Ocean A, B, Sea
Grades: 1-2
Geared towards younger students, this class is an introduction to the wonders of ocean life. Students will explore shells, animal adaptations and our crab lab. The program complements the new Ocean Experience discovery area that features ocean habitats and two 125-gallon aquariums with live creatures.
Maximum: one class
Duration: 35 minutes
Fee: $35
Exhibit connection: Ocean Experience Discovery Area

Ocean Creatures
Grades: 3-6
Visit the ocean...right here at the Putnam! Join us as we discover the wonderful world of ocean habitats and animals through hands-on activities and the new Ocean Experience discovery area. Students will explore animal adaptations, light and pressure, visit our crab lab and learn ways we can do our part to protect the ocean.
Maximum: one class
Duration: 35 minutes
Fee: $35
Exhibit connection: Ocean Experience Discovery Area

The Case of the Talking Skulls
Grades: 4-8
Animal skulls are great tools for teaching students about the diversity of wildlife and the special role each animal plays in its natural habitat. Your students will learn to “read” the clues that skulls provide by participating in this lively hands-on lesson: predator or prey? herbivore, carnivore or omnivore? nocturnal or diurnal? Live animals will reinforce the connection between skull form (evidence) and animal behavior.
Maximum: one class
Duration: 35 minutes
Fee: $35
Exhibit connection: Hall of Mammals and
Black Earth/Big River

Microbes Adventure!
Grades: 1-8
Join in an adventure with Buster Clean, “The Cell Buster”. Buster combats germs, examines cell structure, viruses and bacteria (good and bad). The Cell Buster demonstrates with the audience why we use different medicines and cleaners to fight the different nasties that are around and in us. Buster also emphasizes the importance of healthy eating and good hygiene. Includes a very “illuminating” black light demonstration.
Maximum: one class (30 people)
Duration: 30 minutes
Fee: $35
Iowa Core: Science as Inquiry, Life Science
Illinois Learning Standards: Elementary and Middle School. 22a, 22b

Scribe School
Grades: 2-4
School was very different for the ancient Egyptians. Who went to school? How were they taught? An Egyptian scribe will tell about his life in ancient Egypt and the tools of his trade. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a hieroglyph writing exercise, see a reproduction of the Rosetta Stone, and visit the Unearthing Ancient Egypt exhibit.
Maximum: one class
Duration: 35 minutes
Fee: $35
Exhibit connection: Unearthing Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt: Isis Neferit
Grades: 5 & Up
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 will lead you to the Egyptian Gallery to give detail on some of the most asked about artifacts and be available to answer student questions. An exhibit-related treasure hunt is available on our website. Feel free to bring copies for your students’ use in the exhibit.
Maximum: 60 students Program
Duration: 60 minutes
Fee: $70
Exhibit connection: Unearthing Ancient Egypt
IMAX film connection: Mummies: Secrets of the
Pharaohs 3D or Mystery of the Nile

Immigration:
Stranger in a Strange Land
Grades: 4 & Up
A total immersion experience transports your students to Ellis Island in the early 1900’s. Students will be engaged in a role-play interrogation as they attempt to gain entry into the United States. Includes actual stories of immigrants to this region. A pre-visit Ship’s Manifest activity is suggested to enhance your students’ involvement, along with a treasure hunt for students to complete as they explore the River, Prairie & People exhibit hall.
Maximum: 60 students
Duration: 60 minutes
Fee: $70
Exhibit connection: River, Prairie & People

Every Drop Counts
Grades: 3-8
This “wet” program will explore river systems, our water needs, and efforts to keep river systems healthy. Hands-on activities will increase awareness of our connection to rivers and water supply. A live “river” animal and a scavenger hunt through Black Earth Big River exhibit will enhance your learning adventure!
Maximum: one class (30 people)
Duration: 35 minutes
Fee: $35
Iowa Core: Geography, Life Science
Illinois Learning Standards: Late Elementary and Middle School. 12b, 13b