Grades 5–12

Natural History Investigations give middle and high school students the opportunity to use the specimen collections and lab equipment housed in the Naturalist Center to investigate scientific concepts.

Science Curriculum Correlations

Registration Information

Be a Naturalist Center Volunteer

Fossils: Windows Into the Past
Grades 6–12
Give your students a unique opportunity to study fossil specimens from North Carolina and elsewhere. Students examine fossils to learn how they form and how fossils tell us about the past. Students also explore how we know the age of fossils and how a geologic map can help with fossil dating and identification.

The Key to Animal Classification
Grades 6–12
Explore relationships among groups of animals using identifiable differences in body parts to organize taxonomic groups. Learn the value and limitation of “keys” in organizing groups of objects while developing a sample classification system.

Signs of Nature
Grades 6–12
Explore the Naturalist Center’s collection of signs that animals leave behind. Use observation, measurements, field guides and other strategies to identify unknown animals by their tracks, scat or other signs. This program is ideal for school “Envirothon” teams, science clubs and outdoor-oriented classes.

Adaptations in Birds and Mammals
Grades 6–12
Using specimens from bird and mammal collections, students analyze the similarities and differences in anatomy, form and function between these animal groups. Students then develop hypotheses to account for observed patterns and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of specific adaptations.

Beyond the Study Skin
Grades 6–12
Learn about classification and biodiversity in a guided exploration of the Naturalist Center’s scientific collections. Discover how and why curators prepare specimens and store collections in this introduction to museum research.

North Carolina Geology
Grades 6–12
Work in teams to examine typical North Carolina rocks and practice classifying them. Then use these specimens to interpret major geologic events that have shaped our state.

Special Teacher-led Exploration of Collections
Grades 5–12
Fee: $25 per hour
Teachers can conduct their own lessons while using the Naturalist Center’s collections and equipment. Museum staff provides room supervision. We suggest that teachers visit the Center before bringing their class. This program is ideal for “Envirothon” teams to examine common North Carolina species and practice for competitions.

Science Curriculum Correlations

All

Grade 6

Grade 8

Grades 9–12 Biology

Grades 9–12 Earth Science

Fossils

Classification

Signs

Adaptations

Study Skin

NC Geology

Registration Information — Natural History Investigations
	Grades 5–12
	September 22, 2008–June 5, 2009
	September–May	Tuesday–Friday 9, 10, 11 a.m.
	June	Tuesday–Friday 9 &10 a.m.
	$35 per program except where noted
	Recommended 8–25 Maximum 30
To register Submit a scheduling worksheet online or call the Naturalist Center Coordinator at 919.733.7450, ext. 602 (or toll-free in North Carolina 877.4NATSCI, ext. 602). Register at least four weeks in advance. Scheduling starts Tuesday, August 19, 2008. Note: Calendar fills up quickly, so schedule early! Invoice Sent within five days of contact with Naturalist Center Coordinator. Program materials Sent approximately four to six weeks prior to visit. Cancellation Minimum two-week notice required for refund. Cancellation (due to weather) Rescheduled at teacher request and as calendar permits. Special Populations: Many programs can be tailored to meet the needs of special populations. Please indicate special needs of your group when scheduling a program. Financial assistance is available to some groups. Contact Liz Baird, director of school programs, for more information and to request assistance.

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