The Nature Discovery Center provides a warm and informal place for young children to learn about nature and their connection to the natural world. Twenty-four Discovery Boxes on a variety of nature topics, modeled after those in the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum, offer endless hours of fun learning activities. Interactive exhibits in two Discovery Rooms are changed periodically.
Past exhibits are available for loan to schools.
Using the Nature at Your Doorstep curriculum developed by the Center, the classes make independent investigations of nature outdoors. Teachers share the wonder of nature with young learners, while building their scientific knowledge and critical thinking and problem solving skills. The children experience the thrill of discovery and develop enthusiasm for the study of nature and science. Our teachers' resource book for the field trips was published by Teachers Ideas Press in 1997. The book, Nature at Your Doorstep, Real World Investigations for Primary Students, can be ordered from the Nature Discovery Center, any online or retail bookstore, or the publisher.