Science Visit: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-299-1000

The Academy of Natural Science of Drexel University is in Philadelphia, PA 1900

Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The academy is open five days a week, Wednesday through

Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. First was the lobby level. I was able to experience the dinosaur

hall and the fossils lab. I was able to learn about how scientists go through removing fossils from

rocks with photographs, summaries, and features of real-life fossils right in front of my eyes.

Next, I saw many different types of animals that were stuffed, sculpted or their skeletal structure.

While in the art of Science Gallery, I liked reading about the various types of animals where they

originated from and the year.

Then, was a range of information of facts, images, and sculptures. I specifically liked that

the academy included North American mammals. For example, the North American mammal

part of the exhibit consists of how various animals hunt, such as the Polar bear, holding down the

seal. If a younger student were able to go to this academy, this would educate them on what

Polar bears did to hunt and what animals they hunted specifically. There was also a small exhibit

with African and Asian animals. I enjoyed the transition the academy included to experience

individuals to all different types of animals, fossils, and essential artifacts.

On level three is an outside butterfly, and on is The Big Dig. The Big Dig exhibit is home

to all hands-on experiences. Kids can sweep away dust and discover dinosaur bones and feel like

a real-life paleontologist. Because these exhibits are temporarily closed because of Covid-19, I

researched to learn more about the educational opportunities. The butterfly exhibit will typically

have between 60 to 150 butterflies and 20 to 40 different species. Those who have the chance to
experience the butterfly exhibit can experience many flying around, watching them eat at food

stations, looking closely at the designs and patterns when they land on the walls and ceiling, and

some landing on people if they are lucky.

This Natural Science Academy is a fantastic resource for a teacher. Teachers can create a

scavenger hunt to go along with the field trip according to each level and the range of exhibits.

Students will have the chance to encounter the experience of digging for dinosaurs’ bones. The

academy seeks constant engagement and does not become so overwhelming for students. The

butterfly greenhouse allows children to touch and surround themselves with up to 160 butterflies,

an unforgettable experience. For those teachers who have students 8 and under, they can

experience a hands-on playroom with getting up close to a beehive, digging for sharks’ teeth,

reading books, and playing with toys.

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 Name: Date:
Before Museum Activity
During the outside in exhibit, you will meet animal ambassadors such as a Bunny!
Use the four senses (we will not be using taste) to predict and describe a bunny before the visit.
Name: Date:
Questions can be found on the back of this page
1) When was this Academy founded?
2) Who is the founder of the academy?
3) Where can you find a Polar bear?
4) What is one of the largest meat-eaters?
5) What is the term for people who study fossils?
6) What is the name for the largest moth in the world?
7) Name three halls located in the academy.
8) Where can you find the Tyrannosaurus Rex?
9) What are Mollusks?
10)How many million years ago were dinosaurs on land?
11)How many kinds of butterflies will you find in the butterfly exhibit?
12)What is the diorama?
13)Where can I locate a moose?
14)Which hall is the moose located in?
15)Name the food chain of one animal you learned about today.
16)How many birds can handle the cold weather?
17)Where do Pandas come from?
18)Where do I find sharks teeth?
19)What do you notice about sharks’ teeth that differ from huma teeth?
20)Can art be scientific? Can science be beautiful?