Natural Science Museums in the West are home to some of the most entertaining educational exhibits that the country has to offer.
These Natural science museums are some of the world’s most interesting, entertaining and educational locations. The Western region of the United States is home to a variety of interesting natural science museums that are perfect for student trips.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County has everything from a Dinosaur Hall to Nature Gardens. The museum hosts a variety of impressive exhibitions. Such exhibitions include ‘Bugtopia’ which features bug life around the world. The exhibit ‘Becoming Los Angeles’ explores the rich history and culture of the area. The L.A. museum also includes regular events such as Live Theatre, 3D shows and guided tours. Guided tours are free with museum admission. Tours provide an in-depth experience of the variety of exhibitions.
The Educational Resources for the museum includes field trip options, ‘mobile museums’, ‘homeschool days’ and more instructional resources. Mobile museums bring the discovery to the classroom via trailers. Allowing students to see scientific research environments without having to travel. Homeschool Days consists of homeschooled students visiting the museum every school year. This day is free of charge so homeschoolers can experience and discover all the exhibits. Self-guided field trips from K-12 are offered at the museum free of charge. There are a variety of programs and performances that all grades will enjoy.
Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Oregon is home to the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. The museum explores and celebrates science, history and culture. Exhibits explore the archaeology of the First Americans and the dynamic cultures of today’s Tribes in the exhibit ‘Oregon – Where Past is Present’. There are also exhibits that explore the animal kingdom, the history of civil rights and the ecosystems within Oregon.
Museum of Natural and Cultural History – Photo Credit
In addition to the many eye-catching exhibits available the museum also runs educational programs available to students. Their educational outreach provides K-12 programs at the museum and in the classroom. Field trips at the museum allow students to explore the exhibits. Students see the history, science and culture that the museum features. Classrooms on a trip will have options for different programs targeted toward different grades.
Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals
The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals is located in Oregon. The museum specializes in the beauty and complexity of the Earth. Some of the exhibits that the museum features include meteorite displays, fossil displays, a colorful rainbow gallery and more. Covering a wide variety of geological marvels the museum’s goal is to educate and inspire with minerals of the Earth. The Rice Museum’s website features a virtual tour for when the museum is closed. In the tour viewers can see some of the rooms in 360 degree pictures for a realistic effect.
Rice Northwest Museum of Rock and Minerals – Photo Credit
The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals offers School Programs for educational experience. The museum offers field trips, offsite programs and homeschooling options. Students can take trips to the Rice Museum and experience the shiny exhibits on one of the tours for all grades. Additionally, the museum offers educational experiences they can bring into schools. From K-12 the Rice Museum can provide earth science programs in the classroom.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Located in Washington, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History provides visitors with memorable exhibits and educational experiences. The museum contains a variety of exhibits. The exhibits focus on history, minerals, animals and more. Some of these features include the ‘Butterfly Pavilion’. The Pavilion explores the environment of diverse plants and butterflies. There is also the ‘African Voices’ exhibit which examines the diversity and global influence of Africa’s people and cultural history. There are many more exhibits that cover a wide range of interests that are certain to entertain visitors.
The museum contains a department of education for students. Their educational resources include guided tours, exhibitions, and programs. Additionally, they provide educational opportunities online via webcast archives and webinars.
These Western Natural Science Museums illustrate the enriching educational experiences visitors can have on tours. All of the museums have educational aspects and many have educational programs targeted at K-12 students. This boosts experiences of field trips and classroom programs. Many of the museums also have virtual education and touring options, which is great for students who cannot go on a trip but still want to experience some of what the museum has to offer.
