Free Classroom Resource Kits for Loan
The Center for Teaching and Learning offers a variety of resource kits for educators to use in the classroom. There is a $50 deposit required to lease a kit, which is refunded upon the return of the complete kit. For kit availability and/or to arrange for kit pick-up call (847) 835-8253.
Aquatic Illinois
The Aquatic Illinois trunk includes many items to help you teach about biological, historical, chemical and other aspects of water. Books, posters, water sampling tools, CD-ROMs, videos, DVDs and activities are among the contents of this trunk. Suggested grades: 5-9.
Illinois Prairies
Prairies were once the dominant landscape in Illinois. Now they are very rare. Make your students aware of the wonders of prairies with the lessons and supplemental resources of the Illinois Prairies trunk. Field guides, books, DVDs, posters, bison artifacts and many other items are included. Discover what it was like to live on the prairies by using the pioneer resources. Targeted Grades: K-8.
Illinois' State Symbols
Are you teaching about Illinois? Then the Illinois' State Symbols trunk is perfect for you! Photos, replicas, actual samples, activity books, information and other items are included for your use. There's an Illinois Facts section, too.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Tree Trunk
Want to learn more about the forest? This trunk includes many items teachers can use to instruct students about trees, forests, forest careers, and the forestry industry. You’ll find items that help support the Illinois Learning Standards from grades PreK-10. Items include field guides, tree “cookies,” lumber samples, and much more.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Illinois Wild Mammals Trunk
Are you teaching about mammals? Borrow the Illinois Wild Mammals Trunk to supplement your lessons. This kit includes field guides, CD-ROMs, a DVD, fur samples, skulls, track and scat replicas, lessons, activity sheets, posters, and other items. Targeted grades: 4-8.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Illinois Fossils Trunk
Borrow an Illinois Fossils Trunk to help your students in grades 4-8 explore Illinois’ natural heritage. Each trunk contains fossil molds, a fossil hunt kit, a video, a fossil reference collection, field guides, posters, and more.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources People and Animals from Illinois’ Past Trunk
Borrow the People and Animals from Illinois’ Past trunk to teach students in grades K-3 about prehistoric mammals, extirpated mammals, and Native Americans and their relationship with nature. Contents include mammoth and mastodon tooth replicas, species replicas, Native American games, activities, mammoth hair, posters, replica pottery, a video, reference books, and natural items used by Native Americans.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Insects and Spiders Trunk
Insects and spiders fascinate students. Encourage them to learn more about these organisms by using the resources in this trunk. Books, CD-ROMs, student activities, field guides, posters, insect/spider observation equipment, and a video are just some of the items included. Targeted grades: K-6.