Science Outreach

Colgate's Robert H. N. Ho Science Center does significant outreach with school groups from throughout central New York during the year.

To schedule a field trip or to find out more information about Colgate's Science Outreach program, please email to scienceoutreach@colgate.edu or call 315-228-6325.

Groups are limited to no more than 50 students per visit.

First graders from the Hamilton Central School district attend instructional events at the Ho Science Center, including a film showing at the Vis Lab

Ho Tung Visualization Laboratory and Planetarium

The state-of-the-art 55-seat digital theater has the ability to display the sky showing planets, constellations, and other astronomical objects as well as immerse the audience in a full-dome experience like no other.

Students conduct original research on a group of ancient Egyptian figural reliefs from the Picker Art Gallery collection

Robert M. Linsley Geology Museum

The Robert M. Linsley Geology Museum exhibits minerals, rocks, and fossils, highlighting the beauty and wonder of these objects while also informing visitors about how geologists study the Earth. Threaded throughout the museum is a specific focus on what we know about New York State's geologic past.

Professor Eddie Watkins and student research assistants examine a plant in Colgate University’s greenhouse.

The Colgate Greenhouse

Our state-of-the-art greenhouse houses an extensive collection that consists of approximately 1000 species. It includes ferns, orchids, cycads, cactus/succulents, bromeliads/epiphytes, plants of economic importance, and flowering vines in approximately 1800 sq. ft. under glass.

Activities and Demonstrations

Science outreach outdoor program — Experiments outside the Ho Science Center.

Below is a list of activities the science outreach center offers to school groups. They are based on grade level and are aligned to New York state learning standards.

Grades Pre K–1
Solar System, a night sky talk

Grades 1–2
Solar System/The Changing Earth: A look at the night sky; Linsley Geology Museum scavenger hunt

Grades 2–4
Solar System: A look at the night sky; meteorites show and tell

Grades 3–4
Energy: Van der Graaf generator

Grades 5–6
Evolution: Paleontological dig; Linsley Geology Museum fossil scavenger hunt

Solar System: Make a comet; night sky talk; meteorite display/Linsley Geology Museum

Forces: Volcanology

Grades 7+
Evolution: paleontological dig; Linsley Geology Museum

Solar System: night sky talk; meteorite display/Linsley Geology Museum

Plant/The Changing Earth/Matter: greenhouse tour/make cytoplasm; Linsley Geology Museum

Energy: Van der Graaf generator