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 protists. Protists are not an animal, plant, or fungi. So what exactly are they? Join us for this zoomed-in view of the protist world using a compound microscope. Program length is 45 minutes. This virtual… 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. Please read the safety update, and also… 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 >

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: 90 minutes 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 onsite at our Prairie Ridge location. You can find… 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 $60 per class. Ecosystems Program: 60 minutes long; Pond Add-on: Additional 60 minutes This program is held onsite at our… 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 $60 per class. Animal Adaptations Program: 60 minutes long; Pond Add-on: Additional 60 minutes This program is held onsite at our Prairie Ridge 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 $60 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 $60 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 $60 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 $60 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

Take a hike with a naturalist. 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 $60 per program. Preschool on the Prairie Program: 60 minutes long; Pond Add-on: Additional 60 minutes This program is held onsite at our… Read More >

DIY Column Chromatography & Mass Spec in Research

Learn how two lab techniques — column chromatography and mass spectrometry — work to make our lives better. Through this class and its DIY activities, students can learn about the chemical, physical, and biological principles that power these amazing technologies. Most importantly, learn about biotech careers and discover how this technology is crucial in new… 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 cold-blooded 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 >

Dinosaurs Roar!

Head back to the Cretaceous and embark on a discovery of Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops and the world around them. 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 or in the classroom (or both),… Read More >

Meet the Animals

Meet some of our live animal ambassadors and learn about their characteristics, adaptations, and the important roles they play in our environment. We offer a variety of themes, including reptiles, North Carolina natives, tropical animals and more. To request a specific theme or connection to a unit in your classroom, please include that information when… 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 >

Spy Science

Enter the world of historical espionage and learn from an actual event, the Battle of New York, how Colonial spies used the principles of chemistry, geology, and biology, as well as the beginnings of cryptography, to ensure their messages got safely to the intended party. Learn also about the cultural views regarding spies, the evolution… 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 >

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 >

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 >