3D Modeling and Printing

Explore the exciting and rapidly growing field of 3D modeling and printing in this hands-on beginner’s level class. During this class you will first be introduced to 3D design and modeling while you create a 3D model of your own. Secondly you will learn how 3D printers work and see them in action while they… 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 >

Adaptations of Reptiles & Amphibians

Learn about some cool adaptations while exploring these two amazing animal groups. Students will investigate a variety of reptiles and amphibians through live animals, natural history props, and biofacts, and will discover what special adaptations these scaly, slippery, and often misunderstood creatures have for survival. Program length is 45 minutes. This program is held onsite… Read More >

Animal Life Cycles

During this program, students will explore the life cycles of different animal groups which may include amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and insects. Through examining natural history props and specimens, as well as experiencing live animal encounters, students will learn about the different stages of development as living creatures grow and change. Program length is 45… Read More >

Animals Alive!

There are many kinds of animals in all shapes, sizes, and colors roaming our planet. They move in different ways, have various body coverings, and live in different habitats with a variety of needs. In this program, students will meet live animals, observe their similarities and differences, and learn about their habitats and needs for… Read More >

Beaver Ponds

Learn how beaver dams create ponds where wildlife can eat, swim and grow up. Meet creatures that live in these ponds such as frogs, salamanders, turtles, and snakes. Program includes time for Discovery Room exploration, teacher handouts and a natural science object for the classroom. Program length is 45 minutes. This program is held onsite… Read More >

Bones & Muscles of the Body

How do the bones and muscles in a human body compare to those in other animals? In this class, students will learn about the skeletal and muscular systems of the human body while exploring these systems in other animal groups and discover adaptions for locomotion along the way. Program length is 45 minutes. This program… Read More >

Classification and Common Ancestry

What exactly is common ancestry and Evolution? Who was Carl von Linne? What is the difference between classification and identification? What is a phylogeny and how is it important to the classification of organisms? To answer these questions, we will introduce the concept of biological classification and the importance evolution and common ancestry play in… Read More >

Climate Change Lecture

A college-style lecture about the basic science and research methods used by scientists to understand how and why the climate is changing and what that means for our world and our future. This program length is 2 hours long and takes place in the Visual World Investigate Lab. This program is held onsite at our… Read More >

Computer Programming for Beginners

From scientists to game developers, computer code is used in nearly every profession. Demystify the world of computer programing by starting at the beginning! Designed to introduce basic coding skills through fun game-like lessons, this class is for those interested in learning valuable skills that are highly sought after. This program is 90 minutes long… Read More >

Dinosaurs Roar!

Head back to the Cretaceous and embark on a journey of discovery. Examine fossils and meet a live animal whose ancestors lived in prehistoric times. Program includes time for Discovery Room exploration, teacher handouts and a natural science object for the classroom. Program length is 45 minutes. This program is held onsite at our Downtown… Read More >

Discovery Room Experience

The Discovery Room Experience allows caregivers and young children to engage in a variety of experiences unique to the Discovery Room. Meet an ambassador animal, try on costumes, use a microscope and more! This program is ideal for homeschool groups. All ages are welcome, but materials will be designed with early childhood in mind. Program… Read More >

Electronics for Beginners

The prevalence of cheap, easy to attain technologies (such as Arduino) has resulted in a DIY electronics renaissance. These hands-on problem solving activities teach the basics of electricity and computer programming in a way that is both challenging and fun. The next great inventor could be you! This program is 90 minutes long and takes… Read More >

Fossils

What can we learn from fossils? What do they tell us about the history of Earth? Through hands-on investigations, students will compare a variety of fossils, learn how fossilized plants and animals reveal clues to the past, and discover how life has changed over time. Program length is 45 minutes. This program is held onsite… 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 >