Program Offerings
Who doesn’t want to get a look “behind the scenes?” With over 170,000 items in our collection, we don’t have room to display it all! These programs have been developed by our educators and curators specifically for visitors to learn more about how and why museums collect artifacts and care for them.
To find out more information please contact Education Services Coordinator Bridget Boyd-Carlson at 563-336-7308 or email
bboyd-carlson@putnam.org.
Additional Information for Educators
Ancient Egypt: Isis Neferit
A two-part program! First, a costumed interpreter makes a dramatic presentation on the life of this temple chantress. This peek at life in ancient Egypt also includes a “demonstration” of the mummification process! Then a Museum Educator leads you to the Egyptian Gallery to give detail on some of the most asked about artifacts and will be available to answer student questions.
Grades 3-5
Capacity: 30 students
Length: 60 minutes
Cost: $85
Exhibit Connection: Unearthing Ancient Egypt
Giant Screen 3D Film Connection: Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs
Coral Reefs & Beyond
Learn about the beautiful Coral Reefs and their friendly and not so friendly neighbors! Why do Starfish and Sea Urchins have tube feet? See the beautiful sea shells that come from the ocean and meet a crabby friend from the deep blue world!
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: Ocean Experience
Film Connection: Oceans: Our Blue Planet, Last Reef
African Adaptation Safari
Take an African Adaptation Safari with Curator of Natural Science Chris Chandler. Are you curious about how elephants hear with their feet, what’s with the Lion’s mane, and what you have to do to run as fast as a Cheetah? Then, this is the program for you. With help from the museum’s collections, we’ll discover some of the more innovative ways Mother Nature has worked her magic to create animals highly adapted to the African wilderness.
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $65
Exhibit Connection: Hall of Mammals
Art Station: Titan
Students navigate through the thick, planet-like atmosphere and icy terrain of Saturn’s largest moon in this science-based, art-guided demonstration. Discover a vast network of rivers and oceans while creating a scientific illustration of Titan’s moonscape.
GRADES 5-8
Capacity: 30 students
Length: 45 minutes
Cost: $65
Exhibit Connection: Science Center
Giant Screen 3D Film Connection: Journey to Space 3D
Dinosaurs
Do you ever wonder what it would be like to be a dinosaur? Would you be a carnivore, herbivore or an omnivore? How do scientists know so much about animals they’ve never seen? Let’s explore the ancient world of Dinosaurs together!
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: Dino Dig
Film Connection: Flying Monsters, Titians of the Ice Age, Dinos Alive
Caring for Your Treasures
Everyone has clothing, quilts, photos and documents they want to preserve and pass on. Museums are expert at taking care of these things. Learn these secrets and techniques to care for your mementos at home. This program offers hands-on learning in how to care for all your treasures.
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 45 minutes
Cost: $65
Exhibit Connection: River, Prairie, and People
Circuits
Copper tape, Batteries, and LED’S oh my!! Simplicity is key when it comes to making electricity. Let us help teach your students in an electrifying class all about how simple circuits work. Cost of materials may apply.
GRADES 3-5
Capacity: 30 students
Length: 45 minutes
Cost: $65
Exhibit Connection: Science Center
Giant Screen 3D Film Connection: Robots
Downloads:
Circuits Pre-Visit Materials
Circuits Post-Visit Materials
Gifts from the Seas
Did you know that you—a member of one of the more recent additions to our planet’s animal kingdom—may owe your life to a horseshoe crab—one of its oldest members? The world’s oceans cover more than 70% of our planet’s surface, yet only 5% of it has been explored. We regularly send astronauts into space, but only a handful of humans have ever visited the deepest part of the ocean. With so much left to explore, is it any wonder that every day we see announcements of new discoveries coming from the ocean’s depths?
Journey with Curator of Natural Science Chris Chandler from the seashore to the ocean depths to explore some of these new discoveries from the seas.
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 45 minutes
Cost: $65
Exhibit Connection: Ocean Experience
Film Connection: Oceans: Our Blue Planet,
Last Reef
Earth Warriors
There’s only one planet Earth and it’s our job to take care of it. Students will learn the importance of the 3 R’s; Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. We will also explore how planting seeds and composting can help. Small people making big differences, that’s what being an warrior for the Earth is all about.
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: Black Earth Big River
Film Connection: National Parks, Galapogos, Back From the Brink
Fun With Flight
What is behind the science of flight? Gravity and energy are just a few things that we will explore while learning the basics. Come on: Let’s fly into the big, blue yonder and have Fun with Flight!
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: Science Center
Film Connection: Living in the Age of Airplanes, Dream Big
Strange Objects: Celebrating Wonderfully Weird Objects from the Putnam Collections
The Putnam Museum has been collecting natural science, history and anthropology objects for more than 150 years. Artifacts and specimens from all over the world have been donated by local residents and avid collectors. The collection is large and eclectic to say the least. And, let’s admit it, some artifacts are just weird. From shrunken heads to hairballs, none of these objects will ever be designated “national treasures,” but many have earned a place in the hearts and memories of the community. Learn the stories behind these well-loved objects and many of the other wonderfully strange pieces preserved at the Putnam.
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 45 minutes
Cost: $65
The Davenport Tablet Conspiracy
In 1877, two engraved slate tablets were discovered in a burial mound site southwest of Davenport. One contained pictures and primitive writing, the other was a calendar stone marked with 12 signs similar to the European zodiac.
Were they proof of early European settlers in the region, or a practical joke gone bad? No less prestigious an institution than the Smithsonian first authenticated them, then later declared them a fraud. Find out how the infamous Davenport Tablets helped change archaeology forever.
Afterwards, why not visit River, Prairie and People to see the original tablets?
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 45 minutes
Cost: $65
Exhibit Connection: River, Prairie, and People
Germs... Friend or Foe?
Have you ever seen a germ? Are they all bad for you? Let’s find out together as we take a journey to discover the small, and sometimes invisible, animals that cause the sniffles and coughs. Can you protect yourself, your family and friends? What can you do?
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Film Connection: Mysteries of the Unseen World
H2WHOA
Hands-on learning is always a blast — especially in water! Together, we will build boats and test their buoyance. Will they sink … or float? Only the element of H2O will know!
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: Molecules in Motion
Film Connection: National Parks, Oceans
Innovations of Engineering
Engineers work together to solve the major challenges of our time and shape the world of today and tomorrow. Introduce your students to the engineering design process using design challenges that promote teamwork, critical thinking, creativity and problem solving. What problems in our world will your students help to solve?
Kindergarten - GRADE 8
Capacity: 30 students
Length: 45 minutes
Cost: $65
Scans Unwrap & Look Inside Our Mummies
Discover how the Putnam used CT scans to discover more about their mummies. Virtually peel back the wrappings and look inside one mummy, and examine hidden secrets of the unwrapped mummy. You’ll also hear the stories behind the Putnam’s acquisition of our two mummies. Not everything is what it appears to be!
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 45 minutes
Cost: $65
Exhibit Connection: Unearthing Ancient Egypt
Prehistory of the Quad Cities
Learn about the first people who lived in the Quad Cities area over 10,000 years ago; and how their culture changed until they greeted the first EuroAmerican to arrive here. Discover how anthropologists use artifacts to tell the stories of daily live in ancient cultures. This program includes hands-on learning based on Native American artifacts from the Putnam’s collection.
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 45 minutes
Cost: $65
Exhibit Connection: River, Prairie, and People
Innovations of Engineering
How do the skyscrapers stand up so tall? What materials make a bridge stable? As engineers, we will plan, build and rework structures and then put them to the test. This program introduces your young students to the engineering design plan.
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: Science Center
Film Connection: Dream Big
Our Changing Planet
Why does our planet look the way it does? Discover what our Earth looked like millions of years ago and the forces working constantly to change our planet. They are rarely seen or felt but can sometimes make themselves known in explosive ways! In this program learn all about the tectonic plates built into Earth’s crust and how they cause earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes on the surface.
GRADES 3-8
Capacity: 30 students
Length: 45 minutes
Cost: $65
Exhibit Connection: Weather Gallery
Stitches Through Time – History of Quilting
Through history many women focused their artistic talents on producing handicrafts and household goods. Quilts offered women a blank slate for their creative expression. A slide show allows viewers to discover the history of the American quilt and see some of the amazing quilts in the Putnam Museum’s Collection.
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 45 minutes
Cost: $65
Exhibit Connection: River, Prairie, and People
Insects: What’s the Buzz?
Crawl into the wonderful world of insects! Learn more about the life of insects and the important roles they play. With the help of our fun hands-on activities you will be able to tell the difference between a bug and an insect.
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: Black Earth Big River
Film Connection: Bug 3D
Our Region & the Civil War
Take your class back in time to the years leading up to the Civil War. Students will learn about the Dred Scott Case, the Underground Railroad, Slaves and Soldiers, Training and Prison Camps in Rock Island and Davenport, and how Annie Wittenmyer helped hundreds of local orphans after the war. This program is presented by a costumed educator and includes a large display of authentic artifacts.
GRADES 4-8
Capacity: 30 students
Length: 45 minutes
Cost: $65
Progress on the Prairie
Journey back 3,000 years to hear about the discovery of corn from its tiny beginnings to today’s 1,000-kernel ears. You will also see a demonstration with a primitive corn farming tool that will help students understand the drastic changes and improvements in farming. From pre-colonial Native American methods to John Deere combines, your students will learn the a-MAIZE-ing connections between modern agriculture and its early roots!
GRADES 3-5
Capacity: 30 students
Length: 45 minutes
Cost: $65
Kitchen Chemistry
We will use ordinary kitchen supplies to make extraordinary chemical reactions that are sure to delight! Enjoy lots of hands-on science experiments perfect for your littles. Have fun while safely exploring the world of a scientist!
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: OMg! Elements of Surprise
The Deadly Museum: From Poisoned Arrows to Hot Rocks
Join Putnam Curator of Natural Science Chris Chandler on a whirlwind tour of some of the hazards museum staff contend with day to day, working with the objects they love in their collections. You may never look at a mummy or a mounted bird the same way again.
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 45 minutes
Cost: $65
Making Sense of Our 5 Senses
Let’s explore the 5 Senses of the human body. We will discover how each sense works. Then, experience each sense as a group by testing our own senses, with an array of items. Can you tell me what you see, smell, hear, taste and touch?
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Film Connection: Mysteries of the Unseen World
Science Alive!
Put on your lab coats and break out the safety glasses! Join a Putnam educator in discovering scientific laws and properties through exciting demonstrations. Your students are sure to get a “bang” out of this program! Options include:
• Matter (Grades 1-6): Freezing, melting or sublimation! This program includes demonstrations on states of matter and a hands-on group activity.
• Polymers (Grades 1-8): Explore the stretchy, absorbant world of polymers through demonstrations, hands-on experiments and one brave volunteer.
• Chemistry (3-8): Experiments, from combustion to a variety of chemical reactions, will leave your students begging for more!
• Physics (3-8): Demonstrations and explanations galore! Students will experiment with Bernoulli Blowers, Newton’s Beads and a variety of inertia activities.
Capacity: 30 students
Length: 45 minutes
Cost: $65
Women’s Roles in Society: Fashion & History
In the 1800’s women’s clothing actually restricted them from taking an active part in society. By the 1920’s, both women’s clothing – and society – was much looser. Learn how changes in women’s fashion reflected women’s changing roles in society as they joined the workforce, participated in sports and even frequented speakeasies. After the presentation, put on white gloves and examine articles of clothing, some over 100 years old, from the Putnam’s collection.
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 45 minutes
Cost: $65
Famous Fort Armstrong
Travel back to1816, when construction began on Ft. Armstrong, a site recommended by Lieutenant Zebulon Pike. Hear about the Black Hawk War and locals such as Colonel Davenport and Antoine LeClaire and the roles they played in the War and subsequent Treaty of 1832. Find out how the slave Dred Scott was connected to Ft. Armstrong and learn why there is a Confederate Cemetery on the Island. We’re calling the program “Famous Ft. Armstrong, because you’ll be surprised at how many of the most famous names in early American history are connected to Ft. Armstrong and the Rock Island Arsenal. Artifacts from the Putnam’s collection will help tell the story.
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 45 minutes
Cost: $65
Exhibit Connection: River, Prairie, and People
Stranger in a Strange Land
A total immersion experience transports your students to Ellis Island in the early 1900s. Students will be engaged in a role-play interrogation as they attempt to gain entry into the United States. This presentation includes actual stories of immigrants and their journeys to this region. A pre-visit Ship’s Manifest activity enhances your students’ involvement.
GRADES 3-8
Capacity: 30 students
Length: 45 minutes
Cost: $65
Exhibit Connection: River, Prairie & People
Downloads:
Stranger in a Strange Land Pre- & Post-visit Materials
Riveting Robots
The Putnam Museum and Science Center have friends we would like to introduce to you. Our “family” of preschool friendly robots is looking forward to showing off their amazing abilities! But they need your help. Are you up for the challenge?
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: Science Center
Film Connection: Robots
Weather Rocks!
Have you ever seen a cloud … in a BOTTLE? Clouds play a big role in creating the weather. We will explore different types of clouds and how they relate to weather systems. Students will have a chance to make a “rain cloud,” a “tornado” and discover the science behind them.
Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: Science Center
Film Connection: Extreme Weather 3D, Tornado Ally
To the Moon and Beyond
What does it takes to send an astronaut into the vacuum of space? Students will learn about the effects of space on the human body by exploring space suits, nutrition and exercise through demonstrations and hands-on activities. Learn about some helpful inventions that were first developed for NASA’s space program as we go “To the Moon and Beyond!”
GRADES 2-8
Capacity: 30 students
Length: 45 minutes
Cost: $65
Exhibit Connection: Science Center
Film Connection: Journey to Space 3D