Teacher Resources

The Montana Natural History Center has great resources for teachers who are interested in bringing the study of natural history into the classroom.  MNHC resources include curriculum and equipment as well as our trained naturalist staff.

The Teacher Benefits Program is a free membership program, just for teachers. Enjoy discounts on program, access to resources, and special events just for you.


The ID Nature Program is the Montana Natural History Center’s new Interactive Distance Education program.  Through the use of green screen technology and Polycom Video Conferencing equipment, we can deliver live, interactive programming across the state of Montana.


library books

The Ralph Lee Allen Environmental Education Library has a variety of field guides, curriculum guides, and books on a range of natural history topics, as well as a great selection of children’s books with nature themes.


The Visiting Naturalist in the Schools program for 4th and 5th grades provides monthly in-class activities led by a staff naturalist and two full day field trips.


The Wings Over Water (WOW) program is a multi-disciplinary STEM education program based on Osprey. The program is designed to build capacity for middle school educators, and aims to inspire students to pursue STEM careers. Teachers participate in a multi-day, interactive, and field-based summer training institute at University of Montana. During the school year, we engage students in the authentic scientific study of Ospreys, during field trips and in curriculum lessons designed around the Ospreys that breed in their home towns.


We have some wonderful resources to help teachers bring climate change education into the classroom. Through five video interviews with experts from the University of Montana, aligned discussion questions, and supporting classroom materials, educators and students can explore the challenges of climate change, learn how to seek local involvement, and maintain hope through our newly-developed resources.


For field trips, groups can  book a Museum Field Trip with a staff naturalist at the Montana Natural History Center, Native Plant Garden, the UM Zoological Museum, or your own site. Groups may also book Self-Guided Tours at MNHC.


The Montana Natural History Center also offers workshops for local educators, and many of our weekend programs are available for professional development credit.