Education Resource Center
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The Virginia Tech Science Outreach Program,” SOuP”, supports K-12 outreach education and encourages the growth of K-12 participation in research. SOuP works as part of the VT-Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) initiative to form partnerships that support the University outreach mission.
Researchers in the biosciences and geosciences can utilize the education outreach programs of SOuP to enhance their grant proposals.
SOuP - Education Resource Center. The Education Resource Center, or ERC, has many materials for loan or reference. Kits and specimens available for loan are listed bellow. The kits with Virginia Science Standards of Learning are identified by (*SOL*).
MINTS (Science in the Schoolyard) ) *SOL*
MINTS was developed to respond to teachers' request for information on local natural history in southwestern Virginia and for training in inquiry teaching methods (? Kits).
MINTS Hands-on Science Kit Science tools, such as hand lenses, thermometers, and pH paper. Ideal for indoor or outdoor science activities and is large enough to support a class of 20-30 students. (2 kits)
Plant Biology/Plants and Society education kits and resources *SOL*:
MINTS (Science in the Schoolyard with many plant-related inquiries)
Stream and River vegetation (Riparian zone ecology, 1 Kit)
Plants and Society (How plants are used in technology and medicine, 2 Kits)
The Backboned Seven Activities and pictures to assist students in learning the seven classes of vertebrates. Includes specimens and picture wheels to assist in identification. (1 kit) *SOL*
Bat Kit Contains books, brochures, and activities about bats, bat conservation, and bat "fact and fiction." Kits includes an assembled bat box, a "Bat and Moth" game, and bat masks. (1 kit) *SOL*
Birds Kit Includes study skins of some common birds and materials to aid in teaching about birds: posters and graphics, a field guide, activities, bones and feathers, and a bird song tape. (1 kit) *SOL*
Insect Kit Includes specimens commonly found in Virginia, the US, as well as some unusual insects found in other countries. Includes activities for investigating insects. (1 kit) *SOL*
Mammal Kit Contains specimens and bones of mammals common to Virginia, a field guide to animal tracks, a key to mammal skulls, and a handbook with additional information and activities. (1 kit) *SOL*
Paper Making Kit Provides materials and instructions to make paper and to learn how to use recycled paper. Material is provided with this kit to accommodate an average-sized class. (1 kit) *SOL*
Wolf Kit The kit contains materials that collectively explain the past and current wolf situation in North America, the wolf's role in biodiversity, wolf biology, and wolf social characteristics. Included are the teacher's guide Wolves and Humans , story and activity books, a video, and four wolf posters. (1 kit available) *SOL*
Continues on other side with Save Our Streams, Geosciences Kits, and and ERC specimens >
Save Our Streams Kit (SOS) This kit contains stream monitoring equipment for the citizens stream quality survey of the Izaak Walton League. Participants determine stream quality by inspecting the number and types of insects and other aquatic organisms. Training workshops are held twice a year. Field assistance upon request. (8 kits) *SOL*
SOS Critter Kit This kit is a collection of local stream-swelling insects and other animals preserved in alcohol in glass vials, with an identification key. (Included in each SOS kit: 3 extra available)
Geology Kit 1: Local Sedimentary Rocks This kit consists of a sample of the rocks from southwestern Virginia with accompanying maps, aerial photos, and geologic interpretation. (12 kits) *SOL*
Geology Kit 2: Labeling Your Rock and Mineral Collections This kit contains material and information to introduce a class-sized group to the basics of labeling and cataloging their own rock and mineral collections (1 kit). *SOL*
Dinomite Kit VMNH "Science-To-Go" kit is a hands-on program about dinosaurs. The kit includes an educator's guide, dinosaur video, dinosaur posters and books, an activity book, and many models exhibiting various dinosaur types and characteristics. (4 kits)
Karst Groundwater Kit This kit illustrates water movement underground in karst terrain vs. sand aquifers, the relationships between surface water and groundwater, how we pollute our water resources, and how groundwater is replenished and depleted. (3 kits) *SOL*
Virginia Coastal Plain Fossils VMNH "Science-To-Go" kit includes a comprehensive teacher's background guide explaining the geology and geography of the Virginia coastal plain and the importance of the fossil record, index fossils, geologic time, and more. A geologic map of VA, a teacher's activity guide, and sample fossils from four geologic periods are included. (1 kit) *SOL*
Virginia Piedmont Rocks VMNH "Science-To-Go" kit includes a teacher's background guide describing the formation and appearance of the oldest and youngest rocks in the Piedmont; 12 samples of metamorphic, sedimentary and igneous rocks; one fossil sample; and a geologic map of Virginia. (1 kit) *SOL*
Weather Kit The kit includes a field guide to weather, information on severe weather, pictures of different forecasting methods, videos, and other weather-related items. (1 kit available) *SOL*
ERC Specimens. The following are examples of teaching specimens available for short-term loan:
Mammals of Virginia
Birds of Virginia
Freshwater mussels
Fossils
Rocks of Virginia
Minerals of Virginia