Las Vegas Natural History Museum Teacher Guide

Student & Education Programs

EXPLORE

2010 -2011

Las Vegas Natural History Museum

2010-2011 Education Programs

LAS VEGAS NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Connect your students to the wonders of the natural world with a visit to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, where a whole new world of science, nature and cultures around the globe awaits. Our guided programs and fascinating galleries inspire wonder, curiosity and learning that extend well beyond your visit.

Right: Young paleontologists are transported to a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth in our Prehistoric Life Gallery.

Below: Students experience the Tomb of King Tutankhamun through a realistic entrance to the tomb – just as archeologist Howard Carter did in 1922. Exact replicas of the tomb’s best-known artifacts make Ancient Egypt come alive.

Just four of the many great reasons to visit the Museum Admission and bus scholarships are available to qualifying schools.

Our standards-based programs

align with state requirements.

Guided field trips by

Museum education professionals mean less preparation time for you.

Engaging exhibits extend beyond our

state to span the globe; exciting programs immerse your students in learning.

We want to be your partner as an educator in creating a lively, engaging and unforgettable learning environment for your students.

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WELCOME

it impact your life? Perhaps it inspired a Think back on your first visit to a museum. How did cultures, or to find what connects us with love of history, a passion to travel, to learn about other spark for your students with a visit to the the past, present and future. You can ignite that same Las Vegas Natural History Museum. the most popular cultural destinations in Since opening in 1991, the Museum has become one of Each year, we welcome 30,000 students the city, hosting an average of 85,000 visitors annually. these students visit the Museum at no cost from the Clark County School District. The majority of for at-risk schools. through our admission and bus transportation scholarships e and nature – found not just in the Our education programs introduce your students to scienc . Our field trips broaden children’s world the d Las Vegas Valley or the State of Nevada, but aroun spark imaginations that lead to and lives, knowledge of science, make connections to their own ams, and are aligned with progr tional life-long learning. All of our field trips are guided educa social studies. and e scienc in grade appropriate Nevada State Education Standards students in a world of exotic wildlife and A visit to the Natural History Museum immerses your gh the present. They’ll learn about topics the ecosystems they live in – from prehistoric times throu classification and basic scientific methods including animal characteristics, habitats, adaptations, , draws students into the fascinating and principles. Our newest addition, Treasures of Egypt ancient culture of fellow desert dwellers. discoveries and science of archaeology, as well as into an ts with outside-the-classroom We appreciate your commitment to enriching your studen come to us, we’re eager to bring the experiences at the Museum. Even if you’re not able to or Teaching Trunk programs.

Museum to your classroom with our Museum Outreach of the experience for your students …

Please let us know how we can help you make the most tion Department and our entire staff, before, during and after your visit. On behalf of our Educa we look forward to welcoming you and your students!

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Marilyn Gillespie

Executive Director

| Las Vegas Natural History Museum

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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12 13 14 15 16 22

Field Trip Programs

Think Outside the Classroom Programs at a Glance

Our Galleries

Treasures of Egypt Prehistoric Life International Wildlife Marine Life Wild Nevada African Savanna Geology /Prehistoric Mammals Gallery Young Scientist Center

Museum on Wheels

Traveling Trunks Outreach Program

Planning your Field Trip Scholarships

School Group Discounts

Time Slots

Making Reservations

Reservation Tips Bus Transportation

At the Museum

When You Arrive Meeting your Museum Guide Food and Drinks Late Policy and Cancellations Gift Bags and Gift Shop

Program Details & State Standards

Early Explorers Ancient Egypt Experience Learning Safari Science Sleuths

Museum Map

TEACHER TIPS Look for the owl icon and handy Teacher Tips throughout this booklet to help you make the most of your field trip for your students.

Field Trip Programs

THINK OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM All of our Field Trip programs are carefully designed by grade level and meet State Education Standards. Pre- and post-visit activities are being developed by grade level.

Please visit the Museum’s website or Interact for new classroom activities starting winter 2010 and spring 2011.

Early Explorers | Grades PK – K Hands-on learning and interactive inquiry bring this Museum adventure program to life – addressing early childhood developmental milestones and the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten State Standards of Education in Science. Through active exploration, children learn important skills, concepts and vocabulary to provide a foundation for future science education.

Learning Safari | Grades 1 – 8 Take your students on a wildlife adventure with a safari through Wild Nevada or the African Savanna.

Guided questioning empowers students to construct knowledge, make discoveries and connect their Museum experience to the natural world. The Learning Safari is aligned with Nevada State Standards and addresses the themes of Habitats for grades 1 and 2; Adaptations for grades 3 - 8.

Science Sleuths | Grades 4 – 8 Combine an interpretive experience with a science lab to transform your students into Science Sleuths.

This life and earth science program encourages observational and deductive reasoning skills as well as self-discovery. It integrates inquiry-based, investigative, hands-on learning and peer interaction.

Students participate in a 45-minute lab activity with a 45-minute gallery tour. It is aligned with Nevada State Science or Social Studies Standards for grades 4 - 8.

Ancient Egypt Experience | Grades 6 – 8 In the Museum’s newest exhibit, Treasures of Egypt, students are transported from the desert of Nevada to the desert of ancient Egypt – across time and space to the culture and artifacts of this ancient civilization. Students use teamwork and critical thinking to explore ancient Egypt through geography, history, mathematics, science and technology. A combined gallery and lab experience reveals the ancient Egyptians dependence on the Nile River for survival; the social hierarchy and its impact on the daily lives of the Egyptians; and the technology and archaeology that reveals the legacy of ancient Egyptians. The program aligns with Nevada State Social Studies Standards for grades 6 – 8.

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| Las Vegas Natural History Museum

PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE

TEACHER TIPS We’re affordable, convenient and aligned with state education standards — three reasons to enrich your students’ learning with a visit to the Museum.

GRADE LEVEL

PROGRAM NAME

CCSD STUDENT ADMISSION

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR QUALIFYING SCHOOLS

OUTREACH

TEACHING TRUNK(S)

PK-K

Early Explorers Animal Attributes

$3

Yes

Yes

Coral Reef Dinosaur

1

Learning Safari Homes & Habitats

$3

Yes

Yes

Coral Reef Dinosaur

eligible; page 13 has

Learning Safari Homes & Habitats

$3

Coral Reef

We make it easy for you.

Learning Safari Adaptations

$3

Learning Safari Adaptations

$3

Yes

No

Science Sleuths Bandana Survivor

$4

Yes

Yes

Learning Safari Adaptations

$3

Yes

No

Science Sleuths Bandana Survivor

$4

Yes

Yes

Science Sleuths Fossil Stories

$4

Yes

Yes

Learning Safari Adaptations

$4

Yes

No

Science Sleuths Fossil Stories

$4

Yes

Yes

Ancient Egypt Experience

$4

Yes

Yes

Learning Safari Adaptations

$4

Yes

No

Science Sleuths GeoDetectives

$4

Yes

No

Ancient Egypt Experience

$4

Yes

Yes

Learning Safari Adaptations

$4

Yes

No

Science Sleuths GeoDetectives

$4

Yes

No

Ancient Egypt Experience

$4

Yes

Yes

We offer free admission and bus scholarships.

Check if your group is

2

3

4

Yes

Yes

complete details.

Our field trip programs are

Yes

Yes

Coral Reef

guided and led by Museum education staff.

Nevada

All of our programs are aligned with grade appropriate Nevada State Education Standards in

5

6

7

8

No

science and/or social studies.

No

No

No

Please note Early Explorers and Learning Safaris are approximately 1 hour long. Science Sleuths and the Ancient Egypt Experience are 1 hour and 30 minutes long. Admission and bus reimbursement scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis to schools with 60 percent or more of the school population on the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program.

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Our Galleries

FROM EGYPT TO WILD NEVADA Your students experience the age of the dinosaurs... ancient Egypt... today’s deserts of Nevada and the world and more. Our galleries present environments where great learning happens through exploration and discovery.

Above: Students see some of the best-known artifacts from King Tut’s Tomb – carefully re-created in our Treasures of Egypt Gallery.

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| Las Vegas Natural History Museum

TEACHER TIPS Our education staff members guide your students through the galleries.

We carefully coordinate learning program themes with guided questions to align with Nevada Education Standards.

International Wildlife

Explore how archaeologists in the early 20th

Showcasing the amazing adaptations of mammals,

Century unearthed some of Egypt’s most

this gallery presents dozens of mounted animals.

renowned treasures, including the Tomb of

Feel a real bear’s fur. Get an up close look at the

Tutankhamun. Artifact recreations of the best-

amazing variety of physical adaptations mammals

known pieces of King Tut’s Tomb – authorized

use for survival around the world. Antelope, big

by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities – bring

cats, wild dogs, deer and sheep are just some of

to life this journey to the land of the Pharaohs.

the animals you’ll see.

Explore life along the Nile and visit an ancient Egyptian village dating back 3,000 years ago. Use hieroglyphics to decode words. Enter King Tut’s

Marine Life

Tomb and discover recreations of his Golden

Submerge yourself in this ocean experience,

Throne, chariots, the Golden Shrine and outer

complete with live sharks and stingrays that

sarcophagus. Use the same, state-of-the-art CAT

occupy a 3,000-gallon tank. Stand in the jaws of

scan technology as today’s Egyptologists and

a megalodon shark. See colorful and fascinating

explore an Egyptian mummy replica.

creatures from the deep with unique adaptations

such as blind cave fish and a frog fish. Learn

Prehistoric Life

about bioluminescence, or the living glow, of marine animals.

Step into the Cretaceous Period and approach the Tyrannosaurus rex at your own risk! It’s joined

by Triceratops, Ankylosaur, a ferocious raptor

Wild Nevada

and more. Learn how fossils are created. Explore

The scenic but rugged beauty of the Mojave

theories on the first animals to inhabit land,

Desert comes to life in this multi-sensory

different dinosaur characteristics and extinction.

gallery. Hear the call of a coyote! Use your

See ancient marine life and other animals

other senses to learn about the large

including the ichthyosaur, a gigantic marine reptile

variety of minerals, plants and animals –

that swam in the waters of Nevada during the

including the desert tortoise and burrowing

time of the dinosaurs.

owl – in our state. Find out more about Nevada’s state symbols and the Las Vegas Valley’s first inhabitants.

“

THE EXHIBITS HELP PAINT A BETTER PICTURE IN MY MIND.

“

Treasures of Egypt

African Savanna

Young Scientist Center

Experience the breathtaking beauty

Geology / Prehistoric Mammals Gallery

of the Serengeti, featuring a peaceful

Explore the phenomenon of glowing

on gallery that’s just their size. They’ll

watering hole and the predator-prey

minerals and scorpions. Discover

transform themselves into paleontologists

relationships of the animals that survive

bizarre characteristics of ice age beasts

as they dig for fossils, or marine biologists

in this harsh environment. Hear the roar

including smilodon and a giant ground

as they explore the ocean inside a

of a lion and find animals such as a wart

sloth. See real camel and mammoth

yellow submarine. Technology is at their

hog, hyenas, a cheetah and rhino.

fossils discovered here in Las Vegas.

fingertips with computers, microscopes

Our younger explorers love this hands-

and interactive exhibits.

ON-SITE CLASSROOM Several education programs combine a 45-minute gallery tour and a 45-minute classroom lab using investigative minds-on and hands-on cooperative activities:

o Science Sleuths

- Bandana Survivor

- Fossil Stories

- GeoDetectives

o Ancient Egypt Experience

Also in the classroom, you’ll find some of the Museum’s terrestrial animals including snakes, lizards and spiders.

Far left: Spark the interest of aspiring marine biologists, oceanographers or marine ecologists with an up-close look at aquatic life.

Above: In the Geology Gallery, students explore breaking science news, the phenomenon of fluorescent minerals and geological natural resources.

Left: A peaceful watering hole ‌ or a place where danger may be lurking?

On the African Savanna, students learn skills of observation and inquiry.

TRAVELING EXHIBITS The Museum brings in a special traveling exhibit each year, usually during June through September. The most recent exhibitions include In the Dark; CSI: Crime Scene Insects; Glow: Living Lights; TUSKS! Ice Age Mammoths and Mastodons; and Bizarre Beasts, Past and Present.

Contact the Education Department to find out the current schedule of new and exciting exhibits visiting the Museum.

CSI: Crime Scene Insects

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Outreach Programs

MUSEUM ON WHEELS Can’t come to the Museum? Bring these special student programs to your classroom and enhance your lessons with a Teaching Trunk or Museum Outreach classroom experience.

Teaching Trunks Bring our hands-on learning philosophy straight to your classroom or daycare center with The Coral Reef, Dinosaur and Nevada Teaching Trunks. They’re packed with activities, lesson plans, books, games, models or specimens.

Schools and daycare providers can check out the trunks for up to two weeks at no charge.

Check the Museum’s website for updates throughout the year as we add new Traveling Trunks.

Museum Outreach Programs The Museum’s Educators visit your classroom to present on a variety of topics including the coral reef and dinosaurs. Students participate in inquirybased activities and games – and they may even observe real specimens. These exciting learning opportunities engage your students through fun and discovery.

Watch for new Outreach Program listings on the Museum’s website. Please contact the Education Department for more information.

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| Las Vegas Natural History Museum

Field Trip

PLANNING YOUR FIELD TRIP

TEACHER TIPS Free admission and bus reimbursement scholarships are available to at-risk schools. If costs are a concern for taking your class on a field trip, we may be able to help.

Scholarships

Paying Admission

We’re pleased to offer admission and bus

Cash, checks made payable to the Las Vegas

reimbursement scholarships to qualifying schools.

Natural History Museum, or credit cards are

Please plan early – these

To qualify for scholarship, 60 percent or more of

accepted. An invoice can also be provided.

programs are first-come,

your school’s student population is required to be

Invoiced fees are due within 30 days.

first-served.

on the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program.

Please plan early, as these programs are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Schools qualify for

Group Sizes The Museum can accommodate groups of

For bus scholarships, at least 60 students are

10 - 120 students plus adults. A group is

required for one bus; 120 students are required for

considered to be 10 or more students, 3 years

two buses. If you are unable to bring the number of

and above.

students originally scheduled, you may be asked to invite another class or grade to meet the minimum bus scholarship requirements. The Museum

Time Slots

requires a bus confirmation and school cost center

Field Trips are offered Monday through Friday

number in order to reimburse schools for buses. If

at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.; 1:00 p.m. is also

you have questions or special circumstances, please

available if CCSD buses are not required for

contact the Education Department.

transportation. The length of your tour depends

scholarships if 60 percent or more of your students are on the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program.

For bus scholarships, at least 60 students are required for one bus; 120 students for two buses.

on the field trip program. Please note that the

School Group Discounts The CCSD school group discount rate is $3 or $4 per student, depending on the education program.

Admission is free for teachers. CCSD chaperones are admitted free up to the student to adult ratios listed by grade on page 14. To receive a school group discount, reservations must be made in advance and the group must check in together.

times listed are approximate.

Early Explorers

9:30-10:45, 11:00-12:15, 1:00-2:15

Learning Safari

9:30-10:45, 11:00-12:15, 1:00-2:15

Science Sleuths

9:30-11:00, 11:00-12:30, 1:00-2:30

Ancient Egypt Experience

9:30-11:00, 11:00-12:30, 1:00-2:30

Any chaperones who arrive late will be asked to pay a $5 admission fee.

When scheduling your buses please allow time for travel. Buses may be

During the guided tour, all members of your

reserved between the hours of 9:00 a.m.

group must stay with the Museum Educator and

and 1:00 p.m. Please note the length of

leave at the designated time.

your tour may also depend on the arrival/ departure time of your bus.

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Chaperones The Museum is able to accommodate the maximum

at the time of your reservation or above the listed

student to adult ratios for the following grades:

grade ratio pay admission upon arrival. Please remind chaperones their role is to help supervise

Grades Pre-K – Kindergarten 5:1 Grades 1 - 2 – 7:1 Grades 3 - 8 – 10:1

students and they must remain with the tour.

Admission is free for CCSD chaperones up to the

one parent per student is admitted free.

When parents provide transportation for students,

TEACHER TIPS It’s easy to make a reservation for your field trip. Choose from one of three convenient ways to schedule your visit today: email Pam Thomas,

listed ratios per grade. Adults not pre-registered

Education Department, at pthomas1@interact.ccsd.net

MAKING RESERVATIONS Reservation Tips Before contacting the Museum for a reservation, please remember to:

oC heck with your office manager and/ or regional area ASC for transportation reservation deadlines

o Check holiday and testing calendars

oH ave several alternative dates in case your first choice is already booked

oM ake your reservation with the Museum at

o Grade level o How many classes o Name of the program you are interested in o Dates and times you would like to schedule When you make your reservation, please make note of special gallery requests, gift bags or a visit to the Museum’s gift shop. The Museum may be unable to accommodate requests on the day of the field trip.

least three weeks in advance for scheduling your preferred programs, dates, time slots and buses

Bus Transportation

oO rder bus(es) through your office manager

oE mail or call the Museum with your bus

Making Reservations Choose one of three convenient ways to make a reservation for your students: o Email pthomas1@ interact.ccsd.net o Call 384-3466 x226

oV isit www.lvnhm.org

You’ll need to provide the Museum with the following information to make your reservation: o Your name o Your school’s name o Approximate number of students o Approximate number of adults

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confirmation

oF or bus reimbursement scholarships, email or call with your school’s cost center number and school pick up and return times

Your field trip is not finalized until a bus confirmation is submitted to the Museum and if applicable, a school cost center number for bus reimbursement scholarship. Buses are usually scheduled through your office manager. You should also be able to obtain the bus confirmation and school cost center number from your office manager.

| Las Vegas Natural History Museum

call the Museum at 384-3466 ext. 226 visit our website at www.lvnhm.org For more information, contact Education Director Pam Thomas at 384-3466 ext. 226

TEACHER TIPS Follow these simple tips to ensure a smooth checkin when you arrive at the Museum: Provide us with the number of students, adults and siblings in your group.

If you’re paying by cash,

AT THE MUSEUM When you arrive

oB uses may drop off students at the front or side of the building (pickup will be at the side entrance). Bus parking is in the back parking loop.

oG roups that arrive early will be directed to wait in Heritage Park next to the Museum.

oB e prepared to leave labeled food and drink

please collect the money for your entire group before you arrive.

please label water bottles and/or lunches and

Label lunches and drinks,

place them in a container until after the tour.

and place them in a container; we’ll keep them

For lunch or snack time, your group is welcome

until you’ve completed

to visit Heritage Park next to the Museum. The

your tour.

park provides an outdoor picnic area complete with shaded picnic tables, restrooms, drinking fountains and a covered play area.

at the admissions desk.

oP rovide us with the number of people for each of these categories: students, adults (including teachers) and siblings.

o I f paying by cash, please collect the money for the entire group prior to arrival, for a speedy check-in and quicker start for your tour.

o You may be asked to put your students into groups. Each group will have a Museum Guide.

Meeting your Museum Guide A Museum Educator will greet you on your arrival, and will be your guide throughout the field trip.

We’re here to help you make the most of your visit!

Late Policy and Cancellations If you are running late, please call the Museum.

Your tour program begins and ends at the scheduled time unless pre-authorized by the Museum’s Education Director. Groups arriving late will have their program adjusted to fit their scheduled time slot, using whatever time is remaining.

If you must cancel your reservation, please notify the Museum at least three weeks in advance.

Gift Bags and Gift Shop Gift bags are available for pre-order for $1.00 each. Please email or call at least one week in advance. If you call within the week before your reservation date, the cost is $1.50 per gift bag.

Food and Drinks We ask that you help us preserve the Museum’s collections. For that reason, food and drink (including water bottles and chewing gum) are not permitted in the galleries. Before you arrive,

If you would like your students to visit the gift shop, please pre-schedule gift shop time. We ask that no more than six students be in the gift shop at one time and that the other students wait their turn. lvnhm.org |

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PROGRAMS AND STATE EDUCATION STANDARDS

TEACHER TIPS Spark your young learners’ curiosity, inquisitiveness, skills of observation and knowledge.

Early Explorers

Introduce students to a

The Early Explorer program is a guided Museum adventure for preschool and kindergarten children.

world of diverse plants and

This program offers hands-on learning experiences and interactive inquiry that addresses early

animals from close to home

childhood developmental milestones and the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten State Standards of

and around the world.

Education in Science. This exciting program introduces important skills, concepts, and vocabulary that

Students learn skills,

provide a foundation for future science education.

concepts and vocabulary.

PK – K

Theme & Focus

I Spy Animals – Can you spy an animal with stripes? Travel from the past to modern places around the world and observe animal attributes.

Galleries visited may include

International Wildlife, African Savanna, Young Scientist Center/Prehistoric Life & Marine Life. (15 minutes for each of the four galleries for an approximate total of 1 hour.)

Nevada PK-K Standards

Life Science – Structure & Function

6.PK.1 Identify humans, animals, & plants.

6.PK.2 Use the 5 senses to explore & investigate the natural world.

6.K.1 Observe and describe animal attributes.

Life Science - Internal & External Influences on Organisms

7.PK.5 Identify the basic need for air, water, and food.

L.2.B Understand that living things have identifiable characteristics.

Life Science – Organisms & Their Environment

L.2.B.1 Know that animals use their senses to know their world.

L.2.C. Understand that living things live in different places.

L.2.C.2 Know a habitat includes food, water, shelter, and space.

L.2.C.3 Know living things are found almost everywhere in the world.

Life Science - Heredity & Diversity

8.PK.2 Explore and identify a variety of animals and plants.

L.2.D. Understand that there are many kinds of living things on Earth.

L.2.D.1 Know plants and animals can be sorted by observable characteristics and behaviors.

L.2.D.2 Know some plants and animals are extinct.

Environmental Sciences – Ecosystems

15.PK.1 Identify animals and their homes.

Scientific Inquiry: Processes & Skills (Scientific Values & Attitudes)

21.PK.1a Observe their world.

21.PK.1b Ask questions about their world.

N.2.A. Understand that science is an active process of systematically examining the natural world.

N.2.A.1 Make observations & give descriptions.

Scientific Inquiry: Processes & Skills (Communication Skills)

22.PK.2 Share ideas with others.

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| Las Vegas Natural History Museum

Ancient Egypt Experience Students use teamwork and critical thinking to explore ancient Egypt through geography, history, math, science, and technology. The guided gallery and lab experience focus on: 1. The ancient Egyptians’ dependence on the Nile River; 2. How daily lives reflected position in society; 3. Their legacy revealed through technology and archaeology. This program aligns with Nevada State Social Studies Standards for grades 6 – 8.

TEACHER TIPS Transport students through time, space and culture to the deserts of ancient Egypt The exhibit centerpiece

6TH – 8TH GRADE

is the tomb of King Theme

Lifestyles of the Dead & Mummified – Discover the cultural achievements of ancient Egyptians based on their social hierarchy.

Tutankhamun – the only full-

Gallery visited

Treasures of Egypt & Classroom. (45 minutes each: gallery & classroom.)

Artifact recreations of the

Nevada 6 - 8 Social Studies Standards

Content Standard H1.0- People, Cultures, & Civilizations

H2.0 Nation Building & Development.

H3.0 Social Responsibility & change.

H4.0 International Relationships & Power.

Geography G6. [6-8].2 Locate major civilization, ancient through current, and describe how regions changed over time.

G6. [6-8].6 Describe relationships between regions and belief systems and tell how these are important to cultural identity.

G6.[6-8].8 Compare the uses of technology across world cultures.

G7.[6-9].3 Identify the conditions necessary for the development of civilizations and the cultural, political, and economic characteristics resulting from the growth of civilizations.

Economics E12.[6-8].1 Describe how the exchange of goods and services around the world creates interdependence among people in different countries and affects standards of living.

scale exhibit outside Egypt. best-known pieces in the Tomb of Tutankhamun are displayed in exact detail.

The replicas are one of only two sets authorized by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities.

The pieces are crafted

by Egyptian artisans with many of the same materials and techniques used in ancient Egypt.

Civics C13.[6-8].5 Explain the influence of ancient civilizations of the roles, rights, and responsibilities of citizens.

C16.[6-8] Define the characteristics of a country.

History H.1 [6-8].21 Describe the cultural achievements of societies in the Middle East, Far East, the Americas, Africa, South Asia, and Europe.

H.2. [6-8].24 Identify the characteristics that led to the emergence and decline of world empires around the world.

H.2.[6-8].25 Identify characteristics of various political systems of ancient civilizations.

H.2.[6-8].30 Explore how a desire for foreign goods led to an increase of economic & cultural diversity.

H.3.[6-8].18 Explain how civilizations create order through social groupings. i.e. caste system, class system, feudalism.

Science, Technology, & Society (Unifying Concept B)

N.8.B Understand interactions of science & society in an ever-changing world.

N.8.B.1 Understand that technology can increase resource availability and make new resources economical.

Atmospheric Processes and the Water Cycle (Earth & Space Science Unifying Concept A)

E.8.A Understand the relationship between the Earth’s atmosphere, topography, weather, and climate.

E.8.A.1 Know seasons are caused by variations in the amounts of the Sun’s energy reaching Earth’s surface due to the planet’s axial tilt.

E.8.A.2 Know the processes involved in the water cycle affect climatic patterns.

E.8.A.3 Know the properties that make water an essential component of Earth.

Mathematical Reasoning – Process Standard C Recognize and apply deductive and inductive reasoning.

Mathematical connections – Process Standard D Use manipulatives and physical models to explain the relationships between concepts and procedures. Apply mathematical thinking and modeling to solve problems that arise in other disciplines. Identify, explain, and apply mathematics in everyday life. lvnhm.org |

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Learning Safari With a Learning Safari, children in grades 1 - 8 are guided through a wildlife adventure. This program uses guided questioning that empowers children to construct knowledge, make discoveries, and connect their Museum experience to the natural world. The Learning Safari is aligned with Nevada State Standards and addresses the themes of Habitats for grades 1 and 2, as well as Adaptations for grades 3 - 8.

TEACHER TIPS Take your first and second graders on an exciting wildlife adventure where they’ll learn about animals and their habitats.

Students observe, ask and answer questions such as: - Fur or hair, feathers or hide, skin or scales?

- What do plants and animals need to survive?

“

Theme

Everybody Needs a Home - Journey through diverse environments and identify animal habitats.

Galleries visited may include

Wild Nevada, African Savanna, Prehistoric Life & Marine Life.

(15 minutes per gallery for an approximate total of 1 hour.)

Nevada K-2 Science Standards

Scientific Inquiry

N.2.A. Understand that science is an active process of systematically examining the natural world.

N.2.A.1 Make observations & give descriptions.

Life Science – Structure of Life

L.2.B Understand that living things have identifiable characteristics.

L.2.B.1 Know that animals use their senses to know their world.

Life Science – Organisms & Their Environment

L.2.C Understand that living things live in different places.

L.2.C.2 Know a habitat includes food, water, shelter, and space.

L.2.C.3 Know living things are found almost everywhere in the world.

Life Science – Diversity of Life

L.2.D Understand that there are many kinds of living things on Earth.

L.2.D.1 Know plants and animals can be sorted by observable characteristics and behaviors.

L.2.D.2 Know some plants and animals are extinct.

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| Las Vegas Natural History Museum

“

1ST & 2ND GRADE

IT WAS MORE FUN THAN LEARNING AT SCHOOL.

3RD - 5TH GRADE An Animal’s Fight for Survival – Explore extraordinary ecosystems and learn how living things adapt for survival.

Galleries visited may include

International Wildlife, Wild Nevada, Prehistoric Life & Marine Life.

(15 minutes per gallery for an approximate total of 1 hour.)

Nevada 3-5 Science Standards

Scientific Inquiry N.5.A. Understand that science involves asking and answering questions and comparing the answers to what scientists know about the world.

Life Science – Heredity

L.5.A.1. Know that some physical characteristics and behaviors are inherited in animals and plants.

L.5.A.5. Know that some animal behaviors are learned.

Life Science – Structure of Life

L.5.B Understand that living things have specialized structures that perform a variety of life functions.

L.5.B.1. Know plants and animals have structures that enable them to grow, reproduce, and survive.

Life Science – Organisms and Their Environment

L.5.C. Understand that there is a variety of ecosystems on Earth and that organisms interact within their ecosystems.

L.5.C.2 Know organisms interact with each other and with the non-living parts of their ecosystem.

L.5.C.3. Know changes to an environment can be beneficial or detrimental to different organisms.

L.5.C.5 Know plants and animals have adaptations allowing them to survive in specific ecosystems.

Life Science – Diversity of Life

L.5.D. Understand that living things can be classified according to physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitats.

L.5.D.1 Know animals and plants can be classified according to their observable characteristics.

L.5.D.2. Know fossils are evidence of past life.

6TH – 8TH GRADE

Theme

An Animal’s Fight for Survival – Explore extraordinary ecosystems and learn how living things adapt for survival.

Galleries visited may include

International Wildlife, African Savanna, Prehistoric Life & Marine Life.

(15 minutes per gallery for an approximate total of 1 hour.)

Nevada 6-8 Science Standards

Life Science – Organisms and Their Environment

L.8.C. Understand how living and non-living components of ecosystems interact.

L.8.C.2. Know how to characterize organisms in any ecosystems by their functions.

L.8.C.3. Evaluate how changes in environments can be beneficial or harmful.

Life Science – Diversity of Life

L.8.D. Understand that life forms change over time, contributing to the variety of organisms found on the Earth.

L.8.D.1 Know species can be identified and classified based upon their characteristics.

L.8.D.2. Know fossils provide evidence of how life and environmental conditions have changed throughout geologic time.

L.8.D.3. Know an organism’s behavior is based on both experience and on the species’ evolutionary history.

TEACHER TIPS Third through eighth graders take a more in-depth look at ecosystems and adaptation.

Enhance scientific literacy as students exercise their critical thinking skills by asking and answering questions.

Learn about the intricate relationships within terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems – past and present.

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I SAW THINGS I HAVEN’T SEEN BEFORE.

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Theme

Science Sleuths The Science Sleuths guided life and earth science program encourages observational and deductive reasoning skills and self-discovery by integrating inquiry-based, investigative, and hands-on learning with peer interaction. The program is composed of a 45-minute lab activity with a 45-minute gallery tour of the Museum, and is aligned with Nevada State Science or Social Studies Standards for grades 4-8.

4TH & 5TH GRADE

Theme

Bandana Survivor -- Investigate natural objects using observational skills to analyze, ask, and answer questions as a team.

Galleries visited may include

Prehistoric Life, Marine Life, Wild Nevada & Classroom. (15 minutes per gallery & 45 minutes in the Classroom for an approximate total of 1 ½ hours.)

Nevada 3 – 5 Science Standards

Scientific Inquiry

N.5.A. Understand that science involves asking and answering questions and comparing the answers to what scientists know about the world.

N.5.A.1 Know scientific progress is made by conducting careful investigations, recording data, and communicating the results in an accurate method.

N.8.A.3 Know how to draw conclusions from scientific evidence.

TEACHER TIPS Spark a love for scientific inquiry while students build their strategic thinking and reasoning skills – cleverly disguised as fun.

Hands-on learning Investigation and analysis Peer interaction

Science, Technology, & Society

N.5.B.3 Know the benefits of working with a team and sharing findings.

Diversity of Life

L.5.D. Understand that living things can be classified according to physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitats.

L.5.D.1 Know animals and plants can be classified according to their observable characteristics.

L.5.D.2 Know fossils are evidence of past life.

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| Las Vegas Natural History Museum

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I GOT TO EXPERIMENT WITH THINGS.

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Structure of Life

L.5.B Understand that living things have specialized structures that perform a variety of life functions.

L.5.B.1 Know plants and animals have structures that enable them to grow, reproduce, and survive.

5TH & 6TH GRADE

Theme

Fossil Stories – Discover the past using fossil evidence to look at unusual specimens.

Galleries visited may include

Prehistoric Life, Marine Life, Wild Nevada & Classroom. (15 minutes per gallery & 45 minutes in the Classroom for an approximate total of 1 ½ hours.)

Nevada 3 – 5 Science Standards

Scientific Inquiry

N.5.A. Understand that science involves asking and answering questions and comparing the answers to what scientists know about the world.

N.8.A.3 Know how to draw conclusions from scientific evidence.

Science, Technology, & Society

N.5.B.3 Know the benefits of working with a team and sharing findings.

Organisms and their Environment

L.5.C.3 Know changes to an environment can be beneficial or detrimental to different organisms.

L.5.C.5 Know plants and animals have adaptations allowing them to survive in specific ecosystems.

Diversity of Life

L.5.D.2 Know fossils are evidence of past life.

L.8.D. Understand that life forms change over time, contributing to the variety of organisms found on the Earth.

L.8.D.1 Know species can be identified and classified based upon their characteristics.

L.8.D.2 Know fossils provide evidence of how life and environmental conditions have changed throughout geologic time.

TEACHER TIPS A Chinese proverb says: “Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I’ll remember; involve me and I’ll understand.” Involve and inspire your students with our hands-on science and lab activities.

Budding geologists, natural scientists and paleontologists all find inspiration in this life and earth science program.

You’ll help lay a foundation for future science education.

Earth’s Composition and Structure

E.5.C. Understand that features on the Earth’s surface are constantly changed by a combination of slow and rapid processes.

E.5.C.3 Know landforms may result from slow processes and fast processes.

7TH & 8TH GRADE

Theme

GeoDetectives -- Unearth the mysteries of our planet’s dynamic geological processes.

Galleries visited may include

Prehistoric Life, Marine Life, Geology/Prehistoric Mammals & Classroom. (15 minutes per gallery & 45 minutes in the Classroom for an approximate total of 1 ½ hours.)

Nevada 6-8 Science Standards

Earth’s Composition & Structure

E.8.C.1 Know sedimentary rocks & fossils provide evidence for changing environments and the constancy of geologic processes.

E.8.C.2 Know rocks at Earth’s surface weather, forming sediments that are buried, then compacted, heated and often recrystallized into new rock.

E.8.C.3. Know Earth is composed of a crust (both continental & oceanic); hot convecting mantle; and a dense, a metallic core.

E.8.C.4. Know how geologic processes account for state and regional topography.

E.8.C.6. Know minerals have different properties and different distributions according to how they form.

Scientific Inquiry

N.8.A.1 Know how to identify and critically evaluate information in data, tables, and graphs.

N.8.A.5. Know how to use appropriate technology and laboratory procedures safely for observing, measuring, recording, and analyzing data.

Science, Technology, and Society

N.8.B.2 Know scientific knowledge is revised through a process of incorporating new evidence gained through on-going investigation and collaborative discussion.

Diversity of Life

L.8.D.2. Know fossils provide evidence of how life and environmental conditions have changed throughout geologic time. lvnhm.org |

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Museum Map

MUSEUM MAP

Main Floor Exhibits

Lower Level Exhibits

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| Las Vegas Natural History Museum

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AWESOME! WITH A CAPITAL A. GOOD JOB! COOL MUSEUM!

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N. Maryland Pkwy.

Las Vegas Blvd. North

W. Washington Ave.

W. Washington Ave.

E. Bonanza Rd.

Pkw y.

E. Bonanza Rd.

N. M ary lan d

Las Veg as B lvd .

515

S. M ain St.

Desert Ln.

15

E. Charleston Blvd.

Visit us online lvnhm.org 900 Las Vegas Blvd. North, Las Vegas, NV 89101 | 702-384-3466

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