Inspire Me Now

Web Feature: Mammal Family Reunion {from the National Museum of Natural History}

 

Before you plan a family visit to the Mammal Hall at the National Museum of Natural History, spend some time exploring the Mammal Family Reunion web feature.

Certainly, your child will be surprised to learn that humans are mammals, along with dogs, dolphins, kangaroos, and so many other animals-- many we may not think to compare ourselves to. The interactive game guides your child through the characteristics of a mammal, the evolution of mammals, and the places in the world where mammals live.

Along the way, there are many opportunities to interact with the game-- whether by selecting animals who are members of the mammal family or dragging a temperature bar up to see how different animals' blood temperature responds (mammals are warm blooded, so their blood temperature will always stay the same).

You will want to be nearby when your child plays, as the success of some of the features are a little sensitive to where the mouse points on the screen. It's also a good idea to be nearby in order to reinforce the language. Although the game is written on an accessible level, there are still some scientific terms which may be difficult for some children without an adult's help.

This is a great way to prepare for a visit to the Mammal Hall, but it also stands alone as a fun way to learn about mammals without leaving your home.

More Information

You can find the game on the museum's website here: Mammal Family Reunion

For information about visiting the National Museum of Natural History, see here.

If you are interested in past web features, click here. 

Featured Online Resource: Bird Watching Expedition of the White House

Let the presidents be your guide on this bird watching exhibition tour of the White House.

View of the White House from Lafayette Park

If you are lucky enough to have reserved a tour of the White House for your family (or even if you will simply be walking past the White House during a trip downtown) consider preparing with this fun online tour created by The White House Historical Association.

Your children will be led through the main floor of the White House by cartoon depictions of former presidents such as George Washington and Theodore Roosevelt. As your children navigate through each room, a new president appears and shares amusing historical stories before challenging your child to "find the eagles," a national symbol which can be found throughout the White House. 

Your children will be captivated by the story of Dolley Madison saving George Washington's portrait when the White House was burned during the War of 1812. They will be amused by Theodore Roosevelt's trouble-making children sneaking through the State Dining Room with their pony. 

The online tour begins in the East Room, and takes the same route that public tours travel through the White House main floor. 

Don't be surprised when your children take the time to look for all the eagles during your real White House tour. . . and they won't be disappointed!

For more information and resources on the White House, visit the following:

A Tour of the White House: a narrated historical tour of the White House, also from the White House Historical Association.

Lesson Plans on various topics of White House history are available for Grades K-3; Grades 4-8; and Grades 9-12.

If you have scheduled a tour of the White House, consider stopping at the White House Visitor Center prior to your tour.

To schedule a tour of the White House, you must contact your member of Congress. More information is provided here.