Center for Sonoran Desert Studies

Desert Discovery Programs at the Museum

Take a Desert Discovery Program at the Museum. (We can also bring the program to your school.) Most Desert Discovery programs use live animals, museum artifacts, and interactive demonstrations that focus student's attention on natural history topics about the Sonoran Desert. Unless an age group is specified, our Education Specialists can teach these programs for any age group. We can also tailor a program to meet your specific needs. Programs are 45-50 minutes in length and are linked to the Arizona Academic Standards in Science. See our Teacher Resources for standards information and additional standards-based activities for all Discovery Programs.

Offered: Monday - Friday
Length: 45 minutes
Students: 30 maximum
Program Fee: $100 per program
Plus: Admission fee of $3.25 per person Sept. - May / $2.25 per person Jun. - Aug.

Preschool and Kindergarten (Ages 3-6)
Program Descriptions

  • A Walk in the Desert

Grades 1 - 12
Program Descriptions

  • All About Bats! (Grades 3-12) *New
  • Amazing Arthropods
  • Arizona Rocks and Minerals *New for elementary grades
  • Creatures of the Night
  • Desert Reptiles
  • Drawing Desert Life (Grades 3-12) *New
  • Endangered and Threatened Species
  • Feathered Friends
  • Hunters and Hunted
  • Plant and Animal Partners
  • Saguaro Tales (Grades 1-3) *New as outreach
  • Sonoran Supermarket (Grades 3-5) *New
  • Web of Life
  • Who Dung It? (Grades K-5) *New

Registration Information & Form

Amphitheater Program

Specifically designed for students (grades K-5), these programs incorporate live animals, museum artifacts and volunteer participation that provide a focus on desert life and natural history. They are held on-grounds in our shaded outdoor amphitheater, providing quick access to the Museum for a follow-up self-guided visit. The programs are 45-50 minutes in length.

Because Amphitheater programs are held outdoors, the programs are subject to weather conditions. Please call if you have questions or concerns about the current status of the program.

Offered: Monday - Friday October - April
Length: 45-50 minutes
Students: 25 minimum - 60 maximum
Fee: $100 per program
Plus: Admission fee of $3.25 per person (Sept. - May) / $2.25 per person (Jun. - Aug.)

Amphitheater Program
Program Descriptions

  • Saguaro Tales

Reservation Information & Form

Desert Discovery Labs at the Museum

These in depth, activity oriented labs allow students in grades 6-12 to explore natural science topics through the use of artifacts, live animals, field activities, or equipment in a laboratory setting. Labs emphasize critical thinking and investigative skills.

Length: 90-120 minutes
Students: 30 maximum
Program Fee: $150 per lab plus admission fee of $3.25 per person (Sept. - May) / $2.25 per person (Jun. - Aug.)

Desert Discovery Labs
Program Descriptions

  • Amphibians and Reptiles
  • Arizona Minerals
  • Exploring Adaptation (Only offered at the museum)
  • Bat Research Simulation
  • Who Dung It? (Grades 6-8 only)

Reservation Information & Form