Museum competition for classrooms

Press release from San Bernardino County Museum:

Teachers are invited to participate in the Tom Bennett Art and Environmental Science competition by working with their classes to create scrapbooks that explore birds in local habitats. The contest, sponsored by the San Bernardino County Fish and Game Commission and the San Bernardino County Museum Association, offers a learning opportunity that combines creativity with curriculum standards. Winners will be announced during the museum's Wildlife Art Festival, November 21 and 22. Entries must be received at the museum by 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10.

The Tom Bennett competition encourages elementary grade students to work with their school classes to learn about wildlife habitats. This year's theme, "Birds of a Feather," encourages study, observation, and creative art related to birds in their habitats in grade level competitions. The competition is dedicated to the memory of Tom Bennett, under whose guidance many wildlife species were protected during his years with the California Fish and Game Commission.

"This program is designed so teachers can incorporate grade-level curriculum standards in a program tailored to foster creativity and research skills at age-appropriate levels," said Jolene Redvale, museum curator of education. "Thanks to support from the Fish and Game Commission, we are able to offer prizes to winning classrooms including a free field trip and transportation to the museum, Museum On The Road outreach programs, Loan Program memberships, and more."

The competition is open to public, private, special education, and home schools in San Bernardino and Riverside counties.. Complete rules, application forms, and resources are posted on-line at www.sbcountymuseum.org or teachers can call (909) 307-2669 ext. 256 for information. Participants are invited to a reception at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 22 at the county museum, where prizes and participation ribbons will be awarded.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. Admission is free during the Wildlife Art Festival, November 21 and 22.. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.

The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services' telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TDD) 909-792-1462.