There are many free resources available to educators seeking to include more activities based on natural history specimens and concepts. Below are some of our favorite resources:

The Brain Scoop

This popular science communication series on YouTube was the brainchild the UMZM's own Emily Graslie during her undergraduate time at the University of Montana! Her brief and engaging videos are a great learning complement for various biological topics and behind-the-scene peeks into the wondrous back rooms of natural history museums. Emily has continued her work with the support of the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, and the Public Broadcasting System.

iDigBio

iDigBio offers an impressive array of lesson plants, tutorials, and other resources for K-12 and undergraduate educators. It is supported by the National Science Foundation, the University of Florida, Florida State University, and the Florida Museum of Natural History.

AIM-UP

AIM-UP features educational modules appropriate for undergraduate and advanced high school students. It is supported by the National Science Foundation, the University of New Mexico, and the Museum of Southwestern Biology. 

AMNH Conservation Modules

The American Museum of Natural History hosts a collection of conservation-oriented modules through the Network of Conservation Educators and Practitioners. These modules explore conservation from a variety of perspectives and many are available in multiple languages.

Understanding Evolution and Understanding Science

The Understanding Evolution and Science websites cover a broader variety of topics, but take inspiration from natural history collections as a way of understanding the world. These sites are together supported by the National Science Foundation, the University of California Museum of Paleontology, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute.