School Tours

Lightship Columbia
Experience life aboard the National Historic Landmark, Lightship Columbia. This hands-on program provides science, math, geography, and history activities. Students participate in a variety of stations that include: weather recording, mapping, signal flag communication, Morse code, and measuring the depth of the river. Pre-visit materials are provided and will prepare students for their visit. Limit 25 students.
Grades 3-8. Allow 1 ½ hour minimum

Chart Your Course Through History
Discover Northwest and maritime history through a docent-guided tour of the Museum. Skilled docents lead students through the six galleries and onboard the Lightship Columbia. Tours may be tailored for specific areas of study.
Grades K-12. Allow 1 ½ hour minimum

Explorer’s Tour
Take the Explorer’s Challenge and embark on an exciting voyage of discovery through the Museum. This self-guided tour allows students time to explore artifacts at their own pace. Through the use of a guidebook, hands-on materials and carefully selected tour stops, teachers and students will actively explore the Museum and discover the information needed to solve their challenge.
Grades 1-8. Allow 1 ½ hour minimum

Gallery Scavenger Hunt
This program is designed for teachers looking for something other than a guided tour through the Museum. Take your class on a scavenger hunt through the galleries that will provide more active participation from your students. The Education Department can tailor the hunt to your needs if you desire. Call us for more information.
Grades K-8. Allow 1 ½ hours minimum.

An Introduction to the Museum
Expose your young students to the world of museums. They will discuss the reason for museums, handle replicas and artifacts that pertain to our collection, and explore some our special artifacts with one of our trained docents.
Grades K-2. Allow 1 hour minimum.