School Programs, Grades 3 to 5

We offer in-person programs designed for Grades 3 to 5. All programs are free, but registration is required.

In-Person Programs

Please note that the minimum number of students needed in attendance to run an on-site K to 5 program is 15 and the maximum is 30. If your class size is over 30 students you will need to sign up for a second program slot. If you have less than 15 students, please register for a Q?rius Homeschool Day.

Identifying Minerals In-Person Program
What is a mineral? During this museum educator-led program, students will identify a variety of minerals by testing their luster, streak, hardness, color, and magnetism. Pair this program with a visit to the Geology, Gems, and Minerals Hall. 

Insect Survival In-Person Program
During this museum educator-led program, students practice scientific skills and explore the survival strategies of insects. Students identify survival techniques such as camouflage, mimicry, biting, stinging and flying. Pair this program with a visit to the Insect Zoo or Butterfly Pavilion.

Marine Ecosystems – Pilot Program In-Person Program
During this museum educator-led program, students take on the role of a school of Pacific salmon in a role-playing game through the anadromous life cycle of salmon. Each play of the game introduces new interactions and relationships between organisms helping students examine how matter and energy flow through connected marine ecosystems. Pair this program with a visit to the Sant Ocean Hall.

Online Programs

Online Programs with Supplemental Resources 

Online school programs are on hold for fall 2023. Please check back periodically for updates regarding the return of the programs in 2024. While programs are on hold, please explore our supplemental teachings resources on the pages listed below for associated content.

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.

Other Online Programs

Smithsonian Science How Live Webinars
Connect your students to Smithsonian and other science experts with Smithsonian Science How, a series of free live, interactive webinars.

Teaching Resources 

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

Questions? 

Contact the School Programs Team by emailing NMNHSchoolPrograms@si.edu or calling 202-633-4039.