FAQ for the CalTeach Learning Lab
1) I am a teacher/school coordinator who is interested in bringing my class to the Learning Lab at UC Merced. How do I reserve a time?
STEP 1: Sign up for our 2025-2026 email distribution list. You will be notified when field trip reservations open in early August. Due to demand, the Learning Laboratory books the upcoming academic year in under two weeks. Booking is on a first-come first-serve basis.
STEP 2: You will submit a reservation request when booking opens in early August. Once submitted, You will receive a follow-up email from CalTeach, Director of Outreach and Education, Mariah Gonsalez at mgonsalez2@ucmerced.edu to confirm the details of your request.
STEP 3: If selected for a field trip, you will receive a reservation confirmation. Appropriate waivers/documents will be sent out to the main coordinator of the visiting K-12 student group to fill out.
2) How many students can the Learning Lab accommodate?
The CalTeach Learning Lab can accommodate up to 72 students per field trip.
3) What if i have a student group larger than 72 students and I want them to participate in the CalTeach Learning Lab?
Groups larger than 72 students will be separated into two field trip dates unless arrangements can be made to accommodate your specific group size.
4) What kind of activities does the Learning Lab offer?
The Learning Lab offers hands-on STEM experiences for visiting K-12 students. Lessons are developed using NGSS and Common Core standards and designed to introduce students to concepts that are not commonly taught in K12 schools.
Fields of study introduced in the CalTeach Learning Lab:
- Hands-on Math Concepts
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Environmental Science
- Microbits & Programming
- Biotechnology Experiments
- Biology and Medicine
- and so much more!
