Sensory Bin Idea – Flying Animals Bin
We have a great sensory bin idea for you–create a Flying Animals Sensory Bin with materials you have at home! What is …Snowstorm in a Jar Activity
Winter storms can appear out of nowhere and grow intense quickly throughout the northern hemisphere, but with a little science, you can …Make Blubber Gloves Activity
Blubber is a thick layer of fatty tissue under the skin of all cetaceans (whales and porpoises), pinnipeds (seals and walruses), sirenians …Make Your Own Snow Activity
Want to build a snowman but don’t have any snow? This play snow is a great substitute—it’s cool to the touch, moldable, …Meowfest: Cat Whisker Activity
Have you ever seen a cat investigate a space they’re interested in by putting their head in the space, only to back …Meowfest: DIY Cat Toy
Meowfest: Why Do Cat Eyes Glow in the Dark?
Have you ever walked around a dark corner only to be surprised by glowing eyes staring back at you? The glowing eyes …A Bumble’s Blog and Bumble “Weee” Catapult Craft
Wander outside in the spring and summer and I bet you will bump into a busy bumble bee bumbling among the wildflowers. …Jurassic Days: Cookie Excavation
Materials NeededJurassic Days: Dino Statue Driving Tour
Dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago, but Pittsburgh is still a city of dinosaurs. The giants still roam the city’s hills …Sensory Bin Idea – Safari Bin
We have a great sensory bin idea for you–create a Safari themed Sensory Bin with materials you have at home! What is …Stuffed Animal Safari: Map Activity
Materials Needed: Paper Something to write with Something to color with Scissors (optional) Use those materials to create a map of an …Stuffed Animal Safari: Binocular Activity
What safari is complete without binoculars? Use this step-by-step guide to build your own set of binoculars to see all of the …Sensory Bin Idea – Lady Bug Bin
We have a great sensory bin idea for you–create a Lady Bug themed Sensory Bin with materials you have at home! What …Butterfly Chromatography Craft
What is Chromatography? Chromatography is a very easy to observe chemical process where one state of matter–in this chromatography craft (and for …Bugs Scavenger Hunt
Look in your backyard or around your neighborhood to find one of each of the invertebrates on our scavenger hunt below (we’re …Draw a Flower
This is the season of colorful flowers and we can truly appreciate their vibrance after a typical grey and chilly winter. One …Create Bugs in Amber Slime!
Create your own slime using everyday household craft materials. Using toy insects, recreate what would happen to insects when they were caught …City Nature Challenge Activity: Make Your Own Birdfeeder
During the City Nature Challenge (April 29-2, 2022) you can share your nature discoveries with people around the world! And one great …How-to Draw a Squirrel
If Pittsburgh had an animal mascot, I think it would be a squirrel. So, let’s draw a squirrel together. Early naturalists, explorers, …Egg Carton Seed Starter
If you’re anything like me, then you love eating eggs. Fried, scrambled, boiled, poached, even pickled! So, let’s take all those leftover …Super Science Activity: Dino Hatch Eggs
What You’ll Need One Quarter (1/4) cup baking soda 10-15 drops food coloring (optional) Two (2) Tablespoons cornstarch Two (2) Tablespoons dry …Super Science Activity: Make a Bird’s Nest
What You’ll Need Paper plate Crayons Markers Brown paper bag Scissors White glue Craft paper Wrapping paper Easter grass (or paper strips) …Super Science Activity: Spring-o Bingo
Happy spring! Take a look outside your window or go for a walk with a grown-up. Check off anything you see and …Make Your Own Thermometer
What’s the first thing you do before going to bed or upon waking up in the morning? For many people, it’s checking …Draw a Bird!
Have you been spending a lot of time looking out your window? I have and I’ve decided to do something about it. …
Museum To Go
Enjoy all of the museum’s digital resources, online programming, and traveling programs when you can’t or aren’t able to visit our location!
Dinosaur Armor
World premiere exhibition—extended by popular demand!
June 26, 2020 – July 31, 2021
There’s no offense like a good defense.
For millions of years, the drive to survive has triggered the evolution of unique, extreme, and sometimes bizarre body structures. Dinosaur Armor brings examples of these extraordinary adaptations to life, from the 14-inch spikes that lined the backs of ankylosaurs to the clubbed tails of two-ton prehistoric armadillo-like creatures.
Dinosaur Armor introduces visitors of all ages to the evolutionary development of body armor ranging over 500 million years of evolution, from the combative to the ornamental.
Combining the artistry and detail of Gaston Design and the scientific expertise of researchers at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, this world premiere exhibition features actual specimens, casts, and artistic representations of prehistoric invertebrates, fish, reptiles, dinosaurs, and mammals.
Gallery Preview
Dinosaur Armor is supported by
Dinosaur Armor is sponsored by
Presented by Gaston Design Inc and Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Online Museum Classes for Kids
Take classes on your favorite museum subjects currently featuring topics on Ancient Egypt! Whether you were already doing homeschool classes with us or suddenly need some supplemental fun to offset virtual school, we have exactly what you need.
Registration Options
If you have any problems registering, please email ProgramRegistration@CarnegieMuseums.org
Online Class Only
Your registration includes a week of live Zoom sessions with the museum team, with access to class materials and activities for five total weeks. Activities in this version of registration can be completed using common household supplies.
Online Class Plus Activity Kit
Our museum educators have packed an activity kit for you! It includes enough consumable supplies for two members of your household to tackle the week’s project PLUS supplies for two additional independent activities connected to the week’s theme. Contact-free pick-up is available at the museum, and we’ll contact you approximately one week in advance of your program to coordinate pick-up. A limited number of kits are available each week, so sign up soon to get yours!
Available Online Classes
Video Conference Backgrounds
Are you using Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Team, or the plethora of other video conference software out right now for back to back meetings? We’re here to help give you a few new backgrounds to try out.
Photo credit: Joshua Franzos, Treehouse Media.
Photo credit: Joe Stavish
Photo credit: Joshua Franzos, Treehouse Media.
Photo credit: Joshua Franzos, Treehouse Media.
Learn more about how the Marsh Machine helps purify waster water with plants.
Carnegie Discoverers
Founded in 2006 by Dr. Richard Moriarty, the principal purpose of the Carnegie Discoverers is to assist and support Carnegie Museum of Natural History in promoting its scientific, educational, and cultural missions and in the development of new and larger audiences for the institution.
Through a number of special events each year, Carnegie Discoverers explore and learn about many amazing facets of natural history. These opportunities afford our members a unique relationship with, and a keener appreciation of, Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
Upcoming Events
Carnegie Discoverers: Looking Closely: Lessons from the Carnegie’s “Natural History Art” Collection
At the Museum 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United StatesDeirdre M. Smith, Teaching Assistant Professor of Museum Studies, University of Pittsburgh; Assistant Curator, Carnegie Museum of Natural History In 1973, the "M. Graham Netting Animal Portraiture Collection" was established […]