About 

When you schedule a visit to the Virginia Museum of Natural History, an age-appropriate, engaging, flexible, SOL-based learning activity (approximately 20-40) minutes) will be presented to support current exhibition(s) from a variety of natural history topics. The programs are offered year-round.  Programs can be customized or created based on your requests.  Please call 276-634-4185 or e-mail discover@vmnh.virginia.gov for more details.

Program Listings

Dinosaur Dig
Grades K - 3

This program combines several of the Museum's exhibits as well as many add-on touchables from the education department.  Students will learn basics about dinosaurs and other animals that lived many years ago.  Science SOL: K.1, K.2, K.4, K.6, K.9, 1.5, 1.7, 2.5, 2.7, 3.4, 3.5, 3.10.  North Carolina Science SCS: K:1.01-.02, 1:1.02, 1:1.05.

Discovering Fossils
Grades 4 - ES

In this program, students will touch fossils from different geological periods and learn how fossils are formed.  This program incorporates several of the Museum's exhibits as well as many touchable fossils.  Students will participate in a game that illustrates fossil layers in the earth.  Science SOL: 4.1, 4.5, 5.1, 5.7, LS.14, ES.10.  North Carolina Science SCS: 6:7.03, 8:5.01, ES:3.01.

The Plains Indians
Grades Pre-K - 1

This program uses specimens, such as a tipi and buffalo hide to help students compare and contrast the Sioux Indians culture to our present day culture.  Students will discuss the importance of the buffalo and the many uses this resource created for the Sioux Indians.  Virginia History and Social Science SOL: K.2; 1.6

Sioux Indian Culture
Grades 2 - up

This program helps students understand the Sioux Indian culture through an interactive game and hands-on specimens, such as a tipi and buffalo hide.  Virginia History and Social Science SOL: 2.2; 2.4; VS.2; USI.3

Animal Basics
Grades K - 4

This very hands-on, active program helps students understand that animals can be classified by their coverings or skin.  Students will learn the specific purposes and functions of these vital body parts.  Science SOL: K.1, K.2, K.4, 1.1, 1.5, 1.7, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.4.  North Carolina Science SCS: K:1.01, 4:1.02.

Ocean Connections
Grades 3 - 6

This program incorporates one of the museum's exhibits as well as many hands-on touchables.  Students will learn about producers and consumers from four marine ecosystems, and the delicate balance among the organisms in each environment.  Students will learn about human impact and construct a food chain/web.  Science SOL: 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.10, 4.1, 4.5, 5.1, 5.6, 6.1.  North Carolina Science SCS: 4:1.01, 4:1.03, 4:4.03, 5:1.02, 5:1.03, 5:1.05, 5:1.06, 6:4.01.

Virginia Watersheds
Grades 4 - 6

This program incorporates an interactive watershed model.  Basics of watersheds are covered, as well as the concept 'we all live downstream.'  Students will learn how water moves through a watershed by demonstrating things that impact a watershed.  Science SOL: 4.1, 4.5, 4.8, 6.1, 6.5, 6.7, 6.9.  North Carolina Science SCS: 5:1.06, 5:2.05, 5:2.07, 5:3.01, 6:7.03.

Virginia's Rock and Mineral Resources
Grades 1, 4 - 6, ES

Students will explore the mysteries of the Earth through rock and mineral samples, and handle specimens to understand what products come from specific sources.  Students will work together to identify mystery samples by investigation and observation.  Science SOL: 1.8, 4.1, 4.8, 5.1, 5.7, 6.1, 6.2, 6.9, ES.5, ES.6, ES.7, ES.10.  North Carolina Science SCS: K:3.05, 4:2.01-.05, 6:3.04.

Bears in the Forest
Grades K - 4

Have fun learning about habitats and the life needs and characteristics of bears in this very active role-play program adapted from Project WILD's "How Many Bears Can Live In This Forest?"  Science SOL: K.1, K.2, K.4, K.6, 1.1, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.1, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.8.  North Carolina Science SCS: K:1.05, K:3.05, 1:1.03, 4:1.01, 4:1.03, 4:1.04, 4:4.01, 4:4.03.

Owl Pellets and Food Chains
Grades 1 - 6, LS

Learn about food chains first-hand by dissecting owl pellets.  Students will observe specimens of the animals owls feed on.  A fee of $2.00 per participant is required to cover material costs.  Science SOL: 1.5, 2.5, 3.4, 3.5, 4.5, LS.4, LS.7, LS.9.  North Carolina Science SCS: 1:1.02, 4:1.03, 4:4.01, 4:4.03, 5:1.02, 6:4.01.

Power of Nature
Grades 6 - 9, ES

Explore severe weather conditions and natural disasters, such as volcanoes, tornadoes, and hurricanes through a Jeaopordy-style game. Science SOL: 6.3, 6.6; ES. 13.  North Carolina Science SCS: 6:3.01, 6:3.02; 7:3.05. 

Rainforest Resources
Grades 1 - 6

This program explores rainforest resources through a fun and active clue game. Virginia Science SOL: 1.8; 2.5, 2.8; 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.10; 4.5.  North Carolina Science SCS: 1:1.05, 1:2.05, 4:1.01, 4:1.03, 5:1.01, 5:1.06, 6:7.03.