The Dugout Canoe
Ideas to continue the conversation:
- If you didn't have access to modern tools, what natural objects could you find outside your home as a replacement?
- The dugout canoe was often used by Native Americans. Follow the link below to explore the different cultures by region of Native Americans.
National Geographic Kids: Native Americans
River Otter Training
Ideas to continue the conversation:
- North American River Otters are mammals that live in an aquatic habitat. Think about what makes an animal a mammal, then list other aquatic mammals that could live in your area.
- Our two youngest North American River Otters came to the River Museum as orphans. Check out the moment our keepers introduced them to each other.
Orphaned Otters Introduction
Better Together: BIOBLITZ
Ideas to continue the conversation:
- Try a BioBlitz in your backyard or any place in nature! This Illinois biodiversity activity guide can help get you started, even if you're in Iowa, Wisconsin, or any other part of the world.
Illinois Backyard BioBiltz
Bald Eagle Talk
Ideas to continue the conversation:
- A Bald Eagle is one apex predator along the Mississippi River, can you think of others? Look at an entire map of the Mississippi River and consider all the different animals and habitats that could live along its path.
- You may have spotted a Bald Eagle nest from the ground, but you likely couldn't see inside. With the assistance of technology, we have the opportunity to observe the growth of Bald Eagles from a tree top perspective. You can too thanks to the Raptor Resource Project's Decorah Eagle Cam!
WATCH: Decorah Eagle Cam
William M. Black: Engine Room Communication
Check out some footage of the William M. Black, while it was in operation in 1952!
William M. Black Video from 1952
Turtle Talk
Ideas to continue the conversation:
- Keep an eye out for turtles in the wild. When you see one, can you guess where they spend most their time based on their shell?
- There's so much more to learn about turtle! Read these 10 awesome facts and then chat about what you think is most interesting.
10 awesome Turtle Facts
Victorian Easter Egg Dyeing
Ideas to continue the conversation:
- Can you do as the Victorians did? Can you find other items in your home that would work as dye for eggs?
- Wearing an Easter bonnet to a Sunday service is another tradition that spans many years. Our site coordinator at the Mathias Ham Historic Site shared her thoughts on the Easter bonnet and its importance to this celebration.
The Kenyan Sand Boa
Ideas to continue the conversation:
- The Kenyan Sand Boa's head is nearly identical to its tail. After watching the video, discuss why this is and how you think predators would react to seeing a Kenyan Sand Boa in the wild.
- What can use around your home to camouflage into your environment?
Delta Broadcast Feeding and Enrichment
Ideas to continue the conversation:
- Similar to you, Stingrays have their favorite enrichment items. What are some of your favorite foods, toys, or games? How do they make your life or environment better?
- Stingrays' mouths are on the underside of their body! Can you think of other animals like this? Click the button below to watch watch stingrays eat from another angle!
How Stingrays Eat
Making Traditional Victorian Cornbread
Ideas to continue the conversation:
- Why do you think Victorians and early settlers would have chose cornbread as a go-to dish?
- Do you think the Victorian lifestyle in America was influenced by other countries? Check out Victorian recipes from the United Kingdom and see if you find any commonalities.
United Kingdom Victorian Recipes
Discovering an Owl's Dinner
Ideas to continue the conversation:
- Animals are all around us, even in the city. What are some clues in outside your home that could indicate an animal lives near? If you spot some clues, what animal do you think it may be?
- The more we observe an animal, the more we learn about it and its behavior. Take some time and check out the Barred Owl live cam provided by the folks at Cornell Lab. What are some behaviors you notice about this owl?
Barred Owl Live Cam
William M. Black: The Dustpan
Check out some footage of the William M. Black, while it was in operation in 1952!
William M. Black Video from 1952
The Snake-necked Turtle
Ideas to continue the conversation:
- The snake-necked turtle is a carnivore. What other animals are carnivores?
- Do you know of any other long-necked creatures? The snake-necked turtle uses its neck to stay buried in the sand from predators, why do you think these other animals have long necks?
Beavers and their Mississippi River Impact
Ideas to continue the conversation:
- What are some items around your home that could be used to build a dam-like structure?
- Can you think of other animals with adaptations that allow them to perform strong feats?
Yellow Stingray Training
Ideas to continue the conversation:
- What are some different rewards you may get for completing a task or chore around your home?
- As you grow older, how might those tasks and rewards change or evolve?
Feeding the Gill Rakers
Ideas to continue the conversation:
- These creatures are cartilaginous, which means their structure is formed from hard tissue instead of bones. What parts of the human body are made up of cartilage?
- The Paddlefish uses its paddle to sense objects, animals, and food around its body. How do we as humans use our senses to discover what's around us?
Ice Harvesting
Ideas to continue the conversation:
Corn Snake Enrichment
Ideas to continue the conversation:
- Corn snakes are native to what area of the Mississippi River watershed? Do a Web search and find out!
- Learn about other animals at the River Museum here.