Education Collections are the "touchable" specimens at the Denver Museum of Nature &
Science. Covering all of our scientific topics, these specimens can be used to enrich your
curriculum by providing real, tangible experiences with science. We, however, do not
provide teaching materials, signs, posters, curriculum with our loans. When you get a loan
from the DMNS Education Collections you only receive the objects and specimens. In
addition to the loan policies you will receive on the loan documentation, you will find below
basic information on the Education Collections Loan Program:
1. Specimens are available from the six disciplines represented at the DMNS
(Zoology, Paleontology, Anthropology, Earth Science, Human Health, and Space
Science).
2. There is no fee involved in the loan process – it is a free service
3. DMNS Education Collections serves first any Museum Programs that require
objects and specimens. This means that these objects and specimens may not be
available for loan, however we will work with you to find alternatives where we
can.
4. DMNS Education Collections requires a minimum of two weeks’ notice on all
loans. This is the time that is required to process the necessary documentation.
The loan program is on a first come, first serve basis, so please be aware two
weeks’ notice does not guarantee the specimens you request will be available.
The more notice you can give the better.
5. Appointments are available to come and browse the collection with a collections
manager if you feel you need some direction with your request, most of the time
only couple of emails are required to generate a list for your request. However,
remember that if you choose to come to DMNS and browse the collection with a
collections manager, this time is outside of the necessary two weeks.
6. You, the user/facilitator of the specimens, must come in person to pick up the
objects and/or specimens. We do not ship and you cannot send someone in
your stead to sign for the specimens.
7. These are museum specimens that require an adult be present (preferably you) at
all times when the specimens are in use. When not in use they must be locked in
an area with controlled access and reasonable climate controls (no commercial
storage facilities, vehicles, sheds, etc…).
8. Specimens cannot be stored in your car. General rule, they are only in your car if
you are.
9. No food, gum, or drink (even water) around the collections.
10. You need to know exactly how long you want to keep the loan. The
documentation will have a specific date of return that must be kept.
11. DMNS Education Collections reserves the right to refuse loan requests based on
the above guidelines, past violations of the above guidelines, availability of
objects and/or specimens, and/or the appropriate use of the collections.
When you are ready, email Rich Busch or Colleen Carter with your loan request attached.
Remember to include, your name, the institution you are with, your contact information,
dates when you would like to pick up the loan and return it, the type of loan you would like
(paleontology, anthropology, etc.), and any other relevant information (anthropology loan
focused on Ancient Egypt or Native Americans, etc.).
Rich Busch
Education Collections Manager
richard.busch@dmns.org
Colleen Carter
Education Collections Assistant Manager
colleen.carter@dmns.org
Education Collections volunteers and staff do not come to schools to give programs.
Likewise, we do not give programs here at the Museum. If you decide you are interested in
having a DMNS educator come to your school, or take a class here at the Museum, please
check the website at http://www.dmns.org/teachers for more information.
Education Collections Loan Request
Today’s Date:________________
Phone: _____________________________
Your Name:___________________________
Email: ______________________________
Your Institution:_________________________
Institution Address:_________________________________
Date you would like to pick up the loan:____________________________
Date you will return the loan:______________________________________
Disciplines you would like to include on your loan (mark all that apply):
___ Anthropology
___ Zoology
___ Earth Science
___ Human Health
___ Space Science
___ Paleontology
Age Group of Students: _________________________________
Curriculum topic(s) and theme(s):
_____________________________________________________________________________________
How do you plan to use the objects/specimens in your unit(s) or lesson(s)?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
How many adults (including yourself) will be facilitating the use of the collections with
students? _______________________
Where will the collections be used?
____________________________________________________________________________________
Where will the collections be housed when not in use?
_____________________________________________________________________________________