Explore Gwinnett Group Tour Guide

Dear Group Planners,

Thanks for your interest in Gwinnett! Located just half an hour from Atlanta, with easy access, affordable hotels and dozens of attractions, Gwinnett County is the ideal hub for your next group trip.

Each year in the United States, millions of people embark on group trips. Bonded groups like yours are excited about connecting, building and learning and we’re excited about helping you do that here in Gwinnett County.

A group trip is also a great way to form new memories. Gwinnett County is the perfect place for you and your group to make lasting memories because we have numerous attractions for all ages, 50 parks for outdoor adventures, numerous museums a with learning opportunities and dozens of groupfriendly restaurants.

We have comfortable, affordable hotels near all of our parks and we offer easy I-85 access to popular intown Atlanta attractions including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Home, Auburn Avenue, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, the Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum and more.

I am looking forward to working with you to make your next group trip, your BEST group trip.

Free Explore Gwinnett Services to motorcoach groups:

• Welcome bags

• Discount coupons

• Assistance in locating groupfriendly restaurants

• Assistance in gathering discounted hotel room blocks

Happy Planning!

Maurice Odoms

maurice@exploregwinnett.org

770-814-6059

• List of attractions with corresponding school curriculum

• Student performance opportunities list

Stay

Complimentary welcome bags for your group include these gifts: Welcome

The

Complete Tour Assistance

We help with recommendations, planning your tour, discount prices, reasonably priced accommodations, and available itineraries, and we do so with personalized attention. We work with you and for you. Our offerings include, but are not limited to:

• Customized Tour Packages

• Group Tours

• High School/College Reunions

• Student Tours

• Airport Meet & Greet

• Step-On Guide Services

• Military and Family Reunions

• City Tours

• Motorcoach Transportation

• Hotel Accommodations

Contact Local Receptive Operator Christine Peters, 404-323-0506

info@lamplightertours.net | lamplightertours.net

VENUES

Performance Venues for Students

Atlanta Gladiators (Duluth): Professional minor league ice hockey team playing at Gas South Arena. The Gladiators play in the South Division of the ECHL’s Eastern Conference and special performance opportunities are available. The Gladiators hockey season runs October through March of each year. See the website for popular events like Teddy Bear Toss and Star Wars Night.”

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament (Lawrenceville): Two-hour dinner theater (special matinees are also offered) featuring staged medieval-style games, sword-fighting, and jousting. History and social studies digital study guides and age-appropriate lesson plans are available. While your group enjoys a four-course feast they will be in awe of the 1,100 seat castle with tiered seating and color coded seating areas. There is plenty of free bus parking. History and social studies digital study guides and age-appropriate lesson plans are available. Complete list of matinee (11:00am) show dates available upon request.

Gwinnett Stripers (Lawrenceville): See the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves baseball team at a 10,000-seat stadium, Coolray Field, in Lawrenceville. Ask about discounted group rates, in-game video board recognition, meal vouchers and the all-you-can-eat picnic option for groups. In addition to group seating, you can also request a suite, or party dock for your group. General admission lawn seats begin at just $9. The baseball season runs April through September, so there is ample opportunity to take part. Check the website for popular promotional nights.

Georgia Swarm (Duluth): Get in on the fast paced, action-packed game of lacrosse with Georgia’s professional team, Georgia Swarm. Games are played at Gas South Arena each season December through April. Ticket options begin at just $11.

Performance Options:

Arena lobby or outdoor walk-up as guests arrive – Min: 75 tickets

Pre-Game PrimeTime – Min: 75 tickets

National Anthem – Min: 100 tickets

First Quarter Break – Min: 25 tickets

Schedule: Game schedule is released annually in September. Lacrosse season runs from the beginning of December to the end of April, then playoffs begin. Most games are on Saturdays at 7:30 PM, with a couple Friday and Sunday games – 10 home games total. Home games at Gas South Arena in Duluth are roughly every other weekend in the spring.

FIELD TRIPS

Top Student Field Trips

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Lilburn):

Give your students a memorable cultural experience at one of the largest Hindu Mandirs in the country. A true architectural marvel, the Mandir is hand carved and made with no nails or steel! Mandir welcome visitors of all faiths. The Mandir is currently a place of worship, so your group might even witness a sacred Arti ceremony. The Mandir provides and educational video, guides or an audio tour by reservation. Dress code enforced. No cost, but donations are appreciated. Advance reservations are requested for large groups.

Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta): Noted as the largest aquarium in the U.S., students will explore educational exhibits featuring hundreds of species and thousands of animals across its seven major galleries, all of which reside in more than 11 million US gallons of water. Explore the new sharks exhibit to give your group a closer look at these often-feared creatures of the sea. Behind-the-scenes tours and hands-on experiences available. Instructor led lessons and pre-recorded lessons are available for your group. Student topics include conservation efforts, marine habitats and species and life cycle. Programs are aligned to Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) and include a grade-specific, downloadable Teach Guide with pre- and post-visit activities.

Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center (Buford): This environmental and cultural community center and museum offers numerous curriculum-based STEAM programs for K-12 students. The center was designed to be a green building and to utilize less water and energy than other buildings of its size.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Atlanta): Located in downtown Atlanta, this interactive museum is dedicated to the achievements of the civil rights movement in the United States and the broader worldwide human rights movement. Students, elementary through college, will find the Center to be one-of-a kind educational experience, with immersive exhibits, guided tours and downloadable personal guides to help them make the most of their experience. The Center aims to connect the American Civil Rights Movement to current global Human Rights Movements and inspire students to actively engage in the worldwide discussion about civil and human rights. Whether coming with a group or alone, students have access to downloadable guides tailored for Grades 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Due to subject matter, the Center is not recommended for any students under 3rd grade. See website for discussion questions and printable field guides. Teacher Guides are directly correlated to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and English Language Arts, along with the Next Generation Science Standards and the C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards. Also included are the Georgia Standards of Excellence for your planning needs. You will also find ready-to-copy activity worksheets, with detailed instructions for both teachers and students, allowing for straight-forward assessment.

FIELD TRIPS

Top Student Field Trips

Stone Mountain Park (Stone Mountain): Consistently ranked as the state’s most visited attraction Stone Mountain Park is nestled within 3200 acres of natural beauty, featuring historical attractions, outdoor recreational activities and a variety of on-site events. Dozens of festivals and educational events happen each year including Stone Mountain Highland Games, Native American Festival and Pow Wow and Latino Family Festival. Educational and scenic mainstays include the Quarry Exhibit, the grist mill, 15 miles of nature trails or you may choose to traverse the 1-mile trail to the top of the mountain. Students love the Historical Environmental Education Center (HEEC), located at the base of the walk-up trail. The HEEC was created to educate Park guests and local students about the fascinating geology and ecology of Stone Mountain. Visitors can explore the gallery, experiencing everything from interactive science exhibits to the life-size cave with a video about the origin of the mountain. Ask about Stone Mountain Memorial Association’s free admission of school buses to the park (does not include attractions tickets).

Southeastern Railway Museum (Duluth): Over 90 pieces of rolling stock are exhibited on this 30-scre site which serves as the state’s official transportation museum. The museum offers dozens of railway cars for exploration including a railroad car that transported former President Roosevelt. Throughout the property, you and your group will encounter baggage cars, cabooses, postal cars, locomotives, and much more. School group programming include: Georgia on the Move, Civil Rights and Movement, Railroads Expand America and even art education. Guided tours are available by advance reservation. All guided tours include a ride aboard a historic train car (depending upon weather). Ask about discounted group rates. One chaperone is complimentary per 10 students. On-site outdoor picnic area available.

Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary (Lilburn): The Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary offers a close-up view and education about a variety of exotic and domestic animals including wallabies, bears, alpacas, sloths and more. Add-on a zookeeper guide for your tour to hear personal stories and insight into taking care of the animals. Extras for students include feed cups and sack lunches.

Evenings in Gwinnett for Students

Main Event

Groups love spending evenings at Main Event. Get dinner and entertainment in one stop. Ask about group rates and menus. Bowling, gravity ropes, laser tag, story rooms, mini golf, games and more will keep your group happy and busy.

Topgolf

Golf skills are not necessary to have a great time at Topgolf. Located near Mall of Georgia, Topgolf serves as an anchor to The Exchange, one of Gwinnett’s newest entertainment hubs also featuring Andretti Karting. Topgolf offers dozens of climate-controlled hitting bays where students can take aim at larger-than-life targets. Event space is available and a chefcrafted menu will please your attendees.

Treetop Quest

With over 100 obstacles and ziplines your groups will go crazy for Treetop Quest. Courses are suitable for groups ages 4 to 104! Located in the woods of north Gwinnett and adjacent to the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center Treetop Quest would be the perfect endcap to a day spent learning about science and the environment.

FIELD STUDY

Exploratory Field Study for Students

Our engaging educators make science and social studies come alive in both indoor and outdoor (weather permitting) settings. Each exciting. two-hour, guided program provides grade-specific curriculum and an in-depth look at a particular unit of study.

Unless otherwise noted, programs take place at the Environmental & Heritage Center.

Program Fees

Grade Level Fees per student/ chaperone*

Pre-K-High School $8

High School Lab $9

*A $20 per group, per day non-Gwinnett fee will apply. Teachers/staff (with a valid school ID) accompanying students on field studies are free.

FOURTH GRADE

Extreme Weather*

Locations

• Environmental & Heritage Center, Buford

• McDaniel Farm Park, Duluth

• Isaac Adair House, Lawrenceville

• Lawrenceville Female Seminary, Lawrenceville

• Freeman’s Mill Park, Lawrenceville

Some programs are available at additional park locations, weather and date permitting

Meteorology is better understood after experiencing the fury of nature in the Discovery Dome Theater’s, Force Five weather program. Interactive stations engage students with weather equipment, a cloud study, weather scenarios that reinforce frontal systems, and more. A visit to the Discover H2O exhibit along with an exploratory nature hike gives students an up-close view of how water (and weather) shape our world.

STEAM Exploration: Simple Machines, Physical Geography, and the American Revolution*

Discover the impact of physical geography, math, and engineering on key battles. Emphasizing simple machines and period technology, hands-on experiences replicate the activities that groups like the Daughters of Liberty and tradespeople adopted to support the call for independence. Educators in period attire share accounts of the civic contributions of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. Explore how period scientific concepts influenced the drive for independence and participate in a lively debate. This program also offered at McDaniel Farm Park.

What’s Eating You? Ecosystems, Food Chains, and Food Webs*

Go on a guided forest walk to explore the nearby creek critters, and uncover evidence of the aquatic food chain. Discover how diverse plant and animal ecosystems affect the flow of energy that’s required to keep the systems balanced and how pollution can disrupt this delicate system. This program also offered at McDaniel Farm Park, or at a park location near you. For an additional charge, students may dissect owl pellets to reveal the organisms in the owl’s food web to help illustrate this predator’s role in the ecosystem.

Get in Gear: Simple Machines at Freeman’s Mill

Explore the historic Freeman’s Mill and discover the symphony of simple machines that allowed local farmers to grind their corn into meal and feed their families. Students learn how people harnessed the energy of water and used technology from the time period to perform work. They also see how Freeman’s Mill became a thriving commercial center and a hub of social activity for the community.

FIFTH GRADE

Harmful and Beneficial Microbes

Become lab scientists and experience an up close and personal understanding of the differences between harmful and beneficial bacteria. A soil hike on our trails and a microscopic study enrich awareness of where bacteria can be found and the good (and not-so-good) work it can do!

Classification: Plants and Animals of Georgia

to grind their corn into meal and feed their families. Students learn how people harnessed the energy of water and used technology from the time period to perform work. They also see how Freeman’s Mill became a thriving commercial center and a hub of social activity for the community.

FIFTH GRADE

Harmful and Beneficial Microbes

Become lab scientists and experience an up close and personal understanding of the differences between harmful and beneficial bacteria. A soil hike on our trails and a microscopic study enrich awareness of where bacteria can be found and the good (and not-so-good) work it can do!

Classification: Plants and Animals of Georgia

On a guided forest walk discover plants and animals and their importance and dependency on each other. Use tools and technology, “dig into” the scientific importance of soil. An interactive activity with our vast skins, skulls, and scat collection will provide an understanding of the grouping and classifications of living things. This program also offered at McDaniel Farm Park, or at a park location near you (weather and location permitting).

World War I Impacts Georgia: Trenches, Tactics and Technology*

Explore the causes and impact of World War I through the lens of technology, gardening, and food preservation. Using primary sources, investigate life on the home front and in the trenches, the role and contributions of the United States in this world wide conflict, food conservation, and much more. Educators in period attire guide students to create synthetic rubber in the lab and closely analyze various harmful and beneficial microbes that impacted soldiers and those at home. Interact with special floor maps to understand the various nations involved in the conflict.

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? | McDaniel Farm Park

Explore life during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Discover how the McDaniel family survived the challenges of the Great Depression. Participate in farm life through hands-on activities that allow students to work with cotton, experience chores, see the life of a sharecropper, and much more.

Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Meteorology and Hydrology

Student meteorologists collect data using a variety of scientific instruments to predict tomorrow’s weather. Build a hurricane and experience the thrill of being inside one while viewing Force Five in the Discovery Dome. Hands-on exploration in Discover H2O and a guided trail hike provide an up close experience on how water shapes the landscape and how climate change dramatically affects wildlife. GSE/AKS – 6th grade science

Soil Rocks!

Journey through the rock cycle to explore some of Georgia’s rocks, minerals, and soil and discover how natural processes change them. Test minerals to understand their physical properties and how these properties translate to rocks, and then explore outside to identify stages of the rock cycle up-close. See how soil supports our natural and built environments while collecting and analyzing soil samples. A soil hike provides a hands-in-the-dirt understanding of the factors necessary for soil formation and the importance of soil conservation. GSE/AKS – 6th grade science

Everyday Ecology

Dig into the interactions that make earth so dynamic! Model the defining factors of global biomes and track carbon through an ecosystem. Venture into our temperate deciduous forest to reveal local food webs and symbioses and discover the unique adaptations of aquatic macro-invertebrates in our streams and how they respond to human activity. Elements of this program can be combined with elements from the Classification program. This program also offered at McDaniel Farm Park, or at a park location near you (weather and location permitting). GSE/AKS – 7th grade science

Classification and Diversity

Through a guided forest walk, explore the taxonomy and reproductive strategies of local flora and fauna. Sharpen classification skills by identifying skulls and leaves of Georgia species using dichotomous keys. Interactive games and a study of freshwater organisms under the microscope illuminate concepts of natural selection, reproduction, adaptation, and evolution.

Waste Water Adventure*: In With The Dirty, Out With The Clean

*Transportation is needed from the GEHC to the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center. A guided walking tour of the F. Wayne Hill Water Resource Center reveals the mechanics of water treatment including how gravity is used as a physical force to clean water. Experience the transformations of matter and energy throughout the treatment process and understand that energy and nutrients are recovered from what is flushed down the drain! GSE/AKS – 8th grade science

Green Physics

In this “energy filled” experience, study the physics of an obstacle course, discover the physics within our green building, explore natural forces at work in the forest, and actively engage in the physics found within many childhood games. GSE/AKS – 8th grade science

treetop quest

Schools may choose to have students explore the forest’s canopy through the GEHC’s Treetop Quest Adventure Course. There is an additional charge for this activity AP labs and Treetop Quest programs will require additional time.

HIGH SCHOOL

Wastewater Adventure*: In With The Dirty–Out With The Clean

*Transportation is needed from the GEHC to the F. Wayne Hill Water Resource Center. A guided walking tour of the F. Wayne Hill Water Resource Center reveals the many processes wastewater travels through as it is cleaned. Investigate the physical, chemical, and biological methods of treatment at this state-of-the-art facility and understand that energy and nutrients are recovered from what is flushed!

GSE/AKS – AP Biology, Biology, AP Environmental Science, and Environmental Science

Green Physics

In this “energy filled” experience, analyze the physics of an obstacle course, discover the physics within our green building, explore natural forces at work in the forest, and actively engage in the physics found within many childhood games. GSE/AKS – AP Physics and Physics

Forest Adventure

Gather data from the trails to identify and discuss local plant diversity. Observe the stages of succession throughout the forest and learn how land development impacts these stages. An investigation into plant and animal interdependence creates a lasting impression of how forest change affects the delicate balance of nature. Explore the environmental impact of non-native species and take a hands-on approach to restore balance in our Georgia habitat. Students make connections with the natural world and get their hands dirty by experiencing the science in the forest! GSE/AKS – Biology

Stream Adventure

Investigate the health of a stream by performing various water quality tests including temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH. Explore and identify macro invertebrates collected from the stream, getting a snapshot of the stream’s health and an understanding of the relationship between water quality and a thriving forest. Team up to identify six different non-point source pollutants, brainstorm how they entered the stream, and theorize what impact pollutants have on that ecosystem. GSE/AKS – AP Chemistry, Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, Environmental Science, Biology, and Microbiology *Stream Adventure and Wastewater Adventure can be combined for an additional charge.

Green Building Quest: Understanding Historic and Sustainable Architecture

Take an in-depth look at the characteristics of historic and modern green building techniques. Discover how these thoughts and ideas changed over time. Examine first hand examples of nineteenth century architecture and explore the unique features of Gwinnett’s first green building. Learn how historic buildings and landscapes examine themes of daily life – transportation, communication, economics, food-ways, conflict, shelter, recreation, art and more. Discover the latest technologies and future career opportunities in these fields.

GSE/AKS – Cross-curricular standards

Biology Labs | Advanced Placement

Gwinnett County Public Schools only. Labs require additional time.

GSE/AKS – AP Biology, Biology, AP Environmental Science, and Environmental Science • *9th Grade Biology

Big Idea 1

Population Genetics & Evolution Investigation*

Origin of Life Investigation

Big Idea 2

Photosynthesis Leaf Disc Assay Investigation*

Diffusion & Osmosis Investigation*

Cell Respiration Investigation

Big Idea 3

Gel Electrophoresis & Simulated Genetic Screening*

Transformation in Bacteria: Green Florescent Protein

Big Idea 4

Enzyme Activity Investigation*

Animal Behavior Investigation*

Transpiration in Plants Investigation

Gwinnett County Clean and Beautiful Itinerary

Today we stay in Gwinnett County where we will explore the county’s state of the art facilities that keep the environment beautiful and the water clean.

Our first stop is the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center Come enjoy one of the most unique destinations in the southeast! The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center is an educational facility that teaches the community about the importance of being good stewards of the environment, as well as its cultural heritage. The building serves as a model for green architecture by using eco-friendly building products. Make your trip special by visiting its hands-on exhibits, walking the nature trails, and eating a picnic lunch at one of the outdoor pavilions. The Guided Museum Tour includes the Blue Planet Theater (12 minute presentation), Discover H2O and Water Ways Exhibit, Discovery Dome Theater (12-15 minute presentation), Special Exhibit (if available), and a short outdoor interpretative walk on the multi-surfaced trail system (weather permitting).

Picnic lunch included.

After lunch, we take a short drive next door the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center On this tour, you will follow the steps of wastewater treatment and see it all; from the grimy, gritty beginnings to the crystal clear water that is sent back into the environment. Learn how reclaimed water is used around the county and at the GEHC. This tour takes two hours to complete. Please wear closed-toe shoes. This guided tour requires stairs and time outside. The tour is given rain or shine (*).

Lastly, we will visit the Elachee Nature Science Center in Gainesville, Georgia. Elachee sits in the 1,440-acre Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve, one of Georgia’s largest protected and

most ecologically diverse green spaces. Climb aboard the Lake Lanier Aquatic Learning Center (LLALC) floating classroom, Chota Princess II. Elachee instructors will guide students in a hands-on exploration of the history, ecology and challenges facing Lake Sidney Lanier. On shore, Elachee instructors engage students in related watershed activities. The program is offered March through mid-November only. Recommended for grades 4th –12th. 2- hours $16/ per student or 3-hours $20 per student. Board boat at River Forks Park, 3500 Keith Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30504.

Together, these entities are committed to creating a thriving ecosystem of water innovation fueled by imagination, informed by research, and powered by pioneers. This is being accomplished by bringing together the public and private sectors of the water industry, side by side with academia and nonprofits, to tackle the industry’s greatest challenges.

Tonight we stay in the area for an evening of food and fun! Options include a pizza party and bowling at Stars & Strikes, Andretti Karting, Topgolf, or you can attend a baseball game of Gwinnett’s Minor League team, The Stripers Mall of Georgia/ Gwinnett Exchange area also offers plenty of restaurants for dinner on your own.

After dinner, the coach will return you to your hotel.

*For our younger student groups, we can substitute Treetop Quest for the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center. Treetop Quest is a fun, safe zip line course located at the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. No tiptoeing in these treetops! Soar, zip, climb, crawl and swing through the most unique and exhilarating eco-adventure course of its kind in Georgia. Treetop Quest features zip lines, monkey bridges, Tarzan swings and flying foxes at heights of up to 55 feet off the forest floor! The students will receive assistance in getting equipped, and taught how to use their equipment and safety rules before starting their self-guided tour in the treetops.

Group-Friendly Attractions

Your group trip just wouldn’t be complete without enjoying some of our most popular group-friendly attractions.

Fun, Outdoors and Sports

• Andretti Karting (Buford)

• Topgolf (Buford)

• Lake Lanier (Buford)

• Treetop Quest (Buford)

• Alegre Farms (Dacula)

• Dave & Buster’s (Lawrenceville)

• Main Event (Suwanee)

• Putt Nation Mini Golf

History and Culture

• MLK Historic Site (Atlanta)

• Atlanta History Center (Atlanta)

• Lawrenceville Female Seminary

Arts

• Tannery Row Artist Colony (Buford)

• SculpTour (Suwanee)

• High Museum of Art (Atlanta)

• Hudgens Center for Art & Learning (Duluth)

• Lawrenceville Arts Center

• Aurora Theatre (Lawrenceville)

Science

• Buford Dam

• The Water Tower (Buford)