Teacher Resources

How to book a school tour at Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge

Before your tour

Call the front desk receptionist who keeps the tour schedule (865) 482-1074. Have the following information ready:

• Contact person’s name and phone number
  
• The name of your school
  
• The age of the children
  
• The number of children attending
  
• The number of teachers and chaperones attending
  
• State if you want a guided tour or an unguided tour
  
• The time of your arrival
  
• State if you plan to have your lunch at the museum (The museum does not serve food, tours must bring their own lunches) Larger groups of children may eat picnic style on the floor of the gym when it is not in use and smaller groups (12 – 16) may use the table in the gym lobby. There are also parks nearby for outdoor picnics.

Upon Arrival

• Enter through the main lobby
  
• Check in at the front desk to receive tour information and pay for the tour
  
• Larger tours (more than 20) will be divided into smaller groups
  
• If you are having a guided tour, you will meet your guide in the lobby
  
• Children may leave their coats in the lobby
  
• Tours usually take between 11/2 to 2 hours
  
• Please remember to fill out an evaluation before leaving

Ticket Subsidy Program

Children’s Museum participates in the Ticket subsidy program through the Arts Alliance of Greater Knoxville and the Tennessee Arts Commission. Please check the Arts Alliance Ticket Subsidy catalog for upcoming programs. Through this program, schools pay the fees for the event/performance at the museum but they are reimbursed through the Arts Alliance. You should apply early in the year as funds may quickly used up.

Traveling Trunks

Children’s Museum has traveling trunks for use in the classroom on a variety of topics.
Teachers may rent "trunks" for up to 2 weeks. At this time, there is a $25.00 charge along with a refundable deposit of $20.00. to cover any losses or damage. Replacement or damage costs over $20.00 will be requested upon the return of the "trunk" and after an inventory has been conducted.

To check out a trunk, contact the Museum’s Education Director, Lorraine Bowen (865) 482-1074 Ex. 106. She will check to see if the trunk is available and make arrangements for you to pick up the trunk. The museum does not deliver trunks

The following is a list of available trunks:

Regional Appalachian Library

The Regional Appalachian Library, housed in the museum, has many books and audio visual on Appalachian history and culture. Please contact the director, Mary Ann Damos at 8650 482-1074
Ex. 104 to make an appointment to use this resource.

The museum is developing an Appalachian Teacher’s Manual for use on our website. Check our website for future announcements about this new resource.