Cook Museum of Natural Science

The Cook Museum of Natural Science is a 501c3, non-profit foundation with a mission to engage, excite, & educate visitors about the natural world around them.

[Cook Museum of Natural Science @cookmuseum]

VR dissections are happening NOW! 🥽

[Cook Museum of Natural Science @cookmuseum]

Raise your hand if you could just sit and watch the fish swim in the Oceans Tank all day long! 🙋

#cookmuseum #lifeisamazing

[Cook Museum of Natural Science @cookmuseum]

New Arrival in Wonderful World of Insects: Chinese mantid!
🔹 Mantis comes from ancient Greek, meaning “prophet” or “seer” thanks to their prayer-like pose.
🔹 Lightning fast - taking just 50-70 milliseconds to strike prey.
🔹 Only insect that can turn its head 180°! #cookmuseum

[Cook Museum of Natural Science @cookmuseum]

Meet the planehead filefish in the Coral Tank @ the Cook Museum! With its mottled coloring & unique shape, this little fish is a master of blending in with coral & sea fans. Filefish use their sharp, beak-like mouths to nibble on algae, seagrass & tiny invertebrates. #cookmuseum

[Cook Museum of Natural Science @cookmuseum]

You have probably seen pictures and videos of the bear that has been spotted in several places all over north Alabama! Visit the Museum to learn all about bears and even get up close to a few - safely, of course! 🐻 #cookmuseum

[Cook Museum of Natural Science @cookmuseum]

Make plans to be at the Cook Museum on Wednesday at 3:30 pm for the Oceans Tank Feeding! Be sure to bring any questions you may have for a brief Q&A time with Animal Care following the feed. FREE for Members or with General Admission. #cookmuseum #lifeisamazing #oceanstankfeeding

[Cook Museum of Natural Science @cookmuseum]

Summer Break schedule! ☀️

#cookmuseum #lifeisamazing #summerbreak

[Cook Museum of Natural Science @cookmuseum]

It's Summer Break at the Museum! ☀️

[Cook Museum of Natural Science @cookmuseum]

Start making plans for Spring Break at the Museum! 📷
#cookmuseum #lifeisamazing #springbreak

[Cook Museum of Natural Science @cookmuseum]

February Homeschool Classes
February 17 @ 9:30am & 11am
Grades 7-12
Cost $14
Participants will explore the structure & function of designs found in the world. Sponsored by iHeart Media #cookmuseum

[Cook Museum of Natural Science @cookmuseum]

The live animals in the Discover Exhibit & Wonderful World of Insects Exhibit terrariums are celebrating Valentines Day with themed décor that also provides enrichment. The wooden hearts used were decorated by Junior Herpetologist For A Day Camp participants. ♥️ #cookmuseum

[Cook Museum of Natural Science @cookmuseum]

Extreme events wreak havoc on nature, but they also open up opportunities for new life. Come learn all about the disturbances in nature at the Museum! 🌪️ #cookmuseum #lifeisamazing

[Cook Museum of Natural Science @cookmuseum]

Raise your hand if you could sit and watch the fish in the Oceans Tank all day long! 🐠 #cookmuseum #lifeisamazing

[Cook Museum of Natural Science @cookmuseum]

Did you know that in the wild if a predator grabs a chuckwalla's thick tail, it will come off allowing the chuckwalla to escape? The tail will also grow back over time. #cookmuseum #lifeisamazing

[Cook Museum of Natural Science @cookmuseum]

Stop by the Museum Store on Saturday, February 8, and choose a free special Cook Museum Valentine to take home or share with someone special. While supplies last. Cost: FREE 💕 #cookmuseum

[Cook Museum of Natural Science @cookmuseum]

The Cook Museum is open today on MLK Jr. Day from 9 am - 5 pm! Come visit!

[Cook Museum of Natural Science @cookmuseum]

Homeschool Class for Grades 7–12 about Cranes & Cranes is Jan 20 @ 9:30am & 11am! What do whooping cranes & construction cranes have in common? Participants will examine the structure of bird legs & lever systems to compare the 2 & learn about mechanical advantage. #cookmuseum

[Cook Museum of Natural Science @cookmuseum]

The Cook Museum is wild about whoopers! Find out why whooping cranes are so amazing in the Cool Cranes! Science on the Spot presentations. There'll be a photo station, coloring page & craft. You can learn how to dance like a crane on January 11 from 10am-2pm. #cookmuseum

[Visit North Alabama @visitnorthal]

Start the new year off with a visit to the Cook Museum of Natural Science in downtown Decatur! There’s lots to explore!

#visitnorthal #northalabama #alabama #sweethomealabama #cookmuseum #visitdecatural #downtowndecatur

[Cook Museum of Natural Science @cookmuseum]

Christmas might be over, but the chuckwallas are still enjoying their festive decor! 🎄

#cookmuseum #lifeisamazing