Education Kit Rentals
Families, local educators and youth group leaders can borrow a variety of hands-on education kits for use with children in grades K-12. These kits provide teaching tools to help kids explore history, nature and conservation subjects through hands-on experiments and activities. Kits include activities, equipment, a list of supplies needed (where applicable) and a resource list.
- Education kits are loaned free-of-charge.
- Education kits are generally loaned for a two-week period and designed for up to 20 children, with sharing of equipment.
Astronomy Telescope
Our telescope kit is designed to spark curiosity and awaken enthusiasm for learning about space. It features an Orion AstroView 6 Equatorial Mount Telescope with an assortment of filters and eyepieces for exceptional views of the sun, moon and night sky. We have included a moon map, laser pointer, and books about star mythology and locating night sky objects.  And the best feature of this kit is that you can request an astronomy volunteer to assist with telescope assembly and with hosting an engaging astronomy event for your school, class or youth group.
Birds
Explore the lives of the birds that fly our skies! This kit includes field guides, bird song CDs and books on a variety of bird subjects, from bird biology to artwork. Feather specimens, nests (robin and hummingbird), an owl wing and talon and a Cooper’s hawk wing and talon also are included, to bring the study of birds to life in your classroom!
Subject: Science          Appropriate Grades: K-12          Contents: PDF
Farm and Agriculture
This kit is for home-school instructors, classroom teachers and scout leaders to use with students who want to learn about farming and agriculture. Learn about the species, breeds and uses of farm animals as well as the different types of grains, crops, fruits and vegetables. It includes complete hands-on activities exploring the properties of corn and sheep’s wool and creating a mock farm.
Subject: Science          Appropriate Grades: TBA          Contents: PDF
Forestry
Become a forest ecologist! Learn about the lifecycle of an Ohio forest; investigate the complex interdependence of organic and inorganic elements within a forest; and determine what humans can do to protect forests. The forest ecology kit includes videos, posters, books, scientific tools and natural artifacts to guide exploration.
Subject: Science          Appropriate Grades: K-12          Contents: PDF
Hopewell Culture
Learn about the Hopewell mounds found in Ohio. Students use replica artifacts, worksheets, personal experience, and their hands to learn about the Hopewell culture. Through practicing archaeology techniques and making crafts they gain an understanding of the past of this continent. Directions are included along with worksheets and other activities to help you along the way.
Subject: Social Studies        Appropriate Grades: K-8         Contents: PDF
Mammals
Learn to identify mammals commonly found in Ohio. Students use furs, scat replicas, skulls and tracking stencils to learn about the mammals found right in their backyards! Directions are included to make your own plaster casts of mammal tracks.
Subject: Science          Appropriate Grades: K-8          Contents: PDF
Oh, H2O! Water Adventure Kit
The Oh, H2O! Water Adventure Kit is for formal and informal educators to use with young explorers who want to find out about the wild things that live around, on, and in aquatic habitats. There is so much to explore on the topic of water: from stream and pond studies to classroom learning, the materials and equipment in this kit offer a wide range of activities for children and youth. We have curated a Padlet of activities, aligned to Ohio Learning Standards for grades K-12, to use with the materials contained in this kit.
Subject: Science          Appropriate Grades: K-12          Contents: PDF
Ohio Fossils
Fossils give us clues about the animals and plants that lived in the past. Learn to identify samples of fossils commonly found in southwestern Ohio, and learn about the geological timeline. Directions are included to make your own replicas of fossils using molds and plaster. Activities are broken down into three class ranges.
Subject: Science          Appropriate Grades: K-8          Contents: PDF
Pollinators
Students of all ages will learn why pollinators are crucial to human health. They will explore through provided lesson plans and citizen science activities! This kit includes insect nets, magnifying lenses, field-guides and story books. There will also be instructions on how to raise a butterfly; this will allow the students to see the lifecycle first hand.
Subject: Science          Appropriate Grades: K-12          Contents: PDF
Soil and Composting
The materials in this kit will make it easy for your kids to become soil scientists. Included are directions for easy soil tests and experiments, instructions for creating and studying compost and fun activities for studying the creatures that live underground. Follow-up activities also allow students to apply their knowledge and find solutions to real-world gardening problems.
Subject: Science          Appropriate Grades: K-8          Contents: PDF
