Why should I visit LIGO SEC?

LIGO Science Education Center (SEC) is on the site of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) Livingston. We are a unique science education center because we exist to highlight the exciting science surrounding gravitational wave detection.  LIGO is a facility dedicated to the detection of cosmic gravitational waves and the measurement of these waves for scientific research. It consists of two widely separated installations within the United States (one in Livingston, LA and one in Hanford, WA) operated in unison as a single observatory.

LIGO is a world-class basic research facility and if you are from the Louisiana region, you can take pride in the fact that this remarkable new way to explore the universe is being developed a short drive from your home! This exciting science of gravitational wave detection opens up possibilities for new windows on our universe. We use this science research as a motivator for the teaching and learning of science. Part of our program includes a tour the Control Room where the operating and monitoring of the interferometer takes place.  You can interact with one of our scientists on duty and can ask questions about the research. Our LIGO SEC staff will provide interesting, relevant classroom hands-on activities that have been correlated with the LA State Standards and GLEs for Science and Mathematics allowing you to match the field trip with your unit plans. A visit to our facility will also include exploration and discovery time with over 40 professionally developed, hands-on exhibits that will fascinate and challenge you.

Student field trips are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

We offer field trips (including materials) at no cost through our support from the National Science Foundation.

Although our maximum capacity is 90 students, we recommend no more than 70 for grades 4 - 12. We are able to provide a more focused experience with smaller groups. For grades 1 - 3, the maximum capacity is 35 students.

Six to ten weeks notice is typical, but short notice is sometimes possible.  Spring is our busiest season and we host several trips a week.  An earlier notice increases the likelihood of getting the date you want.

We offer “full day” and “half day” opportunities. A full day begins on site at 09:30 AM and concludes at 1:30 PM.  A half-day experience is from 09:30 - 11:30 or 12:30 - 2:30.  We are flexible on the daily schedule and will work with teachers to adjust timing if necessary.

What sorts of things will we do on the visit?

Visitors must bring their own lunches and drinks.  We have a beautiful outdoor covered patio and during inclement weather can seat your group inside for lunch.

LIGO Livingston Observatory is a working observatory operating continuously. Our interferometer is extremely sensitive to ground motion. While on the site, vehicles MUST remain below 10 mph while driving on the facility. Buses will not be allowed to idle for long periods. Bus drivers should be made aware that once the vehicles enter the facility they will not be permitted to depart until the field trip is concluded. Please bring food and beverages for your driver. Drivers are welcome to rest in our SEC atrium. 

LIGO science cuts across many science, math and engineering disciplines. LIGO SEC major themes are light, waves, gravity, interference, resonance, oscillations, feedback and astronomy.  This specific focus allows us to present science and mathematics concepts in the context of exciting LIGO science. Our exhibits and activities provide opportunities to address a variety of Louisiana GLEs.

We strive to design field trips that match the levels and backgrounds of our guests. Hands-on explorations with our exhibits and activities allow students to build a visual and tactile framework for interpreting the science of LIGO. 

At the present time, we do not have a gift shop for our student guests to visit.

Go HERE for our online registration form.  Please be prepared to offer up to 3 different dates in priority order. Our reservation system is based on, “First come, first served.” system. We look forward to a visit from your class!