Educational Programming

Summer Discovery: This popular summer educational program allows students ages 5-12 to take classes on a wide variety of topics. Some of the classes include dinosaurs, magnets, sound, watercolor, papermaking, ancient Egypt, birds, and forensic science, among many others. Most of the classes are three hours long, though some may be two-day classes. The classes are so anticipated that many of them fill up within minutes of opening registration. Museum members are allowed early registration and reduced class fees. Discovery Classes are also occasionally offered throughout the rest of the year during school breaks.

Brown Bag Series: This series of lectures on a variety of topics is often accompanied by slide shows or videos. The Brown Bag series usually takes place on selected Wednesdays at noon and are free of charge. Participants can bring a lunch, while the Museum supplies the drinks. Topics for 2008 and dates will be announced later.

Scout Programs: The Museum is happy to offer specialized programming for Girl and Boy Scout groups to help with badge and achievement awards. We also offer the opportunity for Scouts to gain community service hours.

School Tours: Many area public and private schools use the Museum to augment their courses on Mississippi History, Native Americans, and animals. The Museum can also provide specialized tours for other topics. Older students may prefer a scavenger hunt instead of a guided tour. Live snake demonstrations may also be requested for group tours.

Discovery Kit Program: Teachers, home-schoolers, and parents are welcome to check out these kits that deal with specific subject areas. Each kit contains plenty of hands-on material, videos, books, posters and lesson plans. Current kits available are Ancient Egypt,Mississippi Animals, Crawling Critters (insects), Cotton, Shake & Quake (earthquakes and volcanoes), Native Americans, Dinosaurs I (3rd grade and under), Dinosaurs II/Prehistoric Life (3rd grade and up), Crime Scene (forensic science), The Final Frontier (space), Feathered Friends, Zip and Zap (magnets and electricity) and Animal Adaptations. Kits may be rented for two weeks for $10.00. Call to reserve yours!

Adult Tours: The Museum isn't just for kids! Adult tour groups are also welcome. You may choose to browse on your own, or we can arrange for a tour guide to take your group through the Museum.

Continuing Education Credits for Teachers: The Museum offers programs through the Mississippi Department of Health and through Mississippi Valley State University's Institute for Effective Teaching Practices for teachers to earn C.E.U's. These are applicable for both daycare and kindergarten providers, as well as elementary, junior and senior high school teachers. Watch the Calendar page for notification of these programs.

Museum Reading Outreach Program: Cottonlandia, in partnership with the Greenwood Rotary Club, goes to Threadgill and Claudine Brown Elementary Schools to read once a week to their 1st grade students. In addition to reading a "museum-related" book, the students also do a hands-on project that they can take home.