Science Education | Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

We are dedicated to inspiring people of all ages to better understand the natural world and our place in it, by instilling a sense of wonder and responsibility through exhibitions, programs, and online resources.

Montage of three images of scientists with collection objects: Peri Bolton, Ingrid Rochon, and Stewart Edie

Virtual Science Café

Join us May 13 when Smithsonian experts give short talks about mapping mammals, avian wingmen, and clam survival.

Webinar Series

Smithsonian Science How (for Grades 3-5)

Natural History at Home (for families)

Programas en español para familias

After Hours Programs for Adults

Composite image of a young girl working on a drawing activity while looking at a webinar on a tablet; a picture of a frog; a picture of a coral reef; and a picture of a grasshopper.

Digital School Programs

We are offering live, online video Digital School Programs aligned with standards for Grades K-12.

blue and yellow virus detail of Jiro Wada

Online Exhibit: Outbreak

The content of our exhibition, "Outbreak: Epidemics in a Connected World," is now available online. Read and explore to gain some context for the current pandemic we are confronting.

Geologist Ben Andrews and Maggy Benson at a table doing a demonstration with a tray of dry ice while wearing protective glasses.

Science How Webcast Archives

These videos feature Smithsonian experts and are aligned with national standards. There are 52 shows about topics in Earth Science, Life Science, Paleontology, and Social Studies.

Geologist Elizabeth Cottrell gestures with her hands while sitting at a table talking to two students.

Search Teaching Resources

Featuring more than 200 options, our collection includes science worksheets, videos, and literacy resources.

Polar bear skull, inferior view (bottom of the skull)

Featured Collections

Practice your science skills: See how comparing collection specimens can lead to new discoveries. Check out our new collection, "How to Read a Mammal Skull."

Two biocubes - one made from aluminum tubes painted green, the other made out of rolled up magazines.

Biocube at Home

Investigate biodiversity just outside your home! Get instructions to do this biology project with materials you have at home.

Resources for Educators

Video: Scientist Spotlight – Kyle Miller, Animal Keeper

Volcano erupting with lava streaming down the side. A forest is at its foot and the eruption is reflected in a dark lake.

When Volcanoes Erupt

Extinction Over Time

Looking down at a beige skeleton of a boy that is partially excavated in a pit in the ground.

Forensic Anthropology

Illustration of animals near the ocean floor 510 million years ago. A large squid-like creature hovers over smaller organisms.

Early Life on Earth - Animal Origins

Smithsonian forensic anthropologist points out area of interest in a piece of bone to students.

Written in Bone

A girl and an adult sitting at a table, looking at a laptop computer.

Smithsonian Distance Learning

See all the digital education resources from Smithsonian, including Learning Lab, resources for District of Columbia Public Schools, national resources, and more.