The numbers listed after each description correspond to the Pennsylvania State standards for Ecology and Environment. Teachers are encouraged to adapt the activities for different ages, skill levels and group sizes.
*Allergy Information: BOXES WHICH CONTAIN NUTS ARE DENOTED.
Go to: Reservations, Pricing and Policies
EduCrate materials designed for Preschool – Kindergarten : (Kindergarten through Grade 6)
Butterflies and Moths – Fluttering Friends. Hands- activities and storybooks soar to life as children explore the difference between these two delicate flying creatures. 4.3.4A/B/C, 4.6.4A/B, 4.8.4D
Senses in Nature – Did you bring your five tools? Listen to the ocean in a seashell, touch smooth and rough rocks, guess what sounds you’re hearing. Nature keeps you guessing with its own fun and games.
Weather – Look out the window! Information, pictures and activities on wind, temperature, rain and clouds help bring clarity to the wonders of weather. 4.1.4B, 4.3.4A/B, 4.6.4A/B, 4.8.4A/B
Fall Frenzy – *Allergy Information: THIS BOX CONTAINS NUTS. We all fall down! Bring the colors of fall to life as students learn about the changes that occur in the weather and how plants, animals, and people adapt to them. 4.6.4A/B, 4.8.4A/B
Other EduCrates recommended for very young learners:
Groundhog; Honeybees; Life Cycle of Butterflies; Organisms; Soil Critters (see definitions below)
EduCrate materials designed for Kindergarten through Grade 6:
Groundhog - Did you see your shadow? Learn about the life and habitats of Pennsylvania’s most famous rodent and its relatives through puppets, activities, and stories. 4.3.4A/B/C, 4.6.4A, 4.7.4A/B
Honeybees - What’s all the Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz? . . . Sweet! So who makes honey, sticky and sweet? Learn all about honeybees and their adaptations through models, storybooks and hands-on activities. 4.2.4A/B, 4.3.4A/B/C, 4.4.4C, 4.6.4A/B, 4.7.4A/B, 4.8.4D
Life Cycle of Butterflies - Flying Colors! Butterflies don’t start out as the delicate creatures we all love. Learn about their life cycle from egg to caterpillar to pupae through this box. Also included is information about local species of butterflies and moths. 4.3.4A/B/C, 4.6.4A/B, 4.7.4A/B, 4.8.4D
Butterflies and Moths – Fluttering Friends. Hands-on activities and storybooks soar to life as children explore the difference between these two delicate flying creatures. 4.3.4A/B/C, 4.6.4A/B, 4.7.4A/B, 4.8.4D
Organisms – *Allergy Information: THIS BOX CONTAINS NUTS. It’s Alive! Information on seeds, freshwater and woodland plants and animals, pets, and comparing organisms. 4.1.4C, 4.3.4A/B/C, 4.6.4A, 4.7.4A/B, 4.8.4C/D
Soil Critters – Digging deep! Check out the tiny critters that call the dirt beneath your feet their home. Learn about the relationships of animals to the soil, from the small invertebrates that never leave it, to burrowing mammals and birds that build their nests with mud. 4.3.4A, 4.4.4C, 4.5.4A/B/C, 4.6.4A/B/C, 4.7.4A/B, 4.8.4C/D
Endangered Species of North America - Now you see it, now you don’t. Where have the animals and plants gone? Artifacts, games and resources help kids learn about the concept of endangered and threatened species. 4.2.4A/B/C, 4.7.4A/B/C, 4.8.4C/D, 4.9.4A
Horns and Antlers - What’s that on your head? Hold a horn and antler up to your head – what are they, how do they grow? Learn how they are used not only by the animals that grow them, but also by humans. 4.7.4A/B
Monarch Butterfly – Fluttering beauties. Explore the world of these amazing creatures that migrate thousands of miles each year, complete with activity packs, finger puppet and model. 4.3.4A/B/C, 4.6.4A/B, 4.7.4A/B, 4.8.4D
Plant Growth and Development – Birds and Bees of the Plant World. References, pictures, and activities on flowers and pollination, honeybees, and the Mustard Family. 4.2.4A/B, 4.3.4A/B/C, 4.4.4A/B/C, 4.5.4A/B/C, 4.6.4A/B/C, 4.7.4A/B, 4.8.4C/D
Awesome Autumn – *Allergy Information: THIS BOX CONTAINS NUTS. Color explosion! Why do the leaves change colors and why are the animals so busy this time of the year? Explore the hands-on activities and storybooks to find out! 4.4.4A/B/C, 4.6.4A/B/C, 4.8.4A/B
Wild Weather - Nature’s Tantrums! Explore the wild world of “extreme” weather, complete with information and activities on tornados, hurricanes, hailstorms, and flooding. 4.1.4B, 4.6.4A/B, 4.8.4A/B
Hawks and Eagles of PA – Fierce Falcons. Take to the skies with explorations of these Pennsylvania birds of prey. Kids have the opportunity to examine feathers and talons up close, as well as compare their “wing span” to that of a hawk and eagle. 4.3.4A/B/C, 4.6.4A/B, 4.7.4A/B, 4.8.4C/D
Habitat Boxes: Journey to a variety of habitats some of our favorite critters call home. A plethora of artifacts, puppets, storybooks, games and loads of activities enhance these exciting boxes, ready to for kids to explore
The Field as a Habitat - 4.3.4A/B/C, 4.6.4A/B/C, 4.7.4A/B, 4.8.4A/B/C/D, 4.9.4A
The Pond as a Habitat - 4.1.4A/B/C/D, 4.3.4A/B/C, 4.6.4A/B/C, 4.7.4A/B, 4.8.4A/B/C/D, 4.9.4A
The Woods as a Habitat - *Allergy Information: CONTAINS NUTS. 4.1.4A/B/C, 4.3.4A/B/C, 4.6.4A/B/C, 4.7.4A/B, 4.8.4A/B/C, 4.9.4A
Boxes may be reserved in advance by phone and borrowed for up to two weeks.
One Week Rental: $25 Two Week Rental: $40
Teachers who attend a scheduled EduCrate Members Meeting receive a 15% discount off of the rental prices.
The borrower must sign an EduCrate Agreement assuming full responsibility for the box and its contents. A security deposit (credit card, check, or cash) for $250 for Habitat boxes and $100 for all other boxes will be required at the time the EduCrate is picked up. Fees are assessed for lateness, loss or damage.
To reserve an EduCrate, contact us.
In memory of Grace Palmer