THE PEG McDANIEL RESOURCE CENTER

The Peg McDaniel Resource Center houses one of the most extensive  collections of science and environmental education materials in western Massachusetts. We have an extensive children's book collection that includes a variety of titles on nature and science themes. Our Resource Center is valuable to many area science teachers and students in planning curriculum and in the development of hands-on-lessons using the inquiry method and addressing the education frameworks of Massachusetts. Become a member (call 413-256-6006) and check things out! 

Kits for Rent

In order to promote hands-on learning experiences, the Center offers a variety of curriculum kits for classroom use. Each kit contains a teacher's guide filled with activity ideas, plus all the supplies necessary to carry them out.   Just $50 for 3 weeks!

Check out one of these kits today:

• Move It: Simple Machines (grades K-3)
• Soil: The Underground Rainbow (grades K-3)
• Astounding Sound (grades 3-5)
• Light Fantastic (grades 3-5)
• The Rock Planet (grades 4-6)
• World of Wood (grades 4-6)
• Whales (grades K-6)

Nature's Storytime
Most Tuesdays at 11 a.m., we read a storybook from our collection of wonderful nature-based children's books and follow it with a short activity.  Each week we select books that are appropriate to the season and natural events taking place. Some topics include butterfly life cycles, bird migration, life underground, pumpkins, animal camouflage, animal homes, animals in winter, trees, flowers of spring, colors, water life and more.  Click here for the most current list of books and themes and to confirm our schedule.

Hitchcock Center Hours:
Tuesday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The building is closed on Saturdays.
Feel free to walk the beautiful trails and visit the butterfly garden.

Resource Center's Hours:
Same as above, and also available by appointment

Questions or comments?  E-mail us at hcenter@crocker.com