Exploring the Animals 

Life in the Dark: Illinois Caves

There is a whole world underground in Illinois Caves. ISM Educator Lorna Shuman explores the geology of caves and learns about a few animals that call caves their homes. 

Elementary Level

Biomimicry & Birds 

Explore with ISM Zoologist Dr. Meredith Mahoney, as she looks at birds and their flight. Discover what strategies people might be able to mimic to solve design challenges.

Lower Elementary

Biomimicry & Mussel 

Explore with ISM Zoologist Dr. Meredith Mahoney as she looks at Illinois mussels and how they live in water. Think about what people might be able to mimic to solve design challenges. 

Lower ELementary

Biomimicry & Squirrel 

Explore with ISM Zoologist Dr. Meredith Mahoney as she looks at squirrels and their unique features.  Discover what strategies people might be able to mimi to solve design challenges. 

Lower Elementary

Focusing on an Illinois Animal: Bats 

Explore with ISM Educator Lorna Shuman looking at bats in Illinois and how they live 

Lower Elementary

Focusing on an Illinois Animal: White-Tailed Deer 

Explore with ISM Educator Sarah Davis looking at deer in Illinois and how they live 

Lower Elementary

Focusing on an Illinois Animal: Turtles 

Explore with ISM Educator Lorna Shuman looking at turtles in Illinois and how they live 

Lower Elementary

Illinois Habitat: Farmland 

Explore with ISM Zoologist Dr. Meredith Mahoney as she looks at the Illinois Farmland Habitat and some of the animals that live there. 

Elementary

Illinois Habitat: Caves 

Explore with ISM Zoologist Dr. Meredith Mahoney as she looks at the Illinois Cave Habitat and some of the animals that live there. 

Elementary

Illinois Habitat: Forest 

Explore with ISM Zoologist Dr. Meredith Mahoney as she looks at the Illinois Forest or Woodland Habitat and some of the animals that live there. 

Elementary

Illinois Habitat: Prairie 

Explore with ISM Zoologist Dr. Meredith Mahoney as she looks at the Illinois Prairie or Grassland Habitat and some of the animals that live there. 

Elementary

Illinois Habitat: Wetlands 

Explore with ISM Zoologist Dr. Meredith Mahoney as she looks at the Illinois Farmland Habitat and some of the animals that live there. 

Upper Elementary

Illinois Habitat: Urban 

Explore with ISM Zoologist Dr. Meredith Mahoney as she looks at the Illinois Urban Habitat and some of the animals that live there. 

Upper Elementary

The Changes Exhibit - Exploring Illinois Habitats 

Explore the Illinois Habitats through a virtual look in ISM's Changes Exhibit. 

All levels

Meet a Scientist - Dr. Meredith Mahoney, Zoologist 

Ever wondered what a zoologist does at a Museum? Join Stephanie Gragg as she talks with Dr. Meredith Mahoney to discover what she does at the ISM. 

Elementary 

Meet a Scientist - Dr. Melanie Pardi, Paleontology 

Ever wondered what a paleontologist does at a Museum? Join Stephanie Gragg as she talks with Dr. Melissa Pardi to discover what she does at the ISM. 

Exploring the Osetology Lab

Spend time with ISM Curator Emeritus of Anthropology, Dr. Terrence D. Martin as he shows what the Osteology Lab at the ISM does and how scientists use this lab to tell them more information. 

4th-12th grade