Burke Museum Home
Ginkgo leaf fossilTrilobitesGateway, MaoriPorcupine, Erethizon dorsatumOcean spray, Holodiscus discolorSkull of Probactrosaurus gobiensisStriped whipsnake, Masticophis taeniatusMaori flax basketKorean alphabetAustralian jumping spiderColumbia River petroglyphSwainson's thrush eggsPeruvian textileHalibut fish hookanglerfishFilipino skirtIvory seal carvingpink fairiesPelt lichen, Peltigera sp.Holding a specimen at Bug BlastNorthwest Coast drumPhoto by Gregory C. JensenHaida bird maskSauropod egg nestBlue-eyed Mary, Collinsia parvifloraTlingit chief's pipeCedar-root basketWater lizard fossilEskimo doll
Group Level:

Study Area:

Tour Type:

Grades 6-8 Tours

Bring a group for special admission rates and programs to fit every age and intellectual interest. Reservations are required.

What is Archaeology? Discovery Tour

Discovery Tour | Cultural Traditions | Earth Sciences

The scientific techniques of examining the past are taught using real tools, artifacts, and Ice Age fossils. Students learn about the detective work that archaeologists do as they piece together clues from our simulated dig sites. Pre-visit curriculum packet contains many other useful ideas for teaching about archaeology in Washington.

Group size:
15 - 35 students
Tour length:
1 hour 15 minutes
Tour times:
M–F call or e-mail for available times
Tour prices:
$8.50/student (adult chaperones free)

Resources about this tour

archeology
Photo by Julie Stein

Middle School Museum Experience

Discovery Tour

Join us for a diverse and interactive museum experience.  Burke educators are ready to accommodate an entire grade as they lead engaging activities in each of our permanent and temporary galleries.  Hands-on learning is encouraged through the use of our teaching collections. Subjects include Earth Science, Life Science, Pacific Rim Cultures, and Northwest Coast Art and Culture.  We will work with your middle school to develop a unique museum experience that will compliment what you are focusing on in school.

*Special arrangements can be made for larger groups, and for groups that request longer visits.

Group size:
15-135 students*
Tour length:
Min. 2 hours
Tour times:
M-F call or e-mail for available times
Tour prices:
$10/student (adult chaperones free)

Resources about this tour

middle school students

Guided Tours

Guided Tours are available for every age and intellectual interest. Museum docents offer the inside story on the collections, the museum's fascinating history, and the many treasures on display. A docent-guided tour is a wonderful way to augment your study of a particular topic, compare ideas, ask probing questions, and see the natural world from a different perspective.

Group size:
15 - 35 students
Tour length:
1 hour
Tour times:
M–F call or e-mail for available times
Tour prices:
$7/student (adult chaperones free)
Tour topics (choose one):
Current Exhibit
Fossils and Dinosaurs
Pacific Rim Cultures
Northwest Coast Art and Culture

Resources about this tour

Pacific Voices gallery

Self-Guided Tours

SELF-GUIDED groups of older students and adults are always welcome. We provide an environment for thoughtful questioning, where real works of art produced by the natural world and by the people who inhabit it are all you need to enjoy a meaningful educational experience. We'll send you a free pass to preview the exhibits so you can create a group visit of your design and focus. The possibilities are limitless.

*Special arrangements can be made for larger groups, and for groups that request longer visits.

Group size:
10–60 students*
Tour length:
1 hour*
Tour times:
Available during regular museum hours (10 am – 5 pm)
Tour prices:
$6/student (adult chaperones free)

Resources about this tour

visitors taking a tour
Photo by MaryAnn Barron