Here's a cool thing. The Museum of Natural History in New York has a book out on their habitat dioramas. The website has several examples, with videos, sound samples, and virtual tours. The dioramas were always my favorite thing at the museum. I can't remember now when I first went there. Probably a field trip when I was in school. Do other museums have things like that? I'm thinking maybe Smithsonian might but in my mind they've always been quintessentially NYC.
Actually, tho, my favorite AMNH memory is not diorama-related. Sometime in high school (9th grade, I think) we got assigned this project in science class, one we had to complete over Xmas break. It was called "Evolution Trail" and it was a packet of info and questions that directed you on a tour through the museum, focusing on exhibits that dealt with evolution. I remember there were a lot of questions about finches. I wonder if schools could still assign a project like that. Probably they'd have to include a 10-page disclaimer about how evolution is "just a theory." Anyway, it was great fun. In fact, a bunch of friends and I went back two years later and did it again when our younger brothers got the assignment. (yeah we were collosal nerds...)

(link via gothamist)