School Group Visits

(1st grade through 12th grade)
Students are given laminated questions and are asked to explore the galleries and find the answers. For example, “Oil is not just used for fuel. Many common household things are also made from oil. Find the display showing different items — Which one of these things is not made from oil?”
When they have discovered the answers they find a museum docent and share their findings. Younger students that are still learning to read may be given images of artwork, animals, artifacts and exhibit interactives to find and identify.

(all ages)
The Pratt Museum has a trail looping through the forest that is approximately one third of a mile long. Docent-led walks through the forest focus on the changing Kachemak Bay forest ecosystem and spruce beetle outbreaks. Traditional Alaska Native plant uses may also be discussed. Forest trail guides are available upon request.

(all ages)
Kachemak Bay is the homeland of both Dena’ina and Sugpiaq/Alutiiq people. Through the use of maps, exhibits, and artifacts students discuss the maritime cultures that have thrived in Kachemak Bay for thousands of years. Hands-on objects and artifacts are shared with the students. For older students (6th grade and up), the Pratt Museum has developed an archaeology lab. Students analyze artifacts and discuss what these primary sources can tell us about lifestyle of the people they belonged to. Worksheets are available.

Guided tours of the Pratt Museum’s Harrington Cabin transport students into a homesteading environment complete with local artifacts from local homesteads.
A follow-up homestead plot activity gives students hands-on experience creating a homestead of their own. Students identify what factors were critical to homesteading success.

off-site, summers only (6th grade through Adult)
Taking place at the Homer Small Boat Harbor, this docent-led tour focuses on the early history of Homer and the rich maritime history of Kachemak Bay. The different types of fishing boats are explained and the economic importance of fisheries is discussed.

(6th grade through Adult)
The Pratt Museum has an extensive collection of fine art created by Alaskan artists. Guided tours are available. Discussion focuses on technique, themes, function, different cultural perspectives, and the artist’s intent.

A mammal skull lab allows students a hands-on look at how an animal is adapted for survival in Kachemak Bay and how skulls are used for mammal classification. This lab is best suited for older students (4th grade through 12th grade) although the activity can be adapted to accommodate younger students if needed. The terms carnivore, herbivore and omnivore are covered and eye position and teeth type are discussed. Worksheets are available.

A marine mammal activity is also available. This hands-on activity focuses on how sea otters, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, grey whales, humpback whales, orcas and porpoises are adapted to survival. Worksheets are available.

(2nd through Adult)
The Pratt Museum has developed two bird adaptations labs that utilize the museum’s collection of taxidermy birds.

A Fascinating Feet lab explores the different kinds of feet birds have. Webbed, perching, climbing, feathered and talon feet are discussed. This lab is best suited for younger students. Worksheets are available.

The Winter Birds of Kachemak Bay lab is better suited for older students (5th grade and up). This lab focuses on 8 birds commonly observed at bird feeders throughout Kachemak Bay in the winter time. The habitat, food preferences and both behavioral and physical adaptations are discussed. Worksheets are available.

(1st grade through Adult)
The Pratt Museum has developed an Oil Spill lab that is broken into 3 stations. The first station or table is piled with items made from petroleum. The students are asked if they can identify any items that are not made out of petroleum. They are also asked if they think they could live for a month without petroleum. The second station or table has samples of oiled sediments collected from Prince William Sound. The students are asked to describe the samples and discuss whether or not oil from the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill can still be found on Alaskan beaches today. The third station or table involves a mapping activity. Students label several locations on their maps and shade in the area of Alaska that was oiled in 1989.

Build your own natural history focus