Kit Descriptions
Homeschool Kits
Click on each kit's name for a full description and picture.
NEW! Alaska Marine Mammals Kit
NEW! Ree Nancarrow: Paper Collage and Quilting Kit
NEW! Sea Ice Microbe Kit
Alaska Rocks and Minerals Kit
Archaeology Kit
Aurora Kit
Bear Kit
Bird Kit
Dené (Athabascan) Culture Kit
Engineering on Ice Kit
Lynx Kit
Outer Space Kit
Printmaking Kit
Tracks & Scats Kit
Traditional Games Kit
More homeschool kits will be available throughout the school year. Check this page for new offerings!
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NEW! Alaska Marine Mammals Kit
Explore different species of marine mammals in Alaska, including walruses, sea otters,
polar bears, whales, seals and more. Discover hands-on museum specimens and Indigenous
cultural objects. Learn about arctic adaptations, food webs, Alaska Native cultures
and traditional technology, conservation, and museum research.
What’s in the Kit?
Kayak model object
Yup'ik doll object
Ivory ringed seal carving object
Ivory seal carving object
Sealskin sewing thimble object
Baleen object
Polar bear pelt object
Polar bear claw object
Sea otter skull object
Sea otter vertebra object
Walrus tooth object
Spotted seal pelt object
Walrus replica object
Bowhead whale replica object
Whale Jenga game
Super Walrus game
Hand-held mirrors (2)
Calipers
Charlie and the Blanket Toss book
Kayak Design Curriculum book
Kukugyarpak book
About Marine Mammals book
What If There Were No Sea Otters? Book
Meltdown DVD
Suggested activities binder
Marine mammal background information
USB drive
Recommended grade levels: K-12
Key words: Adaptations; Alaska Native Cultures; Arctic; Conservation; Iñupiat; Marine Mammals;
Sea Otters; Seals; Polar Bears; Walruses; Whales; Yup'ik
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Alaska Rocks and Minerals Kit
Introduce students to the science of geology. Discover Alaska rocks and minerals through hands-on activities. Using observation and tools, students will identify, describe, and sort rocks and minerals.
What’s in the Kit?
40 Alaska rocks and minerals specimens
Mineral test kit (Copper coin nail, glass plate, magnifying lens, tile, magnet, dropper bottle)
Rocks and Mineral Study Guide booklet
Energy Literacy booklet
Elbow Deep in Mudpies and Minerals suggested activities
Information Sheets:
Rock and Mineral Specimens
Geologic Processes: Origin of Rocks
Periodic Table
Plate Tectonics
The Rock Cycle
Elements Comprising the Human Body
Recommended grade levels: K-12
Key words: Earth Science; Geology; Rock Cycle; Rock and Mineral Identification
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Archaeology Kit
Discover archaeological artifacts! Investigate the ways archaeologists study objects, map dig sites, and learn about the past.
What’s in the Kit?
Projectile points (2) objects
Obsidian object
Fishing lure object
Harpoon foreshaft object
Bone tiedown object
Slate and tooth knife object
Curved antler knife object
Hollow bird bone object
Antler artifact object
Caribou metacarpal two-handed scraper object
Bone of ancient grazing animal object
Armor fragment object
Subterranean house cards activity
Laminated rulers
Laminated numbers
Suggested activities
USB drive
Recommended grade levels: K-12
Key words: Alaska Native Cultures; Archaeology; Artifacts; History
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Aurora Kit
Explore the northern lights! Listen to stories from Iñupiat elders, learn how energy from the sun creates the aurora, investigate magnetic fields, and make your own aurora artwork.
What’s in the Kit?
Iñupiaq vocabulary cards (2 sets)
Northern Lights learning cards (1 set)
Aurora FAQ cards (1 set)
Solar Viewers (2)
Magnetic observation box
Magnetic field observation cases (3)
Bar magnets (3)
Ring magnets and stand (5)
Wand magnets (3)
Compass
Paperclips
Iron filings (1 bottle)
Chalk pastels (1 package)
Black construction paper
Heliophysics sun-earth laminated model
Cultural Connections elementary & middle school student guides
Northern Lights: The Soccer Trails (book)
Binder with activities and worksheets
USB drive
Recommended grade levels: K-12
Key words: Astronomy; Aurora; Iñupiaq; Magnetic Fields; Northern Lights; Space Science
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Bear Kit
Investigate Alaska’s three bear species! Explore bear habitat, diet, and life history. Observe a bear skull. Extend your knowledge to bears around the world and compare bears across species.
What’s in the Kit?
Black bear (Ursus americanus) skull object
Polar bear pelt piece object
Grizzly bear claw object
Bear plastic figurines (brown bear, polar bear, black bear) objects
Grizzly bear track stencils object
Felt Play activity
Guess Which Bear? trivia cards
Polar bear diet cards
Set of Calipers
Parts of a Skull labels
Alaska’s Bears book
Bear information sheets & pictures
Suggested activities (on USB drive)
Recommended grade levels: K-12
Key words: Black Bear; Brown Bear; Comparison; Diet; Habitat; Observation; Polar Bear; Skull
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Bird Kit
Explore Interior Alaska bird species with hands-on specimens. Identify birds through their physical characteristics. Observe different adaptations. Discover differences between migratory and resident birds.
What’s in the Kit?
American Robin object
Bald Eagle talon replica object
Boreal Owl object
Bohemian Waxwing object
Common Redpole object
Gray Jay feathers object
Great Horned Owl talons and wing objects
Hermit Thrush wing object
Mallard Duck wing object
Northern Flicker tail, foot, feather objects
Ruffed Grouse foot, tail, wing objects
Pine Grosbeak object
Ptarmigan wing and foot objects
Sandhill Crane foot object
Three-toed Woodpecker head, tail, foot, wing objects
Varied Thrush object
White-Winged Crossbill head, wing, feet object
Yellow-Rumped Warbler feet objects
Alaska Geographic: Exploring Alaska’s Birds book
Bird information sheets
Recommended grade levels: K-12
Key words: Adaptations; Birds; Comparison; Interior Alaska; Migration; Observation; Ornithology
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Dené (Athabascan) Culture Kit
The Dené (Athabascan) people have lived in Interior Alaska for thousands of years. Eleven distinct language groups share a tradition of seasonal activities and use land-based resources for their art. Examine objects, create beaded artwork, and discuss seasonal activities.
What’s in the Kit?
Birch bark basket object
Babiche object
Beaded keychain object
Porcupine quills object
Anna’s Athabascan Summer book
Two Old Women book
Native People of Alaska book
Suggested activities
Recommended grade levels: K-12
Key words: Athabascan; Art; Baskets; Birch Bark; Dené; Interior; Seasonal Round
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Engineering on Ice Kit
Discover hands-on STEAM activities to bring sea ice science to your students! This project-based kit focuses on UAF research with ice drifters and data collected about changes in Arctic sea ice. Students will learn about the engineering design process, sea ice, and climate.
What’s in the Kit?
Engineering on Ice activity folder
Dry erase markers (2) activity material
Metal cans (Silver, black) activity material
Fabric of different colors activity material
Thermometer activity material
Wood blocks activity material
Droppers (2) activity material
Safety glasses activity material
Plastic tubing (2) activity material
Laminated activity sheets
USB drive
Recommended grade levels: K-12
Key words: Arctic Science; Climate; Engineering Design Process; Ice Drifter; Sea Ice
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Lynx Kit
Discover an elusive predator of Alaska’s boreal forests! Learn about lynx life history and behavior. Find out why lynx and snowshoe hares depend on each other. Experience hands-on discovery and observation of real skulls.
What’s in the Kit?
Lynx skull object
Lynx foot object
Snowshoe hare skull object
Lynx and hare plastic figures objects
What is a lynx? information
Discover skull anatomy information and activities
Lynx Eats The Hare activity
Food chain game
Set of Calipers
Fabric piece
Recommended grade levels: K-12
Key words: Diet; Lynx; Measurement; Skull; Snowshoe Hare
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Outer Space Kit
Discover the wonders of outer space! Investigate different methods scientists use to detect exoplanets. Imagine how life might evolve on different planets. Explore astronomy tools such as star wheels and astrolabes.
What’s in the Kit?
Exoplanet Transits activity
3 boxes, laminated grid sheet, activity guide
Objects in Motion activity
Wooden dowel, string, clip, playdough (2), activity guide
Imagining Life activity
Laminated card set, activity guide
Searching for Life activity
Clear cups (3), sand, yeast packets, sugar packets, Alka-Seltzer tablets, activity
guide
Create a Star Wheel activity
Templates, activity guide
Make an Astrolabe activity
Templates, straws, paperclips, string, activity guide
Constellations of Alaska booklet
Astrobiology Comics (6)
USB drive
Recommended grade levels: 3-12
Key words: Astrobiology; Astronomy; Exoplanets; Outer Space
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Printmaking Kit
From simple shapes to more complicated designs, from everyday materials to more specialized ones, printmaking is a fun experiment. Try different printmaking techniques while experimenting with layers, colors, and design.
What’s in the Kit?
Carving cutters (5)
Small paint brushes (2)
Fat paint brushes (2)
Paint/ink rollers (2)
Plastic texture grid
Round plastic texture tool
Plastic palette knife
Gel printing instructions
Large gel sheet
Small gel sheet
Potato stamp instructions
Cork and cardboard printing instructions
Writing and printing instructions
Shaving cream print instructions
Block printing instructions
Materials NOT included:
E-Z Cut printing blocks
Paint or block printing ink
Acid-free paper
(These can be purchased online at Dick Blick.)
Recommended grade levels: K-12
Key words: Art; Block Print; Design; Printmaking
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NEW! Ree Nancarrow: Paper Collage and Quilting Kit
This kit gives students a chance to create their own painted paper “fabrics” to cut and collage into a paper “quilt”. They will become familiar with Alaskan quilt artist, Ree Nancarrow, learn about how she develops her fiber creations, and explore abstract and realistic quilt designs. Collaging and quilting share similar techniques of piecing together materials to create an image or design.
What’s in the Kit?
Kit binder lesson plans, artist information, photos of Ree Nancarrow quilt pieces, collage examples
Fabric quilt square object
Paintbrushes (16)
Reusable cups (8)
Pastels (4 boxes)
Brayers (4)
Foam brushes (4)
Bag of assorted found objects
Pipettes (16)
Scrapers (8)
Ice cube trays (4)
Foil pans (8)
Chopsticks (8)
USB drive
Materials NOT included:
Watercolor or construction paper
Watercolor paints
Tempera paint
Shaving cream
Recommended grade levels: K-12
Key words: Abstract, Art, Collage, Marbling, Printing, Quilting, Ree Nancarrow, Watercolor
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NEW! Sea Ice Microbe Kit
Discover the hidden world within sea ice! Explore how the tiny pockets of salt water inside sea ice support the web of life in the Arctic. Hands-on activities include art, ice exploration, building a food web, and matching DNA sequences.
What’s in the Kit?
Imagine Yourself in a Brine Channel art activity
Coloring supplies, paper
Arctic Food Web Game activity
Laminated cards and board
Salty vs Fresh Ice activity
Paper cups, food coloring, toothpicks, salt, magnifying glass
DNA Detective activity
24 laminated DNA sequences
Recommended grade levels: K-6
Key words: Arctic; Food Web; Microbes; Sea Ice
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Tracks and Scat Kit
Indirect signs are very important when studying wildlife! Learn about identifying Alaska animals using tracks and scats, then take your animal tracking knowledge outdoors.
What’s in the Kit?
Scat replicas (bat, beaver, black bear, goose, grouse, marmot, moose, porcupine, red
fox, river otter, squirrel, wolf) objects
Who Dung It? laminated card set
Track stencils and information sheets (beaver, black bear, Canada goose, caribou,
domestic dog, jackrabbit, lynx, moose, raven, red fox) objects
Alaska tracks (3) information
Animal Tracks of the Pacific Northwest book
Understanding Gaits & Track Patterns information
Suggested activities
Recommended grade levels: K-12
Key words: Animals; Field Study; Scat; Sign; Tracks
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Traditional Games Kit
Explore traditional Alaska games! Play these games and test your coordination, memory, and physical skills while learning about Alaska Native cultures.
What’s in the Kit?
Yo-Yo object
How to Make Your Own Yo-Yo activity
Storyknife activity and Information
Stick Game replica and information
Games of the North
10 Games to play suggested activities
Corresponding videos [on USB drive]
The Raven and the Boulders book
Akaguagaankaa: The Story of a Giant book
The Great Alaska Game Show activity booklet [on USB drive]
Recommended grade levels: K-12
Key words: Alaska Native Games; Leisure Time; Storytelling; Traditional Games
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