Family Learning

Curious Creatures is a family learning experience specifically designed to foster curiosity about the world of arthropods. Family groups of up to six will work together in teams to complete a fun and creative challenge to explore the day’s theme. In addition to completing the activity challenge, families will be able to hold our Bug Ambassadors and ask plenty of questions. 

• Dates: 2/1, 3/1, 4/5, 5/3 (The first Saturday in each month)
• Time: Doors open at 10:00, Program from 10:30 – 12:00. 
• Theme: Beetlemania (beetles!) Each month we’ll explore a different beetle-centered topic

Your team is welcome to visit the MBHI exhibit spaces before or after your program. Feel free to drop off any bags or strollers in the classroom and then pop in to explore for a little bit before we get started at 10:30

Themes for Each Month: 

Date: 2/1
Theme: Beetle Bodies & Biodiversity
Description: Did you know that beetles make up over 25% of known animal species on Earth? That’s a lot of different types of beetles! We’ll explore what all 400,000 beetle species have in common and how they can adapt to survive in a wide range of habitats. 

Date: 3/1
Theme: Beetle Olympics
Description: This program will be all about moving to learn about beetles and their roles in their ecosystems. Come ready to move and play as we explore the world of beetles!

Date: 4/5
Theme: Bess Beetle Lab
Description: Ever wonder just how strong beetles are? During this experiment, each team will work with a live bess beetle to test its strength and learn more about these little animals’ impressive pulling power. We’ll learn about good experiment design and ethical treatment of living animals in experiments and chart our results. We’ll even do some friendly math to see how strong we are compared to our beetle teammates!
Note: This experiment is best for families with kids aged six and up. Unsure if this program is a good fit for your group? Give us a call, and Carolyn can tell you more about what to expect to help you decide.

Date: 5/3
Theme: “What Kind of Beetle are YOU?!”
Description: With over 400,000 known species of beetles, it is helpful for scientists to sort beetles into categories. We’ll explore beetle biodiversity by meeting some fascinating and unique species and completing sorting challenges of our own. We’ll use photos, models, Bug Ambassadors, and if the weather cooperates – head outside to look for wild beetles to study and sort.

• Cost: $30 per team for members, $50 per team for non-members. The cost of this program is PER TEAM of up to 6 people.
• Your registration includes the cost of the program AND admission to the museum before or after the event. The cost for non-members is higher since members already get free admission to the museum. Interested in becoming a member? Learn more and join before registering for this event to register at the cheaper rate and to receive free admission with your membership for a year!
• Group Size: Curious Creatures groups are limited to 6 people per team. If your group has more than 6 members, please register for two groups. 
• Pre-registration is required. 

Does my family need to all live together or be related in order to sign up as a group?
Not at all. Families come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Sign up with whatever group makes sense for your family, related or chosen.

What if my family is larger than the 6 person limit?
Not a problem! Just sign up twice and divide your family members between the two registrations.

Is general admission to MBHI included with the cost of this program?
Yes, admission is included in the cost of the program!

Is there an age limit?
This program is designed for groups with a wide range of ages. Any babies or young toddlers will need to be monitored by adults in your group as we won’t have supplemental childcare available during the program. Kids ages 3 and up will get the most out of these Family Field Trip programs.

How do I check in for the program?
When you arrive, follow signs in the hallways for the Balsamroot room, on the first floor down the hall near the bathrooms.

What is the timing and structure of Curious Creatures?
Doors will open at 10:00am and the program will start at 10:30. During that window of time you’re welcome to join us to ask random bug questions, get situated and find a spot to sit, and park any strollers you might have. You’re also welcome to drop your things and check out the exhibit space but we do ask you to be back in the classroom to start on time at 10:30. The program will run from 10:30 to 12:30 and then you’ll be on your way! During our time together we’ll observe living Bug Ambassadors, ask lots of questions, and you’ll have a chance to choose an activity station to complete as a group.