Natural Science Programs

Natural science programs offer a survey of fundamental topics in the life sciences - from animal adaptations to the importance of green plants to energy flow through food chains and even the study of snakes. Through the use of live animals, museum specimens and high-interest demonstrations, students become actively involved in these hands-on presentations. Natural Science Programs are designed to effectively introduce, reinforce or review science concepts in a way that makes them exciting and memorable.

Length of Session: 45 minutes

Number of Students: 60 maximum

Fee: (includes self guided tour of permanent exhibits)

ADM contract schools-Please call for information

Non-contract schools-$9.50 per student ($360 minimum)

For more information or to make a reservation, call the Reservations Coordinator at 757-595-9135 Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or fill out the on-line request form.

Funded in part by Ferguson.

Grade K

SOLs K.1 K.6

From crabs and sea stars to turtles and birds, young students explore the rich variety of life that fills our Chesapeake Bay and learn simple ways to protect the Bay's fragile environment.

Grades 1-2

SOLs 1.1 1.5 2.1 2.5

Fins, flippers, body shapes and other unique adaptations for life in water are compared in various aquatic animals. "Hands-on" specimens—of frogs, turtles and even crabs truly bring water critters to life!

Grades 1-2

SOLs 1.1 1.5 2.1 2.5

Discover the animal ABCs of survival on land, air and water! Examine bats, snakes, frogs and others for special adaptations that make it possible for them to climb, crawl, swim and slither.

Grades 2-3

SOLs 2.4 2.5 2.7 3.1 3.4 3.8

Where do bats, butterflies and birds go in winter? Why are some insects a tasty meal for an animal while others are left alone? Hibernation, dormancy, migration and mimicry - these and other fascinating animal adaptations and behaviors are explored and explained in this fun and engaging inquiry-based program.

Grades 3-4

SOLs 3.1 3.5 3.10 4.5 4.8

Piece together an ecological puzzle to reveal the basic concepts of photosynthesis, food chains and food webs. Meet "living" links that form nature's chain of energy and learn about fascinating adaptations that help them survive.

Grades 3-4

SOLs 3.1 3.4 3.5 4.1 4.5

Introduce students to the fascinating world of fossil history with dinosaurs. Discover the most up-to-date information about T-Rex, "Brontosaurus" and other dinosaur relatives. Touch "living fossils" and meet a possible living descendant of these prehistoric giants.

Grades 3-4

SOLs 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.10 3.11 4.4 4.5 4.8

Do plants need animals? Or do animals need plants? The answer is "They need each other!" This program explores the amazing interactions of plants and animals with role-play activities, live animals and hands-on specimens from the museum's collections. Special emphasis is on plant structures and functions, pollination and how a wide variety of animals helps keep new generations of green plants sprouting.

Grade 5

SOLs 5.1 5.4 5.7

Our fascinating Earth constantly recycles itself! From igneous to metamorphic to sedimentary - the dynamic geologic forces illustrated by the rock cycle and Earth's structure are explored and explained in this engaging hands-on Earth science program.

Grade 5

SOLs 5.5

See what fish, birds, frogs and other animals look like from the inside out as we compare living vertebrates and invertebrates with their skeletons. Learn how bones help bats fly, snakes crawl, moles dig and more! Examine a human skeleton to see how we fit into the bony world!

Grade 5

SOLs 5.5

Meet some of the most fascinating but misunderstood animals— snakes! Learn about the natural history of snakes with a safe, close-up look at Virginia's venomous and non-venomous species.