The Specimens Collection is a developing archive of natural artifacts found throughout North America. Samples include ​a wide range of insect species; sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks from Kansas, the Pacific Coast, Gulf Coast, and Atlantic Seaboard; geodes from the U.S. and Canada; gemstones; seashells, indigenous plant forms, bird feathers, and more.  The natural samples are complemented with mathematical and scientific games and models, a life-sized model of a human skeleton, and examples of student artwork done in response to direct engagement with the collection. A dissecting microscope is available for onsite viewing and documentation and select specimens may be checked out for use in the classroom or private research area.

Nature Collab is home to a research and teaching collection of specimens from the natural world, scientific and mathematical model-building games, resource books, and student artwork inspired by direct engagement with nature. A dissecting microscope is available for in-house viewing and photo documentation, and select artifacts may be loaned.

Virtual Collection

Explore Nature Collab’s growing, digital resources! A curation of open source and collected photo- and videographic examples, the Virtual Collection includes images from the natural world, documentation of art works inspired by nature, and projects that fall at various intersections of art, science, and mathematics. 

Nature Collab Reference Library is a growing selection of curated books.

VIRTUAL COLLECTION

“Have you ever seen an inch worm crawl up a leaf or a twig, and then clinging to the very end, revolve in the air, feeling for something to reach something? That’s like me. I am trying to find something out there beyond the place on which I have a footing.

– Albert Pinkham Ryder