Number of students in class: _________ x $6.00 = _____________

Number of chaperones (include teacher): ______ (no charge)

Number of additional chaperones: _______ x $6.00 = ___________

Total number of people visiting Ripley's = ______________

Total amount due for admission: $_________________.
 
 

Now, you must plan the menu for your trip.  Your three menu choices and costs are listed below.  Survey the class members for their choices, create a graph displaying the results of the survey, and calculate the total amount due for the lunches.

Stingray Lunch - $3.25 - Recommended for Grades K - 5.

Menu #1: Chicken Nuggets (6), Potato Chips, Soft Drink or Tea

Menu #2: Hot Dog, Potato Chips, Soft Drink or Tea

Menu #3: Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich, Potato Chips, Soft Drink or Tea
 

Number of students in class: ______________

Menu #1 = ________ Menu # 2 = __________ Menu #3 = _________

_________ X $3.25 = __________Total Due for student lunches.
 
 

Now you must investigate and calculate the total amount of transportation charges for trip.  These charges include: mileage fees, maintenance fees, fuel, oil, and bus driver fees.  Other charges may apply according to your school's policy for bus rentals.  Check with them before beginning to calculate your transportation costs.

Next, you must calculate the mileage from your school to Ripley's Sea Aquarium and back.  Ripley's Aquarium is located on 29th Avenue North and Hwy. 17 ByPass at Broadway at the Beach.

____________ miles x 2 = total number of miles ________________

Cost of bus rental per mile = __________

________miles x mileage rental fee _________ = _______________
Maintenance Fee (gas, oil): ______________

Bus Driver Fee: ___________

Other Charges (if applicable): ___________

Total amount of transportation charges: _______________________

(Remember this total amount must be divided by the total number of students participating in the trip and included in their total field trip costs.)
 
 

 In order for your class to have a successful field trip you must develop and adhere to a time schedule.
1.  First, you will need your mileage from your school to Ripley's (See Part III).  Divide that figure by 55 mph.  This will give you an approximate total travel time for one way.  (Note:  Be sure to plan for heavy traffic during peak travel times at Myrtle Beach.)

2.  Then, multiply that figure by 2 to cover your return travel time.   If your class plans to make additional stops along the way you must include that time also.

3.  Now, you must decide your lunch time.  If possible, I suggest you plan your lunch time at the aquarium to coincide with your regular school lunch time.  You must check with Ripley's to make sure this time is also convenient for them before finalizing your lunch plans.

4.  You must notify the Ripley's representative if your class is interested in scheduling any of the many educational programs available at the aquarium.  Please check their web site for the listing of availabilities offered each season.