Protists and Other Microscopic Life

Use a compound microscope to discover a variety of beneficial protists and other microscopic life living in a drop of pondwater. Learn to identify and examine protists such as Paramecium, Amoeba, Euplotes, and Volvox and explore how these single-celled organisms carry out the basic functions of life. Students will make wet-mount slides, become proficient in… Read More >

iLab Experience – Investigate Lab

Spend the morning exploring the Investigate Lab’s offerings of hands-on science activities. Topics and activities may vary seasonally. This program is 30 minutes long and takes place in the Investigate Lab. This program is held onsite at our Downtown Raleigh location. Scheduling Instructions: Scheduling is now closed for the 2024/2025 school year. Scheduling for the… Read More >

iLab Experience – Visual World iLab

Spend the morning exploring the Visual World Investigate Labs’ offerings of hands-on science activities. Topics and activities may vary seasonally. This program is 25 minutes long and takes place in the Visual World Investigate Lab. This program is held onsite at our Downtown Raleigh location. Scheduling Instructions: Scheduling is now closed for the 2024/2025 school… Read More >

The Microscopic World of Protista

Have you ever examined a drop of pondwater under a microscope? This droplet contains a variety of living creatures, including the lesser-known Kingdom Protista or Protists. So what exactly are these microorganisms? Join us for this zoomed-in view of the protist world using a compound microscope and learn how they survive in their micro-environment. Program… Read More >

Adaptations in Birds & Mammals

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. Program length is 45 minutes. This program is held onsite at our Downtown Raleigh location…. Read More >

North Carolina Geology

Students will work in teams to examine typical North Carolina rocks and practice identifying and classifying them. Teams will then use these specimens to interpret major geologic events that have shaped our state. Program length is 45 minutes. This program is held onsite at our Downtown Raleigh location. Curriculum Correlation(s): ESS.6.2; ESS.EES.2.4; ESS.EES.2.5; ESS.8.1 Scheduling… Read More >

Fossils: Windows into the Past

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. Program length… Read More >

Prairie Ridge: Winter Exploration Hike

Hike with a naturalist and learn all about what animals and plants do during the winter to survive the cold. This program can be adjusted to focus on life cycles, adaptations, or other topics your group is studying. Specific topic requests can be made in the additional comments on the scheduling request form. This program… Read More >

Arduino Quick Setup Guide: A Free YouTube Class Series

What is Arduino? Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. Electronic circuit boards known as Arduino boards are used to make and control devices that are limited only by your imagination. The Arduino Quick Setup Guide is a series of free YouTube classes for interested makers of all ages. This… Read More >

Prairie Ridge: Scientists in Training – Citizen Science

Learn about the natural world while collecting scientific data on Prairie Ridge grounds. Activities and projects will vary depending on the season, weather and things observable during the time of your visit. Scientists in Training – Citizen Science Program: 90 minutes long This program is held at our Prairie Ridge Ecostation location. Curriculum Correlation(s):   LS.Bio.5.2,… Read More >

Prairie Ridge: Ecosystems

Explore various habitats searching for producers, consumers, and decomposers. How do plants and animals depend on each other? How does energy move through the ecosystem? Add a pond session to your program for an additional $80 per class. Ecosystems Program: 60 minutes long; Pond Add-on: Additional 60 minutes This program is held at our Prairie… Read More >

Cheeseburger’s Journey Through the Gut

Follow a cheeseburger as it travels from your plate, through your body, and out! On this journey, students will learn about digestion, nutrients, and anatomy. Program length is 45 minutes. This virtual program is designed to connect your group with a Museum educator online for an interactive program. Whether your students are learning from home… Read More >

What’s a Bacterium

We hear about bacteria all the time but what are they and where do they live? Why are some our friends and others make us sick. Through pictures, stained images, culture plates, and 3D models learn what they look like, and why they are different from viruses and archaea. Program length is 45 minutes. This… Read More >

Sticky Science

In this program, students will explore how bio-adhesives are produced and used in the natural world. They will learn about cohesion and adhesion forces, electrostatic and intermolecular forces as well as bio-chemicals that make things stick. Program length is 45 minutes. This virtual program is designed to connect your group with a Museum educator online… Read More >

Science of Foam

Students will explore the science behind foam. What is foam and how do animals use this special adaptation to their advantage? By incorporating biology (lifecycles), chemistry (molecular structure of surfactants), and technology (Bio-inspiration), students will learn how nature is an inspiring factor for many practical inventions, from insulation to cotton candy. Program length is 45… Read More >

Fossils: Windows into the Past

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. Program length… Read More >

Adaptations in Birds and Mammals

Using specimens from bird and mammal collections, students analyze the similarities and differences in anatomy, form and function between these animal groups and how they are affected by environmental change. Students then develop hypotheses to account for observed patterns and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of specific adaptations. Program length is 45 minutes. This virtual… Read More >