The safari, which literally means “journey” or “voyage,” began when Europeans traveled into Sub-Saharan Africa. They came to observe and record the flora and fauna of Africa, but the tales of the unusual animals brought other travelers — those in search of adventure and danger. Originally when one went on safari, one went to hunt […]
I did something foolish. Feeling inspired by all the runners here at the Museum, I signed up for the half marathon. I am in okay shape, and while Carolyn and I sometimes participate in sprint triathlons, I don’t super love the running part. “How hard can this be?” I thought, “I’ve got months to train!” […]
If you have been following along, you might have noted that Dia de los Muertos — Day of the Dead — is a favorite holiday for the Youth Education staffers. The Day of the Dead is celebrated in Mexico on Nov. 2. It is a time when Mexican families spend time at the cemetery, visiting […]
Tessellations — tiling a plane using geometric shapes without overlaps or gaps — are a pretty fun way to teach students about shapes, symmetry, reflection and rotation. Plus, they require the most minimal of supplies! Materials:• Plain 3″ x 5″ index cards• Scissors• Scotch tape• Blank white paper• Optional: colored pencils/crayons, etc. Procedure:1. Draw a […]
What better way to understand how magnetic fields work than to see them for yourselves? Materials: • Magnetic field line cards (green) – one per child • Magnetic nail polish • Clear nail polish • Assorted magnets of various shapes and sizes • Large clear glass playing pieces • Button magnets (at least ½ inch) […]
The beginning of the school year is an exciting time for teachers and students alike. We have a quick science activity here that will engage new students and make your room too cool appropriately cool for school: Shrinky Dinks. There are myriad of ways you can use this activity, so the application is up to […]
In the Museum’s Grand Hall is a coin vortex, and amongst the other wacky things we do around here, the Youth Education Department is the custodian of said vortex. We like numbers, charts and graphs, and so we have a tendency (some might call it a compulsion) to keep track of weird sets of information. […]
Looking for something to do with your little paleontologist over spring break? Well, we have some dino-mite options for you! First, check out this Photo Scavenger Hunt of the Morian Hall of Paleontology. All of the images on the hunt are of specimens or images you can easily see in the hall. The trick? We […]
If you Google “most common New Year’s resolutions,” you get a variety of results, but generally the options seem to come down to these: 1. Lose weight 2. Exercise more 3. Spend more time with family and friends 4. Enjoy life more 5. Learn something new 6. Help others 7. Quit smoking 8. Get out […]
