* BE punctual, especially if you are scheduled for a ship tour, focus program or other special program. Groups are scheduled at specific times to avoid simultaneous arrivals; thus late arrivals inconvenience everyone.
* BEHAVIOR such as running or roughhousing in the Museum or on board the Ships cannot be tolerated, due to risk of injury or accident. Behavior is the responsibility of the adult supervisor. Please follow your school rules for behavior. We expect elevated sound levels as groups of children become enthusiastic about exploring, discovering, and learning from the exhibits. We suggest that reasonable limits be applied-not as loud as a playground, not as quiet as the library. Smoking and pets (except service animals) are prohibited in the museum. Gum chewing is also discouraged in both the Museum and the Ships for maintenance reasons. Conservation of collections is one of our principle missions. It is our responsibility to protect them from substances that cause damage or attract pests.
* THERE are areas of the Museum in which live animals are exhibited. We are responsible for providing a nonthreatening environment for these animals. Vibration is a natural warning signal and can be upsetting. Students should not knock on the glass of exhibits containing live animals.
* THE Children's Wharf is an interactive area intended for children from 3 to 7 years of age and their parents or adult supervisors. We have found that older children are frequently unaware of the harm they can cause to younger children. The older children are also not as careful with these exhibits and they can be easily damaged.
* BUSES can unload/load on the bridge side of the Museum. Buses should stop for loading/unloading on Chaparral Street adjacent to the Xeriscape Garden. For safety reasons, buses SHOULD NOT drive into the parking lot on the bridge side of the Museum. After students are unloaded, buses and other vehicles accompanying a field trip may park in the parking lot that is across the street from the Xeriscape Garden.
* THE Museum DOES NOT have a food court, although the gift shop sells sodas, water and snacks. If you bring sack lunches, the Watergarden Area in back of the Museum is an excellent place for picnic lunches. The Museum also has a covered seating area on the Santa Maria Plaza that can be used for picnic lunches. |
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