North Museum of Natural History
PO Box 3003
400 College Ave.
Lancaster, PA 17604-3003
(717) 291-3941 -- 291-4371 education dept.
http://www.northmuseum.org/
This museum offers a broad range of interesting exhibits, special events,
and exciting activities for the entire family. The Museum's Planetarium
is the third largest in the state and features state-of-the-art equipment
to bring the heavens up close.
Geology Hall offers stunning exhibits of fossils and minerals
from Central Pennsylvania. A highlight of the geology exhibit is
the Fluorescent Room. Ultraviolet light beautifully illuminates a
special collection of rocks and other objects. Visitors will learn
about fluorescence and about the different waves of light.
Native American culture and history is a specialty here. The Museum
features one of the finest and most complete collection of artifacts of
the Susquehannock, the Indians of Central Pennsylvania.
A favorite area for children is the Discovery Room, home of Barney
the Box Turtle. Here there are plenty of hands-on, interactive
exhibits that kids can use as well as see. It's a delightful way
for them to learn about science, nature and more. And then there's
Barney -- seeing him close up, touching his shell and skin, seeing how
he closes up for defense -- is a great educational experience for kids.
The Live Animal Room houses about 25 animals, including turtles,
monitors, geckos, a tarantula and several snakes, one of which is a beautiful
albino python. While the animals can only be handled by staff during
educational and outreach programs, visitors may get a chance to pet a snake
or gecko as they are held by staff.
The second floor of the Museum features Changing Exhibits with
something new and special to see on every visit.
The Planetarium presents great skyshows. Add computer graphics,
animation, and special effects, and you have planetarium events that can't
be beat. Show titles change throughout the year, but past titles
are representative of what may be found. A few include
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Constellations for Kids: introducing
youngsters to the constellations and showing how to use a star chart
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Through the Eyes of Hubble: telling
the inside story on the remarkable adventure of the Hubble Space Telescope,
complete with captivating photos
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and Star of Wonder: exploring the scientific,
historical, and theological mystery of the Star of Bethlehem.
Throughout the year the Museum presents great seasonal events. Call for a calendar, or visit the Museum's official website. Individual children can also enroll in an eight week summer science series.
Groups are welcome to tour the museum, and School Groups have
a special treat in store with a Guided Tour designed to accommodate the
age level of the group.
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