Early Learners

Introduce pre-K through third-grade students to science and social studies through play and exploration.

Give your students a head start

Engage early learners with resources about plants and animals, including dinosaurs. Our lesson plans help you prepare your next classroom unit, and our in-museum activities can enhance your field trip to the museum.

Explore the museum with your students

Guide your class in their journey through the museum.

  • What Do Animals Eat? | Exploring the Field Guide

    Investigate the relationship between an animal and its environment by identifying possible food sources in each habitat.
  • Pre-K Weather Unit | Early Elementary Science Partnership

    Observe and record weather to build a common understanding of observable weather conditions in the fall in Chicago. Then make recommendations about how SUE should prepare to play outside.
  • Diversity of Life | Exploring the Field Guide

    Observe animal dioramas to compare and contrast organisms and explore the diversity of life.

Early Learner Resources

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    Showing 17 resources

    • Bird Calls and Songs | PlayLab at Home

      Listen to different songs or calls made by local Illinois birds.
    • What do you Hear? | PlayLab at Home

      Find a listening spot to hear the world around you and make a sound map.
    • Herbarium Sheets | PlayLab at Home

      Learn about scientists who study plants and create your own herbarium sheet.
    • 3D Model: Tyrannosaurus rex | Dinosaur Toolkit

      Interact with this 3D model to find out what we can learn about SUE the T. rex's life by looking at its fossils, then test your knowledge
    • 3D Model: Cryolophosaurus Skull | Dinosaur Toolkit

      Use this 3D model to see how scientists reconstruct animals like Cryolophosaurus from the fossil record.
    • 3D Model: Glacialisaurus Foot | Dinosaur Toolkit

      Learn how the first giant dinosaurs like Glacialisaurus moved by exploring this 3D model.
    • Mapping and Monarchs Unit | Early Elementary Science Partnership

      Learn how to analyze and interpret maps by studying monarch butterfly migration.
    • Animal Survival Unit | Early Elementary Science Partnership

      Act as consultants to the City of Chicago and assess their relocation plan for urban coyotes.
    • Kindergarten Weather Unit | Early Elementary Science Partnership

      Listen to the book Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and draw comparisons between weather forecasting and responses in Chicago and the fictional town of Chewandswallow.
    • Pre-K Weather Unit | Early Elementary Science Partnership

      Observe and record weather to build a common understanding of observable weather conditions in the fall in Chicago. Then make recommendations about how SUE should prepare to play outside.
    • The Night Sky Unit | Early Elementary Science Partnership

      Use night sky patterns found in folktales from around the world to explore observable patterns of the moon and stars.
    • Structure Function Unit | Early Elementary Science Partnership

      Design a shoe appropriate for the icy, wet, and cold conditions of Antarctica using different types of bird feet as inspiration.
    • Pollination Unit | Early Elementary Science Partnership

      Interact with various models to explore the structures of plants and animals related to the process of pollination.
    • Diversity of Life | Exploring the Field Guide

      Observe animal dioramas to compare and contrast organisms and explore the diversity of life.
    • Families Across Place and Time | Exploring the Field Guide

      Explore similarities and differences between families across different geographic locations and time periods.
    • What Do Animals Eat? | Exploring the Field Guide

      Investigate the relationship between an animal and its environment by identifying possible food sources in each habitat.
    • Monarchs Legend Story and Coloring Book

      Read The Legend of the Parákata or color your own version of the story!

    Field For All

    Field For All is a free app designed for young visitors with autism and disabilities. The app features exhibition previews, customizable schedules, and a sensory-friendly museum map. Educators and chaperones use this app to support learners with autism and disabilities during their visit to the museum.

    Download on the App Store

    Download on Google Play

    FREE FOR EDUCATORS

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