"The school programs are inquiry-based and promote critical thinking and oral expression. They feature hands-on-learning activities using objects from the Museum's collections and exhibitions. Many are interdisciplinary and address various learning styles."
TWO TEMPORARY INSTALLATIONS TO NOTE AND PERMANENT COLLECTIONS:
November 2, 2013 to March 23, 2014
Oysters, Pearls of Long Island Sound
Found in estuaries around the world, oysters are a favored delicacy for humans and play a valuable role in ecosystems and economies. These unassuming mollusks have sustained Native Americans, cleaned polluted harbors, provided critical habitat, and created waterside cultures. The exhibition will feature hands-on interactive displays, videos, and historical objects that appeal to all ages.
January 25, 2014 to April 13, 2014
In the Dark: Animal Survival Strategies
Explore different environments of darkness and the unique life forms that inhabit them through a combination of hands-on and whole-body interactives, walk-through dioramas, and specimens.
PERMANENT EXHIBIT
Woodland Indian Life (PreK - 6th grade)
Artifacts from local archaeological sites and a reconstruction of a Woodland Indian wigwam help recreate the life of coastal Native Americans of our area. Students use critical thinking skills as they become history detectives and take part in an artifact interpretation activity.
Animal Adaptations (PreK - 5th grade)
Different body coverings, colors, and physical structures help vertebrates adapt to their environment, find food, and escape from predators. Children learn these concepts and develop their observation and communication skills while handling fur pelts and animal mounts.
I Am an Archaeologist (2nd – 5th grade)
How do archaeologists work? What kinds of artifacts do they collect and why? How do they interpret artifacts? Students take part in an archeological "dig" of a Woodland Indian site and use critical thinking and communication skills as they work in teams, recording and interpreting artifacts. This program complements "Woodland Indian Life." A discount is offered when both are requested for the same school group.
Coastal Ecology (PreK – middle school)
Students learn about their local marine ecosystem, the Long Island Sound, through a hands-on introduction to the aquatic animals in the Sound. Utilizing our marine touch-tank, students observe the animals' structures and adaptations to the marine environment, discuss the food chain of the intertidal zone, and are shown how to handle live invertebrates.
Mineral Marvels (3rd – 5th grade)
What is a mineral? How can you tell the difference between various rocks and minerals? Students will observe the Museum's mineral collection, learn to classify minerals based on their many properties, and then use these skills to identify the minerals in everyday objects such as pencils, makeup, and baby powder. Primary science skills (observing, recording, and hypothesizing) are used as they handle and examine specimens.
Butterflies (PreK - 2nd grade)
Students explore the world of butterflies while learning about their body structure, life cycle, and symmetrical decorative patterns. The program includes a symmetry game and craft project.
SCIENCE: for MIDDLE SCHOOL only. Contact:
Julie Harrington in the Bruce Museum's Education Department at (203) 413-6744. Scholarships for schools on a tight budget are available for both programs.
Partnership with AAG (Archaeological Associates of Greenwich)
# # # #
