Natural History Investigations

After-School Programs for High School Students

Join us for an after-school program series that allows you to explore the world of natural history science in a fun and interactive way!

Who Should Apply?

Students in grades 9 through 12 who are interested in science and museums, and are looking for ways to go beyond what they learn in school.

What Will I Do?

• Meet and learn from museum scientists and educators
• Gain natural history science and technology skills
• Visit exclusive behind-the-scenes areas of the museum
• Meet other science-minded teens from across the D.C. metropolitan area

Details about the Program

Location

Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center at the National Museum of Natural History

Dates, Times, and Program Themes

Here is the schedule of Natural History Investigations after-school sessions for winter 2020. 

Outbreak: Disease Detectives
5 – 7 p.m. on January 14, January 21, January 28, and February 4*
Ebola, flu, and HIV are viruses that frequently make the news ... but did you know that these viruses originated in animals and spread to humans? Join NMNH staff and Smithsonian scientists for a behind the scenes tour of our collections and explore some of the animal species most likely to host zoonotic diseases. Use game-like simulations to determine how you would respond to an outbreak of Ebola, and gain hands-on experience educating your community about flu.
 
*On February 4, participants are invited to attend in an optional after-hours program to learn more about how Smithsonian scientists are expanding our understanding of disease in humans and animals. This program will run from 6:45-8:30 p.m. and parents/guardians are also invited to attend.

Tropical Botany: Food in a Changing Climate
5 – 7 p.m. on January 16, January 23, January 30, and February 6
There are over 8 billion mouths to feed and the majority of the most vulnerable live near coastlines quickly changing as a result of climate-change-related sea level rise. Work with NMNH staff and botanists from the Smithsonian and U.S. Botanic Garden to understand how the genetics of a few poorly-studied plants on remote Pacific islands can be used to feed millions. Learn how to identify and collect plant specimens and use them in molecular genetic studies and crop development.

Electron Microscopy: The Kingdom of Small Things
Series 1: 5 – 7 p.m. on January 14, January 21, January 28, and February 4 - Series full, waitlist only.
Series 2: 5 – 7 p.m. on January 16, January 23, January 30, and February 6** - Series full, waitlist only.
People are often familiar with small things such as bacteria, cells, or nanoparticles, however very few have the opportunity to actually see them. Scanning electron microscopes, with magnifications up to million times, allow us to take a peek at this minute world and understand the micro-structures of the natural objects all around us. Join the Museum's Microscopy Educator and learn how to operate an electron microscope, prepare samples, and capture images of very small, but very important, things.
 
**Please note that due to equipment and space restrictions, each Electron Microscopy series will be limited to 4 participants.

Past Themes

Entomology: Exploring Insects
5 – 7 p.m. on October 23, October 30, November 6, and November 13
With over 35 million specimens from around the globe, the Smithsonian insect collection is one of the largest entomological collections in the world. Join NMNH staff and scientists for a behind-the-scenes tour of the entomology collection, a hands-on demonstration of pinning and preserving specimens, and an up-close exploration of the living denizens of our Insect Zoo.

How Do I Apply?

We are no longer accepting applications for winter 2020 after-school sessions.

Questions? Contact us at YouthNMNH@si.edu (link sends e-mail) or 202-633-4588

Please Note: 

• Students are required to attend all sessions within their program.
• Students can only be accepted to one program series.
• At the end of the program, students receive a certificate of completion, participate in a showcase for family and friends.
• Students can use the certificate of completion to demonstrate an interest in science when applying to the Youth Engagement through Science internship program or Q?Crew Teen Volunteer program.