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Act Now Library • Free for Museum Members

The Act Now Library is a hands-on resource where Explorers can borrow science and sustainability kits to use at home and in their community. With a one-time annual fee of $199, you receive unlimited access for a full year: allowing you to check out resources as often as you like. Act Now Library access is included at no additional cost with a Museum Membership. Each kit includes simple activities and real tools that help you explore nature, learn something new, and take small actions that make a big difference. Whether you’re tracking pollinators, monitoring air quality, or observing local wildlife, the Act Now Library helps you turn curiosity into action - long after your museum visit ends. To check out backpacks, you may do so in person at the museum.

act now library at edelman fossil park & museum

Act Now Library Items

backpack 1

Measuring Light in the Night

Learn about light pollution and how it negatively affects humans, animals, and the world we live in. Collect data and share it with SciStarter to help scientists monitor the levels of light pollution and discover steps that can be taken to address its impacts.

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Monitoring Air Quality

Learn about the harmful microscopic particles (particulate matter) in the air and how to monitor the quality of the air you breathe. By monitoring and understanding your exposure to these particles, you can make healthier decisions in your daily life.

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Night Fishing

Learn about moths and other bugs of the night that live in your own backyard. Discover safe and harmless ways to attract moths and collect data about them to provide information and help with conservation.

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Tree Finder

What can we learn from trees? Learn about the study of dendrochronology where you can gather data about a tree’s age and the environmental events that occurred throughout its life. Gain knowledge on how to properly study and observe trees, what trees need to thrive, and how to determine the tree’s state of health.

backpack 1

Exploring Biodiversity

Observe, identify, and document the animal and plant species near you to create a living record of biodiversity in your area. By sharing your results with iNaturalist, you can help provide research-quality data for scientists who work to better understand and protect our nature.

backpack 1

Observing Pollinators

What are pollinators, why do they matter, and what can we do to stop their decline? Learn how to observe these pollinating animals while they visit flowering plants in your area and help scientists better understand the pollinators’ locations and populations. Additionally, you can take your knowledge further and learn how to improve habitats for the pollinators.

Act Now Library

FAQ

  1. What is the Act Now Library?

  2. The Act Now Library is a free, hands-on lending library that offers science and sustainability kits for borrowing and use at home or in your community. Each kit includes tools, guides, and simple activities designed to help you explore nature and take meaningful action beyond your museum visit. You can access the Act Now Library by paying an annual fee, or it's included with all Museum Memberships.



  5. Who can use the Act Now Library?

  6. The Act Now Library is available to all Museum Members as part of their membership, or can be purchased separately for a single fee of $99 for 1 year of access here. It’s designed for individuals, families, and educators who want to continue learning and exploring together outside the museum.



  9. What kinds of kits are available?

  10. Kits focus on topics like pollinators, biodiversity, light pollution, water quality, and local wildlife. Many kits connect to real citizen science projects, allowing participants to contribute observations and data to ongoing scientific research.



  13. How do I check out a kit?

  14. Kits can be checked out in person at the Museum, and staff will walk you through how to use the kit before you take it home.



  17. How long can I keep a kit?

  18. Most kits can be borrowed for a set checkout period (typically one week). Specific loan times may vary by kit and will be shared at checkout.



  21. Is there a cost to borrow a kit?

  22. If you have a Museum Membership, the Act Now Library is included with your membership, and you may borrow unlimited kits per year as they are available.



  25. What if I am not a member?

  26. If you are not a member, you may pay a single fee of $99 for 1 year of access to the Act Now Library: here. Or become a member today to have this included in your benefits! Purchase Membership.



  29. Are the kits family-friendly?

  30. Yes! Many kits are designed for families to explore together. We try to have an activity suitable for every age group in each backpack.




  34. Do I need scientific experience to use a kit?

  35. Not at all. Kits are designed for beginners and include clear instructions and prompts. Curiosity is the only requirement.



  38. How does the Act Now Library connect to the museum’s mission?

  39. The Act Now Library extends the museum experience beyond our walls, helping Members turn learning into action. It supports our mission by empowering Explorers to protect the future through small, achievable steps grounded in science.




  43. This purchase does not include museum admission. Act Now Kits may be borrowed for a period of fourteen (14) days. A late fee of $10 per day will be assessed for each day the kit is returned past the due date, up to a maximum of thirty (30) days. If an Act Now Kit or any of its contents are damaged, destroyed, lost, or stolen while in the user's possession, the user will be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement, not to exceed $300. By checking out Act Now items you agree to these terms.

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