Distance Learning Programs | Science Academic Content
Our 2011-2012 Distance Learning Programs address appropriate Ohio Academic Content Standards in science and social studies and National Health Education Standards. Each program can accommodate up to 30 Students and is 40 to 50 minutes long.
If you are having trouble downloading the Teacher's Guides, please contact Patti Overholser at (216) 231-8002 or poverhol@cmnh.org, and she will send you the files you need.
New! Rocks and Minerals: It's Not 'Hard' Science! | Grades: 3-6
Are you losing your marbles when it comes to getting sedimentary students interested in the rocks beneath their feet? Don’t sulphur alone...we'll help you dig up an avalanche of appreciation for the original hard sciences...this overview of geology and mineralogy basics will whet your students' apatite for Earth Sciences with plenty of hands-on experiments and real specimens from our collections. Is studying rocks fun? Of quartz it is!
Please note: A necessary (and heavy) kit of specimens will be shipped to your school for use during our program. When your student geologists are finished, please refer to our packing diagram to prep the kit for return to the Museum. There will be a return UPS label in the kit and zip-ties to secure the lid. Please allow a two-week lead time when booking and alert your school office about this delivery.
New! Climate Change: Investigating Our Impact | Grades: 6-12
There's no debate during this program! Heat up your classroom as we challenge your students to explore the connection between simple scientific principles and changes in temperature and weather that scientists refer to as "global climate change." During this interactive investigation we will experiment with the phenomenon of the "greenhouse effect," directly observe the relationship between visible and infrared light, illustrate several techniques used to gather climate data from the past, and detail how it is used to predict future changes.
Please note: A kit of materials will be sent to your school for use during this program. Please allow a two-week lead time when booking and alert your school office about this delivery. You will also receive a return UPS label to return this kit to the Museum after your videoconference.
States of Matter: A Solid Lesson Where Liquids Can Be a Gas! | Grades: K-3
Make sure you have a "Table Of Science" ready for action as we guide your students through an exploration of solids, liquids and gases. Our series of hands-on activities and demonstrations will illustrate how changes in temperature affect the physical properties of matter, and may result in some molecular mayhem as we pour, pile, and blow our way through this program.
Please Note: This program includes a kit of materials that will be sent to your school. Teachers will also need to bring the following items on the day of the program: bucket, big bowl, or other water-catching device; water in a separate bowl or pitcher; several ice cubes; paper towels to contain spills; 6-8 pennies.
Ohio's Native Wildlife | Grades: 2-6
Explore a variety of animals and their role in the eastern North American forest ecosystem. Live animals will be showcased along with video of some of the larger animals in our Perkins Wildlife Center.
Please note: A kit of materials will be sent to your school for use during this program. Please allow a two-week lead time when booking and alert your school office about this delivery. You will also receive a return UPS label to return this kit to the Museum after your videoconference.
Just Senseless | Grades: K-2
Let’s find out what the five senses do by imagining life without these senses. Using hands-on props and demonstrations, we explore how life would be different if one or more of our senses were disabled. We also discuss how senses help to keep our bodies safe.
Please note: A kit of materials will be sent to your school for use during this program. Please allow a two-week lead time when booking and alert your school office about this delivery. You will also receive a return UPS label to return this kit to the Museum after your videoconference.
Keep on Smiling | Grades: K-2
Investigate the structure, function and proper cleaning of your teeth. Compare your teeth to those of animal specimens from our Museum. Discuss what a cavity is, what causes tooth decay, and your best tooth care techniques!
Bug Off Bugs! | Grades: 3-6
"Ticks and mosquitoes and fleas—Oh My!" Explore the intricate relationships among microbes, insects, animals, humans and their habitats. Learn about life cycles of insects and how some species contribute to the spread of diseases, such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus. Discover ways to protect yourself outdoors from the tiny creatures that consider you lunch!
NEW! Forces & Motion | Grades: 3-5
Explore Newton’s laws of motion and investigate the meaning of velocity, friction, inertia, gravity and much more. This interactive adventure challenges your students to become our Virtual Crash Test Team…make sure you’ve got room to move!
Please Note: A kit of materials will be sent to your school for this program. Teachers will also need to bring the following items to the classroom on the day of their program: rolling chair (any type of office chair with wheels will work), tape, 2 meter sticks, pitcher of water, paper towels galore, 3 full sheets of newspaper, and a rigid ruler.
Food Chains, Habitats and Us | Grades: 4-6
As humans continue to encroach on the Earth’s unique habitats, it is increasingly important for students to understand how people affect the environment in which they live. While observing specimens from our Wildlife Division and conducting demonstrations in your classroom, students will identify their crucial role in protecting natural diversity.
Inner Factory | Grades: 4-6
Mighty and microscopic, our tiniest living components are amazingly complex. Compare different kinds of cells: How are eukaryotes, prokaryotes, plant, and animal cells all so similar, yet allow the diversity of life on Earth? Define the functions of organelles and use human Museum specimens to discover how individual cells combine forces to create the complex of trillions that is YOU.
Please note: Teachers need to provide either a paper plate or a piece of construction paper for each student to use during this program.
Prehistoric People: Who’s Our Daddy? | Grades: 4-10
Investigate the most current ideas of human evolution with specialists in the field. Trace the development of modern humans using information from fossil hominids as well as clues from living primates. Specimens from the Hamman-Todd Osteological Collection, one of the largest research collections of modern human skeletons in the world, are used to illustrate unique human physiological traits.
Please note: A materials kit will be sent to your school for use during this program, along with a pre-paid UPS return label. Please schedule at least 2 weeks in advance to allow shipping time.
Body Blueprints | Grades: 5-8
Investigate the basics of DNA and discover how genes you inherited from your parents determine much of who you are. Look at a model of a double helix to see how genetic information is organized. Experiment with some of your body's own inherited traits and discover some specific dominant or recessive traits your classmates may share.
Genetic Revolution: Applications of Biotechnology | Grades: 7-12
Genetic engineering? DNA testing? GMOs? Stem cells? Review current applications of DNA research and find out how biotechnology may affect your life. Team up to analyze DNA evidence from a crime scene. Discuss case studies involving genetic information and how this knowledge influences ethical decisions.
Disease Detectives | Grades: 7-12
"This just in…nearly half of the students at East Coliville High School are sick with similar symptoms." As part of our Virtual Health Department Epidemiology Team, you will work together to eliminate false leads and piece together clues to determine the cause of this outbreak. It is up to your team to interpret data, identify the pathogen, locate its source and stop its spread before this illness claims more victims.