The Lutz Children’s Museum: Your Partner in Learning

---

What does the role of a paper engineer play in the construction of your favorite pop-up book? Students will explore the mechanics of creating a pop-up book while examining the works of several great paper engineers. We will provide the tools needed to construct their own simple pop-up book with guided instruction.

Do all animals that undergo metamorphosis go through the same life cycle? Students will explore insect metamorphosis and the art of collage through the works of Eric Carle. During the lesson, they will be able to describe the life cycle of a butterfly. Students will also get the chance to meet one of the museum’s animal ambassadors that has undergone metamorphosis. Lastly, under the guidance of our instructors, students will create their own Eric Carle inspired artwork.

Do mammals, birds, and reptiles share similar physical features, and how do we tell them apart? Our educators will travel to your classroom with three live animals, one from each group, along with biofacts from the museum’s natural history collection. Younger students will demonstrate understanding of the different groups with a craft, while older students will play a team based game to demonstrate understanding.

How do coastline ecosystems help living things survive? Gather up your towel, flip flops, and sunglasses to prepare for a pretend field trip to the beach. Children will learn about the characteristics of the coast and explore the science behind the elements of the beach ecosystem. They will also interact with biofacts from the museum’s natural history collection and meet an animal ambassador. Students will then create their own shoreline inspired art.

How do animals adapt to their environment to help them grow, survive, and meet their needs? Children get the chance to use their observation skills as both scientists and artists to explore animal adaptations with biofacts from the museum’s natural history collection and an animal ambassador. Younger students will create art through mosaics while older students will learn two types of drawing techniques to draw their own animals with fantastical adaptations.

What characteristics make a bug a bug? Students will learn about the vast diversity of arthropods through biofacts from the museum’s natural history collection and a live animal encounter with the museum’s very own insect ambassador. Students will work with our instructors to create their own imaginative bugs.

What glows inside of a cave? Children shine in this immersive caving experience where they will encounter various fluorescent rocks and organisms. Students will put on their spelunking gear and construct explanations as to why these objects illuminate or give off their own light. Students will also learn the basics of rock and cave formation in addition to the importance of cave ecosystems. At the end of the program, students will meet a live animal and then create their own glowing craft.

Are your students young explorers who want to take flight into the exciting world of birds? In this hands-on program, children will step into the role of a birder, embarking on a journey to discover and identify birds through sight and sound. From colorful songbirds to majestic raptors, every moment is an opportunity to observe and learn about these fascinating creatures. Join us for a birding adventure like no other, where curious minds will soar and every chirp and flutter will bring students closer to understanding the magic of birds in our backyard and beyond!