Beginning in Fall of 2024, our classroom programs for Grades 3 to 5 will be available in 25-minute ($35) and 50 minute ($45) options. The 25-minute programs provide groups with more time in museum galleries, while the 50-minute programs delve deeper into their topics.
Some programs also include investigations, demonstrations or data collection and analysis. Educational programs are available beginning the day after Labor Day through the third week of May.
Program Fee: $45 per class + museum admission
Dinosaur Feasts
What do scientists know about how dinosaurs ate? Students will compare dinosaur fossils and modern animal specimens to discover how both carnivorous and herbivorous dinosaurs crunched and munched their food. Download Educational Program Guide OAS: 4-LS1-1 | Science Practices 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8
Web of Life
How is a tree connected to a coyote? From plants to animals to fungus, students will use museum specimens to create a community, learn about how an ecosystem works, collect and graph class data, and discover how all organisms in an ecosystem are connected. Download Educational Program Guide OAS: 4-LS1-1, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS2-1, 5-LS2-2 | Science Practices 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8
Wild and Rare
Everyone hears about endangered species, but of the many plants and animals around us, which ones are endangered? Which ones are threatened? Which ones are surviving? Students will learn what makes a species vulnerable to extinction, then use museum specimens and hands-on materials to gather information and predict the futures of several species. Download Educational Program Guide OAS: 5-PS1-3| Science Practices 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8
The Bison Hunters: Native Americans of the Plains
How did the Native Americans use the natural resources on the Great Plains to meet their needs? Student teams will analyze and measure tools, clothing and other artifacts from Plains Indian culture to discover the relationship between these peoples and their natural environment.
Bison Hunters is currently unavailable as we update the curriculum to better reflect Indigenous perspectives, their knowledge of the Great Plains, and contemporary archaeological understanding. We are committed to providing inclusive and respectful experiences, and we appreciate your patience as we work to improve our offerings.
Rockin’ Rocks
Did you know that not every rock is the same? In this class, students will understand the difference between minerals and rocks, test the porousness of rocks and learn how sedimentary rocks are formed.
Download Educational Program Guide OAS: 5-PS1-3 | Science Practices 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8
