Learning with the Smithsonian
Our museums, education, and research centers work at intersections that spark imagination and encourage discovery—between art and the environment, space exploration and women’s history, cultural traditions and an evolving American identity. Whether in museums, schools, or communities, Smithsonian educators and experts invite conversation, collaboration, and exchange, helping learners develop transferable critical thinking skills that apply to today’s most complex challenges in order to build and enrich a national culture of learning.
At Smithsonian Education, our mission is to inspire curiosity and connections in a changing world, and our vision is a world where learning is collaborative and transformative for everyone.
I am ...
A parent or caregiver looking for...
- High-quality videos and resources created by Smithsonian Early Learning Educators
- Engaging Smithsonian activities and games my children can do at home
- Virtual or in-person Smithsonian events
- Information on visiting the museums with kids
An educator looking for...
- Featured classroom resources from across the Smithsonian that highlight relevant interdisciplinary content, concepts, and skills for grades PK–12+:
- Information about planning a field trip
- Virtual or in-person Smithsonian events
- Professional development opportunities
- Elementary hands-on science programs designed to meet NGSS
A student looking for...
- Youth programs I can participate in
- Internship opportunities (ages 14+)
- Hands-on conservation biology training (ages 14+)
- Engaging Smithsonian activities and games
An academic interested in…
- Pursuing Research and Study (graduate, pre-doctoral, or post-doctoral students)
- Exploring research resources from Smithsonian museums, libraries, archives, and research centers
- Perusing interesting museum resources
A lifelong learner interested in...
- Participating in high-quality and engaging online/in-person educational programs
- Attending virtual or in-person Smithsonian events
- Exploring interesting online museum resources including collections and podcasts
- Taking free, online courses from the Smithsonian
- Enjoying a memorable, immersive, and transformative travel experience
2025 Smithsonian National Education Summit
On July 15–17, 2025, the Office of the Under Secretary for Education hosted its annual National Education Summit!
This year's theme was: “Together We Thrive: One Nation, Indivisible.” PreK-12 educators, librarians, media specialists, and policymakers nationwide participated in sessions exploring four distinct track themes:
- Dialogues Across Past, Present, and Future
- Many Voices, One Nation
- Power of Place
- Transformative Teaching Tools
Each track featured free online webinars led by museum experts, educators, and invited partners as well as in-person skill-building workshops and deep-dive discussions at the Smithsonian.
Give the Gift of Smithsonian Education
The Smithsonian is working to share our extensive learning resources to inform, inspire, and spark inquiry.
Your tax-deductible gift today will make a profound difference in our ability to reach every classroom and community in the nation, especially those that need it the most.
