Science on the Screen!

Virtual Fieldtrips
Using the latest, High Definition videoconferencing technology with chroma-key effects, Cranbrook Institute of Science brings quality science programs directly to your classroom! Distance learning enables students to connect with our scientists and become active participants in the learning experience. Programs address national standards and align with the Michigan GLCEs. Each 45-minute program includes teacher resource information, a session outline and any required activity kits. NOTE: You must have videoconferencing equipment in your school or district to participate in Science on the Screen! virtual field trips. Connections are available via ISDN or IP.

Per classroom (max. 30) $125

Cranbrook IP Address: 12.159.57.112

To schedule a Science on the Screen! program by telephone, please call 248 645.3210 or use this online form.

Programs

Ask the Expert

Grades 2-Adult

Give your students the opportunity to meet a scientist and discover what it’s like being a paleontologist, geologist or other museum professional. Every program is unique, as each expert uses multi-media programs, artifacts, and their own personal experiences and research to bring their life’s work to your classroom.

Bats of the World

Grades 2-Adult

Learn the truth about bats and how they live in this exciting multi-media presentation. Find out how bats use sound waves (echolocation) to navigate in the dark, the bat’s role in the food web and explore conservation issues and ecosystems from Michigan and around the world. Meet bats from North America, South America and Africa: some with a three-foot wingspan!

Animal Adaptations

Grades 2-Adult

Discover the fascinating features and adaptations of Michigan’s native nocturnal animals. In this program, learn what adaptations are, how they are formed and why animals develop these amazing tools for survival. This program includes an owl, bats and a flying squirrel.

Biodiversity Live! NEW

Grades 3-Adult

Explore the amazing variety of wildlife on planet Earth and discover the interconnectedness between plants and animals. Topics include the balance of natural ecosystems, how humans are impacting biodiversity (habitat destruction, invasive species, climate change), and simple actions that can be taken to protect wildlife from extinction. Live animals featured: bearded dragon, sugar glider and a large fruit bat.

Native America

Grades 3-Adult

A great diversity of Native American tribes is found throughout North America. Explore the history and culture of the tribes/ nations of your State or Province using artifacts drawn from the Institute’s collections as well as through historical photographs and documents. This program is tailored to each group’s needs based upon grade level and educator requirements. Programs require one month lead time to assemble the appropriate artifacts and materials.

The Ice Age and Your School--How Cool Were You?

Grades 4-Adult

Explore the world of the ice age and investigate the evidence of that remarkable past in the local landscape and prehistoric biota to place your school and community in a global context. Evaluate theories for past and present changes in global climate with a geologist that has explored the Antarctic ice sheet, including the South Pole. This program is tailored to your geographic location. Extra emphasis is placed on the benchmarks for your group’s grade level.

The People of the Three Fires

Grades 4-Adult

Use virtual field trip technology to learn the history of the Ojibway, Ottawa and Potawatomi tribes of the Great Lakes. Interactive activities and authentic artifacts introduce your class to the history, language and culture of the People of the Three Fires. The fun Fur Trade Barter game highlights the interaction between Native Peoples and the French voyageurs.

Watershed Ecology

Grades 5-Adult

Learn about your watershed and the difference between point and non-point source pollution with this interactive presentation. Maps help students understand their watershed and place within it. Through a hands-on activity, students discover how land use and individual actions can impact water quality.

This is a Harris Family Great Lakes Environmental Education Program.

Biological Monitoring of Rivers

Grades 5-Adult

Sampling and counting benthic macro-invertebrates is a common way to measure water quality in rivers and streams. The program presents the biology and identification of these fascinating aquatic creatures with photographs and samples. Students will assess water quality in a simulated river using real data.

This is a Harris Family Great Lakes Environmental Education Program.

Water Quality Monitoring Preparation

Grades 5-Adult

Prepare your students for a Water Quality Monitoring on Cranbrook’s Campus Premium Program with this optional lesson on what to do and what to expect before visiting the Institute. We will review data entry sheets, physical characteristics of rivers, and benthic macro-invertebrate identification.

This is a Harris Family Great Lakes Environmental Education Program.