National Museum of Natural History
A museum that has everything! Many of the museums displays are interactive and encourage viewers to learn through feeling. Evolution and adaptation were key themes in the animal displays, significant elements in the USA science standards are a significant part of the NSW curriculum in Australia. Teachers would be able to use this museum to assist in meeting all of the biology outcomes.
There was a display that showed early multicellular life forms. It was set up as a diorama, this would be an excellent way to engage students in how the early Earth looked, have them research multicellular organisms and create their own detailed dioramas.
The display that showed comparison of a prokaryotic a eukaryotic cell was engaging in the way it was set out. The cells and their labels were 3 dimensional and very large, such that they were eye catching and easy to read. This comparison is a specific outcome of many state’s science curricular in the USA.
The rock display walks visitors through the different types of rocks and how they form. The displays were again very interactive.
The insect exhibit includes a butterfly dome, where visitors walk through hundreds of butterflies. The museum also has an insect zoo, with live insects and an insect petting zoo, children are able to touch and hold various insects including caterpillars, cockroaches and beetles. All of these displays have resulted in a hugely engaging exhibit.
The National Museum of Natural History has websites for educators. The following link is to lesson plans in a variety of biological areas
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