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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Three students at a microscope in Q?rius. They are looking at an enlarged display on a monitor.
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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.
Featured Content

Live Video Webinar, April 2: How Birds Stay Warm

How do birds stay warm, especially in some of the coldest places on Earth, like the Himalayas? Join Smithsonian Ornithologist Sahas Barve to explore the science behind how bird feathers help them conserve body heat.
Ornithologist Sahas Barve standing at a countertop with four boxes of brightly colored bird specimens.
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.
 

Smithsonian Science How

Ask Science How

Do you have a question after exploring some of our resources? Are you curious about how to become a scientist? Submit your question and we'll send you a response from one of our science experts. 

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

Search Teaching Resources

Featuring more than 130 options, our collection includes science worksheets, videos, and literacy resources. 

Plastic cast of a male modern human right femur. The cast displays the pathology of an unset healed fracture. Catalog number EO401737.

Featured Collections

Practice your science skills: See how comparing collection specimens can lead to new discoveries. 

 

A green plastic frame in the shape of a cube sitting in the woods on top of some leaves and a log.

Biocubes: Exploring Biodiversity

This biology project enables students to investigate biodiversity in their own backyards.

 

Resources for Educators

Image of large plume of dark ash emerging from the top of a volcano.
Video: What Is Volcanic Ash?
Dark rock with lighter embedded swirls
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
Colorful world map showing areas of seismic activity
Video: Plate Tectonics
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.