Anishinabe Culture: Learn how Anishinabek have lived alongside the natural world through a variety of artifacts that tell the story of the first people of this place.

Early Hominin Stone Tools: Explore the tools and technology used by early humans.

Foodways: Food is a universal language. Discover how cultures around the world work in the kitchen.

Fossils: Step back on the geological timeline to explore a variety of plant and animal fossils.

Hats: What people wear on their heads can tell us an interesting story; learn the history behind headwear from across the globe.

Holiday Traditions: Winter ’tis the season for celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and more. Learn how trees, drums and shoes play a part in holiday traditions around the world.

Meteorites: Enjoy an “out of this world” opportunity to touch and examine real meteorites- pieces of rock, metal, and ice traveling through space that have landed on Earth.

Music: Music is one of the first elements of culture we think of; investigate a variety of musical instruments from around the world.

Newcomers: If you were moving to a new country and had only one suitcase to pack, what would you bring with you? Take a glimpse into the immigrant experience with this discovery kit.

Numismatics: Yen, Roman coins, credit cards… Explore currency from around the globe.

Rocks & Minerals: Features a wide variety of specimens and covers everything from rock formation to mineral identification.

Space Exploration: Space, the final frontier! Discover the story of Roger B. Chaffee, a hometown hero, and get an up-close look at space fragments.

Zoology: Investigate specimens native to West Michigan and from around the globe. Discover where these species live, what they eat and what makes them special!

There is a $25 fee for each Discovery Kit rental. You will receive an invoice from the Group Scheduling Office in your Discovery Kit Loan confirmation email.

Please watch the 2 minute Discovery Kit Safety Video which outlines safe handling expectations and gives advice on using this resource with your learners. The video is embedded below this form and available on the For Educators page in the Discovery Kit section.

1. PROTECTION A. Objects/specimens borrowed shall be given special care at all times to insure against loss, damage or deterioration. B. No object/specimen may be altered, cleaned or repaired without written permission of the Public Museum. Unless prior written permission is obtained, the borrower must maintain possession and physical control of borrowed materials at all times. C. Objects/specimens must be secured from damage and theft by appropriate means. D. Objects/specimens should be returned in the original container, carefully packed in the same manner as received. E. It is recommended that individuals wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before handling any museum artifacts or specimens. Please do not use alcohol-based hand sanitizer as it can cause harm to the artifacts and specimens. 2. COSTS A. The borrower is responsible for paying the rental fee of $25 per kit. B. If returned past the listed due date, the Borrower will be billed $5.00 per day late.