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 >

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 >