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 The Harris Loan Center:
NOVEMBER—Genetic Biodiversity
The race to sequence the human genome has made the front pages of newspapers, magazines, and scientific journals worldwide. During the month of November, we’ll investigate how Field Museum scientists use the same cutting-edge techniques to understand the genetic blueprints of Earth’s animals and plants.
The Field Museum’s Pritzker Laboratory is a state-of-the-art research facility dedicated to genetic analysis and preservation of the world’s biodiversity. You’ll be amazed by how this ability to compare and contrast DNA from different species is revolutionizing our understanding of biodiversity and conservation.
To prepare your students for our various exhibits and programs about Genetic Biodiversity, consider the following Harris Loan materials:
EXPERIENCE BOXES
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Animal Coverings
Pre-K and primary grades
Touch a mammal's fur, examine the different kinds of feathers on a bird’s skin; and use focus cards to discuss reasons for the variety of animal coverings. Lots of neat stuff in this box!
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A Good Egg
Pre-K through middle school
All animals start from eggs. Look at the different kinds of external eggs, including snake eggs, bird eggs, and frog eggs. See how they differ and why.
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Bite, Tear, or Chew
Intermediate and upper grades
Compare skulls of a carnivore, an herbivore, and an omnivore. Find out how teeth reveal what an animal eats.
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Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Creatures
Pre- K to higher grades
Use fossils, fossil replicas, and timeline charts to learn about dinosaurs and other prehistoric plants and animals.
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Ice Age Mammals of Chicago
What evidence do we have that giant mammals once lived in Chicago? Examine three reproductions of teeth from the Museum's collection—the mammoth, mastodon, and giant beaver.
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Wild in Chicago: Urban Animals
Pre-K and higher
Learn which animals live in city houses, apartments, or parks and vacant lots. You will recognize many of the insect and animal specimens from the Chicago area.
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EXHIBIT CASES
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Dinosaur Egg
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The Shape of a Bird’s Beak
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Insect Orders
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Introduction | Investigate Biodiversity | YBC | Meet the Scientist | Explore Global Diversity | Events and Programs | Take Action! | Teaching Biodiversity | Biodiversity Exhibition | Credits
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