School Programs, Grades 3 to 5

Please Note: Our online school programs are temporarily unavailable. For the latest updates on registration opening dates for spring 2026, please check back here in early 2026 and/or sign up for our Museum Newsletter. 

Online Programs

Online Programs with Supplemental Resources 

(Please note that the minimum number of students needed in attendance to run a virtual school program is 15. If you have less than 15 students, please register for a Virtual Homeschool Day.)

Insect Illustration Online Program
Did you know that insects have more species and live in more places than any other animal? During this museum educator-led program, students virtually explore what makes an insect and why they are so successful. Through the scientific skills of observation and illustration, students will investigate and identify the survival techniques of one extraordinary insect, the Tobacco Hornworm.  

Rocks and Minerals Online Program
During this museum educator-led program, students gain a better understanding of rocks and minerals, their uses, and how they are formed. Join us for an immersive exploration of some of Earth’s treasures in the Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals while using problem-solving skills to unlock the mysteries of these unique museum specimens.

Urban Habitats Online Program
During this museum educator-led program, students become sidewalk naturalists and meet both iconic and underappreciated plant and animal residents of the nation’s capital. We will discover how organisms survive and thrive in urban environments, while we practice field ecology skills and reflect on the ways in which our cities are part of the natural world.

Teaching Resources 

Featuring hundreds of options, our Teaching Resources collection includes activities, videos — including Smithsonian Science How — and science literacy resources for Grades 3 to 5. 

Questions? 

Contact the School Programs Team by emailing NMNHSchoolPrograms@si.edu.