Chicago Academy Of Sciences

Programs: Biology - the chicago academy of sciences/peggy notebaert nature museum ("cas/pnnm") biology department continues the 160 year legacy of the chicago academy of sciences by providing research and conservation initiatives with both local and national impact. Cas/pnnm works to protect and restore native habitats and imperiled and endangered species throughout illinois, including the blanding's turtle and several species of butterfly. Through citizen science programs such as the illinois butterfly monitoring network and calling frog survey, cas/pnnm biologists inspire people to connect with nature and become better stewards of local ecology. The biology department is also responsible for maintaining and overseeing the cas/pnnm's collection of more than 390,000 specimens.

education - cas/pnnm is dedicated to educating chicago area teachers and students about nature and science, and provides more hours of hands-on teaching in the chicago public and archdiocese schools than any other museum in chicago. Education is the largest department at cas/pnnm, with 15 dedicated museum educators providing museum-based and outreach education programming in schools and communities year-round. Cas/pnnm education programs enhance stem education by combining science content and educational best practices and transforming student and teacher attitudes towards science. In fiscal year 2017, cas/pnnm education programs provided nearly 80,000 hours of science education to students, teachers, and community members including intensive training and resources to more than 1,500 chicago area teachers. During the 2016-2017 school year, cas/pnnm educators also taught over 875 hands-on, standards-based workshops at the museum to over 24,000 students who visited the museum on field trips.

exhibitions and public engagement - cas/pnnm is the leading voice in urban ecology and sustainability in chicago and the great lakes region. Cas/pnnm's exhibits and public programs engage audiences with relevant and thought-provoking topics, such as climate change and green living. In fiscal year 2017, the museum's self-developed exhibit our house: rethinking home in a changing climate created a dialogue around issues of climate change. The museum's signature exhibit, judy istock butterfly haven, is a 2,700 square foot greenhouse, filled with tropical trees and flowers, pools of water, and more than 1,000 live butterflies representing 75 species. Public programming provides families and groups with interpretive activities that connect visitors to exhibits and initiatives, including animal feedings, butterfly releases, and sustainability workshops. In fiscal year 2017, the museum welcomed more than 277,000 visitors through its doors.