Education Articles

Class Offerings

Age 5: Which ‘Ology is Which?
Young scientists are introduced to some of the most interesting branches of scientific study – ornithology (birds), herpetology (amphibians and reptiles) and entomology (insects) are just a few of the “ologies” that will be explored on the sanctuary and through our specimens and live animals.

Ages 6-7: Discover Your World - Plants
This class promotes an appreciation and understanding of plants and their importance to us and the natural world. Students will grow their own plants and discover the many different kinds of plants on the sanctuary.

Ages 8-9: Ecosystem Explorations
Students will examine how plants and animals live together and form amazing systems that help nature work. Observations of living communities on our sanctuary and how they are connected will be the primary focus of this study.

Ages 10-12: Biomes of the World
Our Earth includes a variety of biomes, from rainforests and deserts to the mountains and oceans. This class will examine and compare these large geographical and ecological regions as well as the diversity of their wildlife.

The cost of this 26 hour program is listed in the registration form. Please note that the Heard has also introduced a new 10% sibling discount and has payment plans available. Classes begin September 16, 2008 and end December 18, 2008. Students must have reached the minimum age of their class by September 1, 2008. For more details and registration forms visit our website. http://www.heardmuseum.org/attractions/individual.asp

If you walk the Hoot Owl Trail, you may notice a sign stating that once upon a time, this part of Texas was under water. In fact, about 75 million years ago, when Tyrannosaurus rex was alive, a shallow inland sea covered much of the middle of America. It stretched from the Gulf of Mexico up to Canada. Sediment deposited on the bottom of that sea created a layer of Cretaceous period limestone that often contains fossils. The specific type of limestone found here on the sanctuary is called Austin Chalk, and over the years shark teeth and various types of shell have been found in it. The fact that we find fossils from sea creatures is one of the ways that scientists determined that a sea once covered the land.

One of our most popular scout workshops is the Geologist Badge, and one of the highlights of this two-hour workshop is the fossil hunt in an area of the sanctuary not open to the general public. Though any fossils found on the property must remain on the property, every scout gets the opportunity to find one or more fossils on their own. The excitement and thrill each child exudes as they bring up a rock and cry, “Is this a fossil?” never gets old. They may find bits of shell from the Inoceramus clam or an imprint from an oyster shell. Every once in a while some lucky hunter will find a shell that is almost whole, and those we bring back to the Museum to add to the workshop fossil collection. And when that happens, you can feel the sense of pride shared by the whole group as they escort their treasure back to the building.

The Geologist workshop meets the requirements for the Webelos badge and is offered once a month from September to May. Though it is geared for scouts, others may register for it. If you have a group of 10 or more interested children, it is possible to make a special reservation—perfect for home school groups or other organizations such as Brownies, Girl Scouts, YMCA guides, or school clubs. See our website www.heardmuseum.org to register or for more information.

September 6 through December 28, 2008, schedule a Deluxe Dinosaur Party for your children. The deluxe package includes:

• Guided Outdoor Nature Hike to see Animatronic Dinosaurs (part of the Dinosaurs Alive! Exhibit)
• Live Animal Presentation with 2 animal guests
• Admission to Museum Exhibits
• 2 hours in your own Private Party Room
• One Staff Member
• Total of 25 party guests (a maximum of 20 children)
• Dinosaur activity booklet for each child

Our birthday parties are offered on Saturdays at 10 AM or 2 PM or on Sundays at 2 PM. The complete Dinosaur Party Fee is $250 for members or $300 for non-members. Additional guests (above 25 guests) are $5 each, up to a maximum of 35 attendees, with no more than 20 children. Our party room can only accommodate groups with no more than 20 children or a total of 35 guests with adults. If your party will be larger, other rooms are available for an additional fee. A $75 non-refundable deposit is required. Reserve your spot today! Call 972-562-5566 x237 or email Steffanie Mann at smann@heardmuseum.org for information.

Night Hikes at the Heard Natural Science Museum offer a way to sneak a peek into this nocturnal world and experience nature in a whole new way! Night Hikes are also a great way to have a unique adventure close to home. If you would like to make a reservation or book a private night hike, please email Steffanie Mann at smann@heardmuseum.org. Private night hikes for your group or school are also available. Night Hikes are offered at $12 per person; however, members can enjoy this experience at only $10 per person. Payment is required to reserve your place. All Night Hikes depart from the Main Building and will last 60 to 90 minutes. 

Prescheduled night hikes are available on the following dates:

Summer Night Hike - July 26th, 2008 8:15pm start

Fall Night Hike - October 11th, 2008 7:15pm start

Winter Night Hike - January 17th, 2009 6:45pm start

Spring Night Hike - April 11th, 2009 7:30pm start

Recommended Items:

• Bug Spray
• Long Pants
• Closed Toed Shoes
• Flashlight with Red Lens
• Bottle of Water
• A Sense of Adventure!

Aqua Quest
Dig into the underwater wilderness using tools of the trade. Armed with buckets, drip nets, sampling trays and microscopes, students will survey the wildlife of a nearby pond.

Bird Biology
Soar into the fascinating world of birds and identify the unique beaks, feet, colors and patterns that help them survive. Budding ornithologists will search the sanctuary for the habitats birds call home.

Native Plants
Explore the importance of plants in our world. Discover how plants were used by Native Americans and settlers before there were drug stores and one-stop shopping. Students will search for and identify some of these useful plants and dye yarn using natural pigments.

Environmental Science
Explore the effect that weather and man have on the environment. Discover ways we can help improve the quality of life for all living things on the planet. Hands-on activities and outdoor observations bring these topics to life.

Earth Science New!
Take a walk back into time and learn about the geology of our local area. Students will explore how important minerals are to our modern life, investigate how the Earth changes and shifts due to erosion, deposition and the rock cycle, and discover what sort of fossils can be found in our area.

Registration Information
Maximum Enrollment: 20 students
Fee: $15 per student
To register, use the Registration Form available online at www.heardmuseum.org 
If you need more information, please email Steffanie Mann at smann@heardmuseum.org

The Heard Leadership Program already includes a permanent outside Low Elements course and indoor activities. These events provide an introduction to the power of learning through adventure. 

Beginning in August, 2008, the Heard Museum will also offer a new High Elements course in the Heard’s beautiful forest. Through this new set of challenges, your group members will come together to learn about themselves and their group. 

The High Elements course builds self-esteem through obstacles that are challenging yet attainable. These activities encourage group members to trust, communicate and create solutions with each other. Through full participation, the heart of the successful team is found. 

The High Elements course combines activities that will bring your group to the height of emotional, mental, and physical challenges! These new elements include:

• Zip Line – constructed as a single cable between two trees or poles, which participants slide down with the use of a pulley attached to the participant’s harness
• Vertical Play Pen – includes rock climbing holds, cargo nets, suspended tires, and ladders
• Wall with Belay – the task is to get your whole group up and over the wall safely
• Plus many more elements! 

For more information, contact Marcy Freiberg, Outreach Coordinator and Museum Educator at 972.562.5566 ext. 234 or mfreiberg@heardmuseum.org.

• Opportunities to meet other people who are also interested in nature
• A great way to be physically active
• A meaningful and interesting way contribute to your community 

Become a Heard Trail Guide! Trail guides are needed throughout the year to lead groups and individuals on nature trails. No experience is required, and training is provided through the Heard Institute. 

The Heard Institute is a training program that seeks to promote awareness, understanding, and respect of our natural world! The Heard offers Forestry Trail Guide courses, Prairie Trail Guide courses, and Wetlands Trail Guide courses. 

For full information about becoming a Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary Trail Guide or the Heard Institute, please visit our website at http://www.heardmuseum.org/theheard/institute.asp.

Summer Nature Camp 2008   
Ages 5 – 12

The days of kids spending their summer enjoying the outdoors are not lost to the past. An amazing season of Heard Summer Camps awaits! Kids ages 5-12 will get an in-depth education indoors and outdoors on our 289-acre sanctuary. Insect studies, nature CSI, eco-friendly living education, nocturnal animal studies, ornithology and aquatic studies are just a few of the numerous education activities available.
Participating campers will also have the opportunity to see the summer exhibits including:
• Live Animals of the World: A Conservation Exhibit
• Rat Snakes to Rattlers: Live Texas Snakes
• Native Texas Butterflies (Opening July 14th)

Summer camps will be available through August 8. Sign up now! Details and registration forms are available online.

Preschool Science Classes
Ages 3 - 5

3 Year Old Class
(3-4 yrs.)

Children will hike the nature trails, visit with live classroom animals, prowl through museum exhibits, and participate in hands-on science activities, story time, and games!

4 Year Old Class
(4-5 yrs.)

Wetlands, forest, prairie and pond, are some of the cool places your children will visit. They will love our hands on approach to learning, with live animals visitors, nature hikes, exhibits visits, games and story time. Your child will explore with us as we learn bout the natural world around us!

Classes begin September 16, 2008 and are on either Tuesday or Thursday mornings from 9:30-11:30 am.

For additional information about these classes and to find registration forms, visit www.heardmuseum.org

Birthday Parties
Ages 4 - 10
…are a “natural” at The Heard Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary! Your child and friends will enjoy going on an adventurous hike, meeting a live animal visitor, creating nature crafts, touring the museum’s exhibits, and more!

Choose from four Nature based themes:
• Nature Safari
• Incredible Insects
• Dino Discovery
• Radical Reptiles

Party Package Includes:
• Heard Museum staff member to guide the party activities
• Private party room for two hours, including set-up and clean-up
• Access to the Heard Museum exhibits and nature trails

For additional information, including other activities available at our birthday parties, visit the Education section of our website at www.heardmuseum.org or call 972.562.5566 ext. 237.

Scouting Programs

Badge Workshops
Ages 8-18

Our skilled workshop leaders are ready to help your group work towards completion of the following badges through fun and interactive activities.
Webelos
Naturalist, Forester, Geologist
Bear Cub Scouts
Achievement #5, Elective #15
Junior Girl Scouts
Wildlife, Earth Connections, Rocks Rock
Brownie Girl Scouts
Eco-Explorer, Watching Wildlife
Min. 10 Max. 25 (multiple groups may register to reach required minimum)
Duration: 2 hours
Offered: Saturdays, 10 am or 2 pm,
September – May
Fee: $15/person (group rate available)

Boy Scout Merit Badges
Ages 12-18
At our one and two day workshops you can earn your badge in:
• Environmental Science
• Mammal Study
• Reptile & Amphibian Study
• Insect Study
• Bird Study
(see http://www.heardmuseum.org/attractions/scouting.asp for schedule information)

Guided Scout Trails
Ages 5-12
Experience the ecology, geology, and wildlife of the Heard Sanctuary. Led by trained guides, your group will hike our prairies, forests, or ponds to explore the natural world.
Ages: 5yrs – adult
Min. 10 Max. 40
Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour (age dependent)
Offered: Saturdays at 10:30 am, 1 pm or 3 pm, September – May
Fee: $8/person (group rate available)

Heard Nature Photographers
Ages 12+ (club membership available to adults also)
Sponsored by the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary

Kids ages twelve and older who love nature and photography will enjoy meeting with this group. Aimed at all skill levels, the purpose of the group is to bring people together who share this common interest: to have fun, to learn more about nature photography – not just photography techniques, but also the natural world of plants, mammals, minerals, etc., and to share experiences, techniques and fellowship. Some benefits include programs covering varied nature and photography topics, field trips, and access to the Heard Sanctuary for photo shoots.

The Heard Nature Photography Contest, held annually in February, encourages Junior Student (up to 14 years of age) and Student Senior (15 - 18 years of age) participation. The last photo contest accepted 466 photos, 316 Adult, 95 Senior, and 55 Junior entries. First place winners received a cash prize and 2nd and 3rd place winners received ribbons within various categories. Heard Nature Photographers can prepare students for the Feb 2009 contest by providing them with opportunities to take meaningful photos and information on how to enhance their skill this summer and fall.

The club normally meets each month on the second Saturday, at 1:30 P.M., at the Heard Museum, Laughlin Hall. Club meetings usually last 90 minutes and provide a variety of interesting speakers and topics. Dues are $20 per year. Membership is open to photographers of all skill levels who are involved or want to be involved in nature photography and who respect and take care of the natural world. For more information, visit the club website at: www.heardnaturephotographers.com

Exhibits
All Ages
For up to date information on all of our available exhibits, please visit our website at www.heardmuseum.org

Nature Trails 
All Ages

Escape the concrete of the city and hike over six miles of self-guided or interpreted nature trails that wind though the diverse habitats of our 289-acre wildlife sanctuary, including tall grass prairie, bottomland hardwood and limestone escarpment. Take advantage of the opportunity to encounter many species of birds, insects and animals.  Trails are open only when the museum is open. Please check-in at the front desk by 4PM.  For more information about our trails visit http://www.heardmuseum.org/attractions/trails.asp.

Staycation at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary! “Summer at the Heard” offers time to reconnect with nature and the opportunity of the tranquility and relaxation that escaping city life can provide. You can also safely enjoy observing our summer exhibits: non-native animals, native Texas snakes, butterflies, and bees. Less than 10 miles from downtown McKinney and only 30 miles from the heart of Dallas, it is the perfect location for a day-trip. The Heard has shaded picnic facilities, 289 acres of varied eco-systems with miles of hiking trails running through them, a variety of special programs and exhibits, and much more.

The Heard Natural Science and Wildlife Sanctuary constantly hosts new activities for your family. For only $75 your family can become a member of the Heard Natural Science Museum and enjoy unlimited free admission to trails and permanent exhibits for one year from the date of purchase, making it an affordable regular haven. You will also receive discounts on special events and programs. With memberships of $150 or more, your family will even receive full membership benefits to Dallas Museum of Nature and Science. 

Currently, the museum is hosting Animals of the World: A Conservation Exhibit and a beehive exhibit. Animals of the World provides families the opportunity to see and learn about twelve non-native animals including ring-tailed lemurs, kinkajous and capybaras. By utilizing wild animal “ambassadors” that emotionally connect visitors to the places these animals live, visitors are inspired to take a more proactive role in conserving wild spaces. The beehive exhibit allows visitors to see bees making honey through a safe, glass enclosure as they fly in and out of the museum through a portal in the wall.

Rat Snakes to Rattlers is open from now until August 31 and Native Texas Butterflies exhibits will open July 14. At Rat Snakes to Rattlers, your family can check out what is quite possibly the most complete collection of live native Texas snake species for public viewing! There are fun activities for the kids and live snake feedings every Wednesday at 3 PM. For complete information about activities for the Rat Snakes to Rattlers exhibit, visit our website. Native Texas Butterflies will immerse you in the splendor of hundreds of beautiful butterflies in an 800+ square foot butterfly house. The exhibit also creates a beautiful setting for pictures.

Dinosaurs Alive! Life-size Animatronic Dinosaurs will also be back by popular demand, a month earlier than usual at the Heard, August 29th. These animals are coming back from total extinction just for your family to experience and enjoy! Encounters with 11 life-size animatronic dinosaurs will be fun for you and your kids. Last year’s favorite dinosaurs like the Dilophosaurus and the Tyrannosaurus-Rex will be returning, and the Heard will also present seven new dinosaurs, including the Iguanodon and Crylophosaurus—sure to become your new favorites! Even frequent visitors will enjoy exploring this exhibit again.

For additional information about the museum and summer exhibits visit our website at www.heardmuseum.org. Admission is $8 adults and $5 for kids 3-12 and seniors; Members are free.

Also, don’t forget about Heard Summer Camps June-August! Reserve your spot NOW! 972.562.5566 ext. 237.

The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary offers valuable education experiences seven days a week, all year long. Exhibits, labs, and nature trails are just a few of the activities you and your child can experience at the Heard. This summer and fall, the museum is hosting exhibits featuring non-native animals, bees making honey right before your eyes, native Texas snakes and butterflies. Beginning August 31st, Dinosaurs Alive! Life-sized Animatronic Dinosaurs will also be coming back by popular demand just for you and your family to enjoy!

Perhaps you homeschool your children and are looking for ways to broaden their home education experience, or maybe your children are just not quite old enough to head off to school. The Heard Natural Science Museum also has programs to encourage their love of nature. The Heard’s Homeschool Science Program and Pre-school Program both begin on September 16 and end on December 18, 2008. Each preschool class offers children the opportunity to be engaged in hands-on learning experiences that promote an early connection to nature. Homeshcoolers will experience learning through classroom activities, outdoor field investigations, laboratory science, small group activities, and take-home study packets.

If you are also a teacher, you may even be in the process of planning the curriculum for the children in your classroom. Field trips at the Heard Natural Science Museum offer guided trails, live animal presentations, science labs and admission to both indoor and outdoor museum exhibits. You can select the activities that are appropriate for your classroom. When you are looking for ways to add variety to your science teaching methods, the Heard also offers resources for educators, which include field studies, guided nature trails, assembly programs and teacher training and certificates.

The Heard’s education department offers innovative programs designed for all age groups, interests, and abilities. For more details about the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary’s programs and registration forms visit our website at http://www.heardmuseum.org

The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is 100% funded by our activities, sponsors, donations, and grants. Currently, the museum is in need of a few gently-used items to help maintain our operations:

• Commercial refrigerator
• Golf cart
• Various sizes and diameters of PVC pipe
• Small cardboard boxes
• Cardboard paper towel rolls
• Items similar to “Kiddie” jungle-gyms
• Rope
• Parrot toys
• Horse toys (unless you have chimpanzee toys)
• Stainless steel chain
• Pond liners/koi pond
• Parrot perches
• Dog agility items

The Heard is a 501(c)(3) organization and therefore contributions to the museum are tax-deductible.