Teachers, you can choose between:

A: presenting the lesson yourself using the newly created Teacher Resource Book

B: having your class engage in our traditional docent-led programs

C: visiting the museum without a program

Reserve a time and date: Now through November 20, 2009, programs are available Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday between 9:30 and noon. Call the museum at (707) 826-4478 or email sag1@humboldt.edu to reserve a date. There is a maximum group size of 30 students or one class. For a limited time funds are available to help with busing costs. There is no fee for the class visit.

Programs are interactive - incorporating real objects to be seen and touched (shells, rocks, dinosaur fossils), student skits, as well as activities that entertain while teaching about natural science.

Teacher-Led Programs (you lead)

Teaching science is fun! The museum has developed a resource book, "Using the Museum to Teach Science", with curriculum directly linked with grade-specific science standards. K - 4 teachers use these materials independently with their students at the museum. Hands-on objects are available for every grade to use and a museum assistant will help you. The curriculum books have now been distributed to each Humboldt County elementary school. Teachers that would like their own copy can call and be sent one, 826-4478.

K- Animal Structures
Activities use live animals and museum exhibits to compare animal structures such as legs, wings and tails. Many hands-on materials provided.

1st- Chompers, Biters and Grinders
Using the museum’s real skulls for different animals and hands-on objects, show children how animal teeth types give clues to the animal’s diet. Our collection provides many excellent examples.

2nd- Fossils
Use the museum’s extensive collection as well as hands-on fossils to teach the importance of fossils to understanding past life. The museum’s collection makes the topic come to life.

3rd- Mammals Past and Present
Use the museum’s mammal fossils to compare with modern-day animals. Comparison matching games and other interactive games show the similarities and differences.

4th- If I Were a Geologist…
We’ve got streak plates, hardness tests, mineral samples to experiment with, and hands-on activities for you to teach your students about geology – even if you have no geology experience!

Docent-Led Programs (we lead)

Though not as specific as the teacher-led programs above, the California Content Standards for Science themes and appropriate grades follow the descriptions.

Redwood Forest Ecology - Students learn how plants, animals, soil and weather all come together to create one of the most unique places on Earth, a redwood forest. Find out how living things depend on non-living things and make up the forest habitat. Students investigate the creatures that have adapted to live in this wet, dark environment. (Life Science - grades 1, 3, 4, 6)

Insects - Built to Survive - Insects have many adaptations for helping them survive. Find out how insects are similar and different from each other and where they live. Touch live Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, and try to find well-camouflaged walkingstick insects. Learn why insects have been around for 400 million years and live in every terrestrial habitat. (Life Science - grades K, 1, 2, 4)

Birds of a Feather - Students find out what makes birds unique and how birds can survive in extremes of hot and cold and everywhere in between. Discover how birds make their living using beaks, claws, feathers and their wits. Examine real nests, feathers, and eggs, and dress an "owl" up for success. (Life Science - grades K, 1, 2, 4)

Dinosaurs and Fossils - Fossils are like books in stone and can tell the story of pre-historic life. Whether you arestudying dinosaurs, early humans or trilobites fossils can give clues to the past. Students touch real fossils, millions of years old, and act in a skit as they find out how living things become fossils. (Earth Science - grades 1, 2, 3)

Each program lasts 40-50 minutes depending on the age group and/or topic.