Museum Loan Program

Together our Outreach programs bring the museum to you! With real specimens and artifacts that represent our local history and environments, students make the connections between school and the world around them.

Threatened and Endangered Habitats

Each kit contains specimens and information explaining the dangers each habitat is currently experiencing, highlighting threatened and endangered species. Kits are available for

• Mojave Desert
• Big Bear Valley
• Coastal Sage Scrub
• Fresh Water Marsh
• Sand Dunes
• Vernal Pools

Regional Habitats

These kits give students an in-depth look at four regions: desert, mountain, riparian (streamside-woodland) and coastal sage/chaparral. Students will be able to compare and contrast the wildlife, examine adaptations, and employ critical thinking skills while investigating local habitats.

Animal Tracks. Students will learn to use identification guides to many woodland animals, and casting molds to create tracks.

Bats. This kit looks at the world's only flying mammals and helps dispel myths about this misunderstood creature. Learn about the importance of bats in our environment and compare the adaptations of various species.

Turtles. Specimens, research guides, and activity books help students learn about these curious animals and how their shells can help them adapt to their habitats.

Maps and Graphs. Learn the basics of using a grid as well as graphing ideas, using a large floor grip with moveable numbers and letters, maps, and activity books.

Cahuilla Indians. Investigate this California tribe by using artifact replicas and informational guides.

Serrano Indians. This is one of our newest kits that can be a very helpful teaching tool for local history. Students will learn the history of The People of the Pines with a CD, music cassette, and a complete activity book with lesson plans.

Fossils. Make your own fossils! This kit includes molds and replicas that will help students learn about the past.

Rocks and Minerals. Take an in-depth look at the earth's layers. The many specimens in this kit allow students to study and compare different kinds of minerals and rocks.

Archaeology. Spark the interest level about this fascinating subject by teaching students respect for artifacts and their historical importance. A complete activity guide leads you through several fun and interesting activities. Artifacts and tools are included to make your lesson complete.

Families Then and Now. This new kits shows that the study of history can be fun and exciting when focusing on families. The kit provides hands-on learning with artifacts and a complete guide to activities that will encourage an interest in history.

Wolves. Discover wolves by examining biological, ecological, cultural, and historical aspects. Activity guide and pelts provide hands-on learning experiences.

Rain Forest. See how this very special part of the world comes alive. Interact with students with specimens, videos, and an extensive activity book.

Owls. Explore the eating habits of this nocturnal bird. Learn how to identify owl pellets contents to explore food chains (some additional materials required).

Oceans. Shells, sea life specimens, and more help make this popular topic come alive for all grade levels. Several books and activity guide are included.

Individual Loan Items

Museum-quality specimens of various animals and plants are available to bring authentic learning experiences to your classroom. All loan items represent our local environments and wildlife.

Procedures

Loan program materials are available on a membership system.

• Individual member: $50.00 annually
• School membership: $100.00 annually
• Whole district rates available on request.
• Commercial and revenue-generating activities: $75.00 per use.

The Loan Room is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., and the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Additional hours by appointment. Download the Loan Program Hours

The loan program is available to any individual or organization involved in educational programming. The loan kits are based on California Content Standards appropriate to grade level. A kit may contain mounted or freeze dried specimens, books and activity guides, puppets, videos, and interactive games.

To reserve a kit or for further information, call the Loan Program Office at (909) 307-2669 ext. 245 / TDD/TTY: (909) 792-1462.

Fees subject to change.