Pandemic response programming developed by the North Museum of Nature and Science attained a milestone shortly before Christmas, exceeding a reach of more than one million households. This program is designed to address the emerging educational needs which students, parents, and educators are facing.

North Museum @ Home is the e-learning portal and curriculum designed to assist students, parents, and teachers. The program is science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) focused; multi-faceted; and mapped to Next Generation Learning Standards. It consists of downloadable STEM Learning Activity Packs which provide hands-on educational experiences for multiple subjects, including oceans, geology, nature, dinosaurs, space, agriculture, and more.

STEM boxes are a companion to activity packs for educational activities and games. A monthly subscription service was launched in mid-December for children to receive new educational resources by mail.

Young learners also have access to many in-house education programs, presented virtually, like field trips and live animal room feedings. Another feature is STEM Storytime @ Home, a virtual book experience for children with STEM related themes. Programming also includes access to the museum's YouTube channel and the North Museum @ Home Facebook group.

The North Museum continues to seek funding from community members and local businesses to support its pandemic response programming, as some local school districts have continued to operate with 100% virtual learning models to help combat the spread of COVID-19. For more information on the North Museum's programs, readers may visit http://www.northmuseum.org. To support the emerging educational needs of the community, readers may contact development@northmuseum.org.