• Field Trip

    More than 250 interactive science, technology, energy and health exhibits await students of all ages.  We’re experts at making sure that bringing your group to the Museum is smooth sailing all the way. Discounted admission for groups of 20 or more!

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  • ScienceWorks

    Your students become scientists during our ScienceWorks Labs. All programs align with National Science Education Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations and Common Core State Standards. Labs are available year-round for preschool to middle school students.

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  • Outreach

    It's Science on Wheels: We bring the Museum to you!  We offer fun, inquiry-based programs for the students in your classroom, library, festival or youth center! All programs address objectives outlined in the Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations and include pre- and post-visit activities.

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  • Distance Learning

    Our educators use videoconferencing to engage your students in a dynamic, hands-on learning experience. Program kits sent to classroom teachers include nearly everything you need for experiments. Kits are yours to keep! All programs address National Science Education Standards and align with Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations.

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  • Professional Development

    Join us for fast-paced, hands-on teacher workshops that provide elementary and middle school educators with new hands-on tools for incorporating interactive science and math activities into your classroom.  Join us for professional development opportunities both at the museum and at your school.

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  • Scouts

    The best place for Scouts to explore STEAM! We offer unique, fun-filled workshops, designed specifically for Scouts. Come to the Museum for your workshop and get hands-on as you explore math, science, technology, and more.

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  • Summer Camp

    Explore week-long science and math activities in conjuntion with Ann Arbor Rec&Ed and other local organizations.  Elementary and middle school children can investigate a different theme each week through hands-on and engaging fun.

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  • Birthday Parties

    What do you get when you mix one part science, one part fun, and one part celebration? A birthday party at the Museum! Experience a birthday full of discovery by exploring more than 250 exhibits and experimenting with a hands-on activity. Celebrate in a unique and interactive environment to make your special day really special!

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  • Evening Workshops

    Want to dive deeply into specific topics? Join us for an Evening Workshop! Explore a variety of science concepts through hands-on activities, interactive demos, and experiments in a small group setting. Topics vary from stop-motion animation to computer programming to engineering – there’s sure to be something that piques your interest!

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Back to Programs

Critters in the Cold

Distance Learning: Critter In The Cold

Students will learn about animal adaptations to extreme weather with hands-on experiments and even take a virtual trip to Antarctica. Join us as we learn how animals such as penguins live and have babies during extreme weather.

  • Grade level: K – 2
  • Cost: $145
  • Available: Year-Round

Each Distance Learning program includes:

  • A 50-minute interactive program

  • A kit with materials for interactive experiments for 30 students

  • Extension activities and resources for further exploration

  • To make your program an enjoyable and memorable experience please be sure to review the Videoconferencing Tips

Please note: Your school or ISD must have videoconferencing equipment to participate in Distance Learning Programs.

Click here to schedule your Distance Learning Program today!

U.S. National Curriculum Standards NS.K-4.1 Science as Inquiry

  • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
  • Understanding about scientific inquiry

U.S. National Curriculum Standards NS.K-4.3 Life Sciences

  • Characteristics of organisms
  • Life cycles of organisms
  • Organisms and environments

Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations, Science v.1.09

  • Identify that living things have basic needs. (L.OL.00.11)
  • Identify the needs of animals. (L.OL.01.13)
  • Describe the life cycle of animals including the following stages: egg, young, adult. (L.OL.01.21)
  • Identify characteristics (for example: body coverings, beak shape, number of legs, body parts) that are passed on from parents to young. (L.HE.01.11)
  • Make purposeful observation of the natural world using the appropriate senses. (S.IP.02.11)

Next Generation Science Standards

Students participating in this program will explore science content as stated in the Disciplinary Core Ideas. They will engage in science and engineering practices as they plan and conduct investigations to answer questions regarding animal adaptation.

LS1.A: Structure and Function

  • All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air

LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms

  • Adult plants and animals can have young. In many kinds of animals, parents and the offspring themselves engage in behaviors that help the offspring to survive.

LS1.D: Information Processing

  • Animals have body parts that capture and convey different kinds of information needed for growth and survival. Animals respond to these inputs with behaviors that help them survive.

LS3.A: Inheritance of Traits

  • Young animals are very much, but not exactly, like their parents.

LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

  • There are many different kinds of living things in any area, and they exist in different places on land and in water. 
Critters in the Cold

Distance Learning

School

50 minutes

K-2nd

30

Natural Sciences