Illinois Insects and Spiders Trunk
Insects and spiders fascinate students. Encourage them to learn more about these organisms by using the resources in this kit. Books, DVDs, student activities, field guides, posters, insect/spider observation equipment and a video are just some of the items included.
Who: P through 6th grade
SLS: 12A, 12B, 13B
People and Animals from Illinois' Past Trunk
Prehistoric mammals, extirpated mammals and Native Americans’ relationship with nature are the subjects of this resource trunk. Contents include: mammoth and mastodon tooth replicas, Native American games, activities, posters, replica pottery, a video, reference and activity books.
Who: P through 6th grade
SLS: 12A, 12B, 16A, 16E, 17C, 18A
Illinois Birds Resource Trunk
Stop and listen to one of nature’s instruments with this kit filled with field guides, books, track and egg replicas, DVDs, videos, CD’s with bird songs and calls, and even bird replicas that sing!
Who: P through 8th grade
SLS: 1BEC, 1CEC, 4AEC, 5AEC, 5BE, 5CEC, 11AEC, 12AEC, 12BEC, 12FEC, 11AK, 12AK, 12BK, 12FK, 1C, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5C, 6C, 6C, 10A, 12A, 12B, 13B, 16E, 17A, 17C, 18A
Illinois Wild Mammals Trunk
Discover Illinois mammals with this kit! Pelts, skulls, replica tracks and scat and many other interesting items are sure to be a hit with your students.
Who: P through 12th grade
SLS: 12A, 12B, 13B, 16E
Illinois' State Symbols Resource Trunk
Are you teaching about Illinois? Then this is the resource kit for you. Photos, replicas, actual samples, activity book, information and other items are included for your use. There’s an Illinois Facts section, too.
Who: K through 6th grade
SLS: 11AK, 12AK, 12BK, 12FK, 16AK, 16BK, 17AK, 17CK, 12A, 12B, 13B.
Illinois Prairie Resource Trunk
Are you teaching about prairies or the people who inhabited the prairies? Then borrow the Illinois Prairies trunk! Field guides, activity books, reference manuals, bison artifacts, numerous lessons, CD-ROMs and other items are included for your use.
Who: K through 8th grade
SLS: 12A, 12B, 13B, 16E, 17B, 17C
Illinois Trees Resource Trunk
Check out this kit! It is jam-packed with books, posters, “tree cookies”, lumber samples, videos, and more!
Who: K through 10th grade
SLS: 1BEC, 1CEC, 4AEC, 5AEC, 5BE, 5CEC, 11AEC, 12AEC, 12BEC, 12FEC, 11AK, 12AK, 12BK, 12FK, 1A, 3C, 4A, 4B, 5C, 11A, 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 16E, 17A
Illinois' Invasive Species Resource Trunk
Invasive species are a daily topic in the news. What are they? How did they get here? What problems do they cause? What can we do about them? These questions and more can be answered by using the new Illinois’ Invasive Species resources trunk! Contents include student activities, background information, images, lessons, field guides, specimens and other items.
Who: 3rd through 12th grade
SLS: 12A, 12B, 16E, 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D.
Illinois Fossils Resource Trunk
This kit emphasizes Illinois fossils. Includes fossil molds, fossil hunt kits, reference collection, field guides, posters, activities, and a video.
Who: 4th through 8th grade
SLS: 12A, 12B, 12E, 13B
Aquatic Illinois Resource Trunk
Discover the secret life of water with this kit. Children will explore the biological, historical, chemical, and other aspects of water through books, posters, water sampling tools, videos, DVD’s and activities!
Who: 5th through 9th grade
SLS: 1BEC, 1CEC, 4AEC, 5AEC, 5BE, 5CEC, 11AEC, 12AEC, 12BEC, 12FEC, 11AK, 12AK, 12BK, 12FK, 12A, 12B, 12E, 12F, 13B, 16A, 16E, 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D
Field Trip Pack
This backpack includes many items to assist your early childhood students as they explore nature. Hands-on equipment will encourage self-initiated learning. Suggestions for teachers on how to incorporate natural resources activities into your lessons are also included.
Suggested grades: pre-k through 3rd.
Macon County Conservation District
Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Lending Trunks are available at the 
