Education
Education outreach Department overview
The Education and Outreach Department serves as the primary point of contact for the Natural History Museum of Jamaica (NHMJ). Our department is dedicated to maintaining engaging exhibition spaces, organizing impactful environmental awareness events, and educating the public about Jamaica’s rich biodiversity.
We offer free brochures both online for download and in our office. Additionally, the Education Department manages a variety of in-house and external activities and events, including:
- World Wetlands Day
- Earth Day Competition and Awards Ceremony
- An Afternoon with a Scientist Programme
- Biodiversity Awareness Programme
- International Coastal Clean-up Day
- National Tree Planting Initiatives
- Archival issues of our newsletters “Nature Vibes”
- Archival articles hosted by external entities (Junior Observer, Earth Today-Jamaica Gleaner & Junction Ride Magazine)
- Photo Gallery (outreach, Biodiversity Awareness Programme, Exhibitions, etc…)
- Virtual Exhibitions
- Social Media connections (Youtube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok)
- Biodiversity Awareness Blog (new to be implemented)
World Wetlands Day
World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually by the NHMJ division on February 2nd at the Mason River Protected Area in Clarendon. This day is an important opportunity to educate people around the world, especially those in the Mason River Community, about the importance of wetlands.
Earth Day
Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 annually, and since 1999, the Natural History Museum of Jamaica has hosted commemorative activities to mark the day. It provides us with an opportunity to explore a range of themes surrounding the preservation of Earth’s natural resources whilst harnessing the creative talents we possess. The IOJ aligns its theme with the global Earth Day theme each year to host various activities including:
- Art competitions for 12 – 19 years in various art categories, such as photography, poster and poetry, video and design model
- Earth Day themed exhibitions
- Virtual Outreach sessions, Earth Day themed
An Afternoon with a Scientist
The “An Afternoon with a Scientist” program is hosted by the Assistant Education Officer once a month on Wednesdays. This program aims to expose students to various areas of science and to encourage an appreciation for science by teaching them its importance and relevance to our world and everyday lives.
- Art competitions for 12 – 19 years in various art categories, such as photography, poster and poetry, video and design model
- Earth Day themed exhibitions
- Virtual Outreach sessions, Earth Day themed
Educational Initiatives
National Tree Planting Initiatives
On the first Friday of October, the NHMJ commemorates National Tree Planting Day with various activities geared towards encouraging replanting efforts in schools, communities and families.
Archival issues of our newsletters “Nature Vibes”
The NHMJ Nature Vibes is a quarterly publication done by the Assistant Education Outreach Officer in the Education Department. This newsletter accumulates the activities of the division both inhouse and external
Summer Programme
The Natural History Museum of Jamaica resumed its Summer Programme on August 12-23, 2024 under the theme ‘My Environment & I’.
Exhibition
The Natural History Museum of Jamaica (NHMJ), a Division of the Institute of Jamaica, will be mounting a temporary exhibition which will combine the Museum’s collection of natural specimens with the living collections and natural beauty of the Gardens.
Outreach
The Natural History Museum of Jamaica offers a dynamic outreach programme—both in-person and virtual—designed to increase awareness of the museum’s collections and Jamaica’s rich ecosystems, including its plants, animals, and natural habitats.
An Afternoon With A Scientist Programme
An Afternoon with a Scientist” Programme is hosted by the Assistant Education Officer every third Wednesday of each month.