Skill Builders
Science, nature, and cultures come alive! Our fully equipped laboratory classrooms and immersive exhibitions promote an understanding of the earth, environmental change, evolution, and the impact of these forces on Earth’s inhabitants over centuries.
Begin with hands-on investigations focused on specific scientific skills, then practice these skills during small-group challenges in exhibitions related to the topic. At the end of the program, groups are provided with self-guided challenges to try in additional exhibition galleries.
Great for:
Encouraging groups to practice skills and critical thinking in a new context.
Scheduling
September–March only. Available Tuesday–Friday during regular museum hours. Please schedule early, as the demand for programs is high. Must be scheduled at least four weeks in advance.
| Grades 3–8 |
| 1 hour |
| $9 per person (includes museum admission) |
| September–March |
Reservations
- To reserve your program, you may email GroupVisits@carnegiemuseums.org, click here to request your program online, or call 412.622.3289. Have the following information handy:
- Preferred and backup dates
- Program or topic
- Arrival and departure times
- Group size and grade level
- Special requests, such as lunchroom reservations, accessibility needs, or curriculum focus
- You will receive confirmation by email. Final attendance numbers and payment are due one week in advance of your scheduled visit. $15 late payment fee.
- A museum educator will contact you before your visit to finalize program content.
Topics
Artifact Analysis
Hone your observation skills by using scientific tools to investigate materials of human-made objects. Learn the clues that archaeologists look for to understand the past. Apply these methods as you investigate artifacts in Walton Hall of Ancient Egypt and Alcoa Foundation Hall of American Indians.
Bio Blitz
Learn how ecologists and paleontologists study biodiversity by finding and counting the species in a given area. Explore distinguishing features of plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds.
Fur, Feathers, Scales
Examine patterns in fur, feathers, and scales as you use a microscope to examine real specimens from our educational collection. Connect your observations about physical structures to biological functions as you take on challenges that explore animals in their habitats.
Skull Analysis
Handle real skulls from our educational collection as you observe their physical features to draw inferences to the biology and behavior of living animals. Apply your skull interpretation skills as you explore fossils in our exhibitions.
Group Discounts
To receive group pricing, you must have a group of ten or more and your visit must be scheduled in advance through the Group Visits Office. Smaller groups pay the ten person minimum. Member discounts do not apply to guided tours.
School field trip funding support, including transportation, is sponsored for some programs by Target. To find out whether your school qualifies, call 412.622.3291 or email SchuckersE@carnegiemuseums.org.
Inclement Weather
Should hazardous conditions result in cancellation, announcements will be made on television stations KDKA, WTAE, and WPXI.