ORLA PTA is excited to invite hConnect and ORLA Online students and their families to an in-person field trip to the Pierce College Science Dome—a shared experience designed to spark curiosity, wonder, and big questions about our universe.
This immersive two-hour visit brings students into a unique learning environment where science feels expansive and alive. Families will take part in a hands-on STEM activity, experience the full-dome science film Exo: Are We Alone?, and enjoy the live presentation Strange Space, all woven together to encourage exploration and discussion long after the visit ends.
This field trip is part of ORLA PTA’s broader effort to create meaningful, in-person learning opportunities for our hConnect and ORLA Online communities. Students and families will attend together, learning side by side in a setting that supports connection as well as discovery. Siblings are welcome, and families will remain together throughout the event
Please note, this is not a drop-off field trip.
What to Know Before You Sign Up
The Science Dome is a special environment, and a few key expectations help ensure the experience is smooth and enjoyable for everyone:
Transportation: Families are responsible for their own transportation to and from the venue.
Arrival: Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Late entry is not permitted once a presentation has begun, and all members of our group must be present before entering together.
Inside the Dome: The space becomes very dark once presentations begin, and moving around is not allowed during shows. Some children may feel uneasy in complete darkness, and some viewers may experience motion sensitivity.
Food & Drink: No food or drinks are allowed inside the Science Dome.
Accessibility is an important priority: The Science Dome offers wheelchair seating, accessible front and back rows, open captions for full-dome videos, and assisted listening devices available upon request.
Registration, Cost, and Parking
Each person attending—adults and children—must be registered. The full cost of this field trip is being covered by the ORLA PTA with no cost to attending families, but we welcome donations to support future field trips.
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Registration will close February 24 at noon, so please register early.
A parking pass is required for this visit. Families can print the pass themselves (click here to download ) or pick one up at the ORLA office. Please display on your dashboard during the visit.
Policies & Expectations
Prior to signing up, please review the following links regarding liability, conduct expectations and general info. By signing up, you agree to all of the terms and expectations outlined on their website.
https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/science-dome/liability.html
https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/science-dome/code-of-conduct.html
We’re looking forward to sharing this engaging, hands-on science experience with our hConnect and ORLA Online community. Please register below.