Nestled in the heart of the concrete jungle that is New York City there is a place that glimpses into the real jungle… and arctic, and desert, and forest. The American Museum of Natural History, bordering on Central Park, contains some of the world’s most famous views of these grand landscapes in its habitat dioramas. These dioramas in the Hall of North American Mammals, Hall of Asian Mammals, and Hall of African Mammals are a perfect blend of art and science, combining the spoils of scientific research expeditions with the artistic capturing of natural landscapes.
Not only do I love the dioramas themselves, but I truly enjoy learning about what it took to create them. The stories behind the displays are just as fascinating representing some 100 years of research expeditions. One aspect of their creation is the blend of arts and science. People didn’t just go out capturing these animals…but scientists went to observe and learn about them, and artists went to accurately depict the landscape. All this work went in to what is now seen at the American Museum of Natural History! It’s no wonder that keeping the conversation going is so easy once you leave the museum.
While in the exhibit…
These exhibits are a great way not only to talk about the science of the animal kingdom, but the art as well! While in the animal halls take note of all the information on the diorama labels, but also look at what art elements went into each diorama. Point out the curved background of each display, and the rich details as well! These are great things to discuss back in the classroom. Just remember to really look at the dioramas while you are in the museum!
Back in the classroom…
The dioramas contain so much within them that it isn’t hard to find something to focus on once the field trip is over. Whether you talk about animal habitats or behaviors, endangered species, or even want to discuss the process by which the dioramas were created…it shouldn’t be difficult to keep discussing.
- For younger kids: Discuss animal habitats and behaviors. Some of the displays showed family groups caring for each other, and some showed animal showdowns between species. Discuss the different habitats that were on display and connect back to the student’s lives. What type of habitat do you live in? Which diorama was most similar to that? What animals did you see would most likely be found where you live?
- For older kids: Discuss endangered species. Some of the animals in the dioramas are endangered and in some cases (as in the case of the mountain gorilla) the diorama sparked a movement to help protect the creature[1]. Have students look into what is being done to protect some of the endangered species they saw in the dioramas and brainstorm what else could be done in the future.
- For even older kids: Deeper and more in-depth discussions of animal behaviors (carnivores/herbivores, camouflage and protection techniques, etc.) and habitats could work here, as could more in-depth discussion of endangered species. One other thing to consider is the actual creation of the dioramas themselves. Discuss what would need to be observed in a research expedition to adequately create a diorama. What would the students do? What information would they choose to convey?
Once back in the classroom the key is to make it relevant for the students by connecting it to their lives in some way! That’s how it will make the best impact.
The dioramas at the American Museum of natural History are not only representations of the places and animals they depict, but they represent brilliant artists and scientists who travelled to different parts of the world to bring us a glimpse of natural beauty. The inspire change in the world and instill wonder in many who see them. Making them memorable to students isn’t difficult! Just make sure to really look at the dioramas while in the museum and then make them relevant to student’s lives once back in the classroom. There’s no doubt your students will go wild over it!
For more information on the dioramas at the American Museum of Natural History go to http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/dioramas/
[1] After shooting the mountain gorilla in the display, Carl Akeley petitioned the Belgian government to create a gorilla sanctuary in the Congo, an idea that was finally actualized with a Royal Decree in 1925 to establish Parc National Albert.
