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 >

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 for the upcoming school year will begin on Tuesday, July 30… Read More >

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 >

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 for the upcoming school year will begin… 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 >

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 >

GIS: Digital Map Making

In this class you are a scientist searching for a rare species in the remote streams of North Carolina. However, in order to decide where you to look first you must use GIS software to predict where it’s habit range most likely lies. GIS refers to computer-based mapping and modeling and is one of science’s… 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 >

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 >

Coastal Carolina Ecosystems

Carolina’s coast is more than just a beach! In this program, students will explore the diverse habitats of our coast, learn how organisms adapt to these wild places, and understand that we are all connected to the coast, no matter where we live! Program length is 45 minutes. This virtual program is designed to connect… 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 >

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 >

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 >

Rock Stories

Share a journey through time with the three rock types: metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary. Learn how rocks are formed and discover some of their physical properties through stimulating activities. Students will also meet a live animal whose ancestors can be found in the fossil record. Program length is 45 minutes. This program is held onsite… 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 >

Your Backyard

Discover the fascinating world of your backyard. Learn how backyards can be good animal homes and meet some North Carolina backyard “stars”: live animals like turtles, rabbits, snakes, and birds. 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… 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 >

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: Human Impacts – Aquatic Ecosystems

Study how urbanization and other human impacts influence aquatic systems by identifying macroinvertebrates that live in the pond. Students will gain an overall picture of how scientists study water quality. We will also hike to see the effects of urbanization to our stream. Human Impacts – Aquatic Ecosystems Program: 2 hours long This program is… 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 >

Prairie Ridge: Animal Adaptations

Study the animals at Prairie Ridge to see how their different behaviors or structures help them to survive in specific habitats. Add a pond session to your program for an additional $80 per class. Animal Adaptations Program: 60 minutes long; Pond Add-on: Additional 60 minutes This program is held at our Prairie Ridge Ecostation location…. Read More >

Prairie Ridge: Plants of Prairie Ridge

Review the parts and functions of a plant including seeds, stems, leaves and flowers. Explore the prairie in search of trees, grasses and flowers. Compare plants that live in the forest to those that live in the prairie. Add our Soil program to your visit for an additional $80 per class. Plants of Prairie Ridge… Read More >

Prairie Ridge: Soil Scientists

Participate in hands-on activities to explore the properties of soil including water retention, texture and color. Become a soil scientist as you perform a test to determine which soils are found at Prairie Ridge. Add our Plants program to your visit for an additional $80 per class. Soil Scientists Program: 60 minutes long; Plants Add-on:… Read More >

Prairie Ridge: Cycles of Life

Search out baby birds, flowers, insects and more on this guided hike around the prairie. Compare different ways animals develop into adults, and how different habitats support animals during their life cycles. Add a pond session to your program for an additional $80 per class. Cycles of Life Program: 60 minutes long; Pond Add-on: Additional… Read More >

Prairie Ridge: What Lives Here

Explore the prairie and its woodland edge looking for signs of life. We will see how each environment meets the needs of the animals that live here. Add a pond session to your program for an additional $80 per class. What Lives Here Program: 60 minutes long; Pond Add-on: Additional 60 minutes This program is… Read More >

Prairie Ridge: Preschool on the Prairie

Focus on using observation and the senses to discover animal signs and other wonders of nature. Add a pond session to your program for an additional $80 per program. Preschool on the Prairie Program: 45 minutes long; Pond Add-on: Additional 45 minutes This program is held at our Prairie Ridge Ecostation location. Curriculum Correlation(s):   n/a… 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 >

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 >

Treasures of the NC Coastal Plain

North Carolina supports a wide diversity of plants and animals, from the mountains to the sea! During this class, students will discover some of the living treasures that can be found in the Coastal Plain, unravel their connections, and discover what makes this region of our state so special. Live plants and animals native to… 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 >

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 >

Frog Files

Why do frogs make a springtime chorus? How do they adapt in our changing environment? Students will answer these questions, meet freaky frogs, and become amphibian experts during this virtual program. Program length is 45 minutes. This virtual program is designed to connect your group with a Museum educator online for an interactive program. Whether… Read More >

Butterflies and Moths

Explore the life cycle of insects through a close examination of butterflies and moths. Students will practice their observation skills to learn more about the adaptations of these scale-winged creatures. 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… 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 >

Fossil Discoveries

Our understanding of dinosaurs and prehistoric life is constantly changing with new discoveries. This program will introduce students to fossils and the field of paleontology using natural specimens and replicas to tell the story of Earth’s history. Program length is 45 minutes. This virtual program is designed to connect your group with a Museum educator… 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 >

Animal Life Cycles

How do living creatures grow and change? Students will explore the life cycles of several groups of animals which may include amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects, and mammals. Meet live animals and learn about their stages of development. Program length is 45 minutes. This virtual program is designed to connect your group with a Museum educator… Read More >