For middle and high school students (Grades 6–12)

These in-depth, experiential programs encourage students to explore science through hands-on investigations of natural history topics. Guided by museum educators, students use specimens, living collections, and equipment in a laboratory setting that emphasizes development of critical thinking and investigative skills. Each Museum Lab includes laboratory manuals that will be completed by your students during the program.

Times: 9:30 am, 12:30 pm
Number of students: 30 maximum
Length: Two hours
Fee: $9.00 per student ($250 minimum per program), includes Museum admission.
One chaperone per five students free; $9.00 per additional adult chaperone.

New England’s Prehistoric Past

Students will journey back in time to discover what our region was like during the past 500 million years. By studying rocks, fossils, and living animals that provide the clues to ancient oceans, volcanoes, ice ages, students will leave this lab with a better understanding of what New England looked like, who lived here, and how scientists know this.

Marine Biology

By comparing the major groups of invertebrate animals, students will discover the amazing diversity of life in the sea. Through the use of live and preserved specimens, we’ll learn how to classify echinoderms, mollusks, crustaceans, and other marine groups, with a focus on the fascinating natural history of sea stars, crabs, anemones, and other regional species.
  

Human Evolution

From Australopithecus to Homo sapiens, this lab offers students the opportunity to compare the skeletons of human and non-human primates in order to discover the evolutionary trends resulting in the emergence of modern humans. Students will learn how skulls, teeth, hips, and other key features have changed through time. We’ll also examine stone artifacts to trace the development of Paleolithic technology from crude stone choppers to sophisticated atl-atls.

Exploring Biodiversity

Available starting January 22, 2008
Students will discover the amazing diversity of life on Earth through exhibits and specimens. This lab explores the different groupings of life, how species form, and adaptations for survival in different environments. With both local and global examples, we'll learn about endangered species and reasons for extinctions.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Available starting January 22, 2008
Study lizards, snakes, frogs, and other herptiles to determine the similarities and differences between members of these two major vertebrate classes. Students examine live animals and museum specimens to identify structural and functional characteristics. Discover the amazing adaptations these creatures have for feeding, locomotion, reproduction, and more.