 |
 |
|
 The Harris Loan Center:
JANUARY—Biodiversity in The Neotropics
About one quarter of all the plant and animal species on Earth occur in the tropics of Central and South America. During the month of January, we’ll explore why these habitats are so diverse, and we’ll take a look at the environmental challenges facing them.
You’ll share in the excitement of Field Museum scientists who have discovered new species, and you’ll see how their discoveries have helped preserve Neotropical habitats through the formation of national parks and reserves.
To prepare your students for our various exhibits and programs about Biodiversity in the Neotropics, consider the following Harris Loan Materials:
EXPERIENCE BOXES
 |
Story of Chocolate
Explore the cultural, economic, and scientific dimensions of one of the world’s favorite sweets. This combined “Experience Box” and “Exhibit Case” provides a replica of the cacao tree and pod, and a Maya village in which chocolate is being process. Included also are numerous lesson plans exploring the cultural significance of chocolate to ancient civilizations as well as the scientific and economic process of converting this natural resource into an edible delight.
|
|
Vamos a Comer!
All ages
Take a closer look at the Latin America cultures by examining the plants and foods of different countries of this region.
top |
EXHIBIT CASES
|
Useful Plants
 |
Cacao/Chocolate
|
|
Coffee
|
|
Nutmeg
|
|
Vanilla
|
|
Rubber
|
|
Vegetable Ivory
|
|
|
Plants
|
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
|
|
Carnivorous Plants
|
|
|
Birds
|
Dowitcher
|
|
Hummingbird
|
|
Black-bellied Plover
|
|
Golden Plover
|
|
Sandpiper
|
|
Cliff Swallow
|
|
Tree Swallow
|
|
Red-eyed Vireo
|
|
Black Burnian Warbler
|
|
Prothontary Warbler
|
|
|
Insects/Arachnids
|
Wandering Spider/Banana Spider
|
|
Tarantula
|
top |
Introduction | Investigate Biodiversity | YBC | Meet the Scientist | Explore Global Diversity | Events and Programs | Take Action! | Teaching Biodiversity | Biodiversity Exhibition | Credits
|
|
|
|
