•	VSSI: A learning experience for 4th & 5th grade teachers designed to closely support the Science SOL, provide detailed training, and more.			•	GLOBE: Training and supporting teachers in the Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment program.
	•	TROUT IN THE CLASSROOM: Designed specifically for teachers who want to incorporate more environmental education into their curriculum.			•	EARTH SCIENCE ENDORSEMENT: VMNH partnering with the New College Institute and Radford University to offer teacher endorsement in Earth Science.
	•	TROUT IN THE CLASSROOM SUMMER COURSE: Register now for this Mary Baldwin College summer course focusing on the popular Trout in the Classroom program.

About

Central to the Department of Education and Public Programs is support for Virginia teachers. Under the direction of Dr. Dennis Casey, staff educators work with VMNH scientists to develop engaging presentations on natural history topics through teacher workshops, short-courses, and professional development institutes.

• VMNH educators stay abreast of current educational pedagogy and actively participate and lead professional organizations.
• VMNH eduators serve on local, state, and national education advisory councils and boards.
• Our work with teachers is aimed at providing professional development programs that give personal experiences with natural history in ways that are engaging, useful, and memorable.
• We are constantly exploring ways in which the Museum can further develop its role in line with current educational research and initiatives.

Education Center

The VMNH Education Center consists of two grade-appropriate classrooms, a comprehensive Teacher Resource Center (TRC), and a computer and distance learning classroom. Educators will find the center accommodating and stimulating not only for students, but for teachers alike. While students are attending a program, teachers can be right outside the classroom exploring the TRC. The TRC has a multitude of resources such as educational kits, videos, supplemental textbooks, periodicals, and supply catalogs. In addition, computers and NASA education resources are available to research. Educators may visit the center at other times by appointment.

Educational Kits

Educators and scientists design educational kits to be used alone or in conjunction with existing school curricula. All kits correlate with Virginia Standards of Learning and North Carolina Standard Course of Study and present scientifically accurate information with current educational methods and materials.

Educational Kits available:

• The Backboned Seven
• Virginia Rocks
• Dino-Mite!
• The Fossils of Virginia
• I-Mail: Messages about Insects
• Tropical Rainforests

The following Delta Education Science Modules are available through the museum. A restocking fee may apply to some kits due to consumable materials:

• Force and Motion
• Sound
• Simple Machines
• Weather Watching
• Stream Table Erosion Kit

Rental fee is $25 per kit for a two week rental and is due at check-out. Thanks to local support, kit rental is complimentary for Martinsville City and Henry County Public Schools. For more information about kits, please call 276-634-4185 or email us at discover@vmnh.virginia.gov. For information about the kits available in the Charlottesville-Central Region, please call 1-800-393-2615.

Professional Development Opportunities

Our work with educators is aimed at providing professional development programs that give personal experiences with natural history in ways that are engaging, useful, and memorable. VMNH educators work with our scientists to develop engaging presentations on natural history topics through teacher workshops, short-courses, and professional development institutes. VMNH educators serve on local, state, and national education advisory councils and boards. We are constantly exploring ways in which the Museum can further develop its role in line with current educational research and initiatives.

Distance Learning

The Museum's distance learning program will serve a dual purpose allowing you and your students' access to a computer lab and distance learning classroom. This invaluable tool will enhance school curricula and support the Virginia Science SOL. In addition, educators will benefit by participating in science teacher trainings and other distance learning opportunities. To learn more about distance learning, please call or e-mail the Museum.

WeatherBug

VMNH is now the host of a WeatherBug station - an online, interactive tool that delivers lessons to teach math, science, geography; all pulling in live data from the world's largest weather network. WeatherBug is a unique program that combines a fully automated weather tracking station with online, standards-based learning to deliver a fascinating educational experience for all K-12 students and teachers. Either at the Museum or online, teachers have opportunities to learn more about how WeatherBug can be an exciting part of the curricula. In addition, visiting school groups can schedule a weather program that combines the use of VMNH WeatherBug technology while learning more about the fascinating topic of weather.

Click here to visit the Museum's online weather center.