Museum in a Box

• You will receive 2 shipping crates that weigh approximately 70lbs each 
• How to move your crates: 
  • Shipping crates contain wheels that can be attached, see video for details 
• Use an available dolly 
• Two people can carry each crate 

• Crate 1: Backdrop, tablecloth, How Do We Know Birds Are Dinosaurs? 
• Crate 2: What Is a Fossil?, Who Walked Here?, Mystery Fossil 

1. Decide on how your school will use Museum in a Box
2. Set up the museum display
3. Pick activity box
4. Download its lesson plan
5. Teach (one class period)
6. Repeat in any order

Museum in a Box activities are designed to expose learners to natural science phenomena in ways that inspire curiosity and engagement.  

 We define natural science phenomena as those that are: a) naturally occurring b) observable within the lesson experience, and c) accessible and relevant to the learner. 

Next generation science learning relies on the premise that authentic science learning happens when learners engage with the same kinds of phenomena that scientists investigate. This process involves applying science practices and crosscutting concepts to develop knowledge about the natural world. Rather than leading with scientific explanations which does not typically motivate learners to engage, ask questions, or develop a personal interest in a topic, limiting opportunities for deeper learning. Museum in a Box enables learners to observe, touch, and wonder about the same things that made scientists wonder about the natural world. This tactile learning and sense of wonder motivates learners to ask questions, which is a key step in meaningful science learning.   

For example, a natural phenomenon is that ancient dinosaur skeletons resemble the skeletons of modern birds. When learners observe firsthand the similarities in body parts—such as feathers, feet, and skulls (which are naturally occurring and observable)—they will be motivated to investigate why these similarities exist (content becomes accessible and relevant). They will understand on a visceral level why scientists consider birds to be a type of dinosaur. Simply telling learners at the start of a lesson that birds are dinosaurs takes away the opportunity for them to make this discovery themselves.  

The activities in this program provide teachers with opportunities to introduce compelling phenomena, support student observation and questioning, and foster the curiosity that drives scientific investigation.

Show your students this introductory video from paleontologists at the American Museum of Natural 

Choose one or both Introductory lessons depending on grade level 

What is a Dinosaur? (slideshow for all grade levels): Introduce your students to the diversity of dinosaurs with this slideshow featuring illustrations of famous (and not so famous) dinosaurs. You can do this activity even before your box arrives to get your students excited. 

What is Paleontology? (online article for Grades 3-5): This online, interactive article covers all the “big ideas” behind the field of paleontology. Students can read the whole thing, or just one or a few of the big ideas. You may also choose to read the article aloud to younger students. 

Museum in a Box has two sets of elements: the museum display and the activity boxes. There are two suggested configurations for the use of Museum in a Box 

• Central location: Museum display and all activities are used in one classroom, library or other commonly accessed area  
• Dispersed: Several classrooms use and rotate individual activities, museum display or banner is used in central area, or omitted 

The Museum Display creates a small museum in the classroom, library, or other central location. The display includes individual objects from activity boxes that will get kids excited and asking questions before the activities start. Please note that because the museum display uses objects from the activities, they will need to be removed to be used during the activity session. 

Included Components: 

• Double-sided banner – 6'6 wide x 7’ 
• 6’ tablecloth 
• Object labels and display stands 

School to provide:  

• 6’ table or other surfaces for “display” 

Objects used in Museum Display: 

• Box 1: Coprolite, dinosaur bone 
• Box 2: Pigeon skeleton, T. rex skeleton model, T. rex furcula cast, Archaeopteryx plaque cast, Velociraptor skull cast 
• Box 3: Large trackway cast 
• Box 4: Mystery fossil – Stegosaurus tail spike 

Once you have completed the Introductory Lesson, you can do the activities in any order, though we do recommend starting with What Is a Fossil?  

Each activity is intended to take one 40-minute class period.  Links to lesson plans below include teacher overview, classroom setup, K-2 and 3-5 worksheets, other online resources, and relevant standards. 

All physical objects for each activity are included in the box. Any consumable including handouts, writing or coloring utensils are not included.