North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Purpose: Expanding Educational Services Many counties in eastern North Carolina are rich in natural resources but lack the economic resources and environmental education opportunities for people to learn about the environment that surrounds them. The North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences strives to serve those who attend the museum as well as individuals who live in areas with few chances to enhance their understanding of the environment. The Museum will use the grant, in partnership with the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation and community agencies, to expand a series of proven environmental educational programs to teachers, students, rural and inner city families, and Hispanic/Latino residents in the region. This initiative, called Outreach NC, will provide five to 10 low resource counties in eastern North Carolina with site-based teacher training, educational displays and materials, interactive learning opportunities, and Spanish language programs to reach out to disadvantaged residents.