K–12 teachers or parent volunteers may borrow a wide range of hands-on resources for their classrooms. Resource boxes can be checked out for up to two weeks per participating teacher. Participants are responsible for picking up and returning the box to the Education Office (9 am–5 pm, Mon–Fri) at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. A teacher or parent volunteer from the school wishing to borrow a box will receive a 20- to 30-minute training session on how to use the resource box materials.
For more information, contact M.T. Fore, coordinator of student outreach and distance learning, at 919.733.7450 x621.
Fossils
Do your own Fossil Program! This box allows students to explore ancient plant and animal remains and hunt for fossils in 13-million-year-old fossil dirt. Fossils, background information, activities and references included. Includes dinosaur materials.
Rocks & Minerals
What is a rock? What is a mineral? This box contains specimens, references and testing materials. Students will also learn some of the many uses we have for rocks and minerals.
Reptiles & Amphibians
This box contains hands-on materials such as shells, rattlesnake rattles, skulls and preserved specimens. Reference books and activities help you to introduce these fascinating animals to your students.
Arthropod Zoo
Multiple copies of field guides, colorful reference books, many preserved specimens, toys and fun activities help you explore the exciting world of arthropods. Life cycles are highlighted.
Ponds & Streams
This resource box allows classes to investigate critters found in streams or ponds. The box contains everything you need to explore the mysteries of your local aquatic habitats: nets, pans, collecting jars, water testing equipment and field guides.
Birds
This box contains real bird specimens and nests along with activities to aid in teaching about bird identification, migration and adaptations. Reference books and background readings will help enrich your classroom experience.
Trees
This box contains specimens and materials to help your students become familiar with trees in your schoolyard and their backyard. Interdisciplinary activities involve reading, math and science and include a list of the “biggest tree in the schoolyard.” Field guides, tree stories and interesting articles are also included.
