Monique M. Chism, PhD

Smithsonian Under Secretary

for Education

As we head into the month of November, we’re spotlighting resources celebrating Native American Heritage Month and Veterans Day (November 11th), honoring the rich cultures and contributions of Native Americans and paying our respects to the heroes who have served in our armed forces.

The education resources featured in this newsletter are a perfect demonstration of how the Smithsonian can serve as a springboard for exploring topics at the intersection of the arts, history, science, and culture.

We hope you and your students will get a chance to join our community of educators for a wide range of free events this month, including an upcoming “Cultivating Learning” series webinar, “Conservation Classroom” online programming, and a can’t-miss after hours event for educators at the National Museum of Asian Art.

Join Smithsonian Under Secretary for Education, Dr. Monique M. Chism and a panel of Smithsonian education experts from the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Postal Museum to explore PreK-3 classroom strategies, rooted in inquiry, perspective-taking, understanding the world around us, and learning through play. Teachers will leave with a strong foundation in how to use museums and their collections as a springboard for fun and meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity and connection.

Save the Date!

Can’t wait for the next Summit? Save the dates for next year's Smithsonian National Education Summit: July 16-18, 2024. More details are forthcoming and registration is anticipated to open in May 2024.

Athabascan Lifeways and You

In this collection of resources and activity guide by the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, learn with Dene people from Alaska, look closely at their cultural belongings cared for by the Smithsonian Institution, learn about their ways of life, and make connections.

Grades 5-8. ELA, Social Studies, World Languages

Mary Golda Ross: Aerospace Engineer, Educator, and Advocate

This article from the National Air and Space Museum introduces how Mary Golda Ross became an engineer working on some of the most important—and top-secret—aerospace technologies of the Cold War. Born in 1908, Ross grew up in Park Hill, Oklahoma, the Cherokee community where her ancestor and other members of the Cherokee Nation settled after their forced removal.  

Grades 5–8. History, STEM

Native Resistance Then and Now

This case study by the National Museum of American History examines the theme of resistance in Native American history and culture across time and place. The goal of this lesson is to introduce students to the diversity of methods, strategies, and philosophies employed by Native Americans fighting for their rights.

Grades 8–11. History. CCSS ELA-Literacy and NCSS C3-aligned.

Rethinking Thanksgiving Celebrations: Native Perspectives on Thanksgiving

These recommended resources by the National Museum of the American Indian provide Native perspectives to include when teaching the history of the "First Thanksgiving." They encourage the celebration of the vibrancy of Native cultures through Native American art, literature, and foods during the celebration of Thanksgiving.

Grades 4–12. Critical Conversations

Why We Serve

This collection of resources by the National Museum of the American Indian honors the generations of Native Americans who have served in the armed forces of the United States—often in extraordinary numbers—since the American Revolution.

Grades 4–12. History, Critical Conversations

The Price of Freedom

Americans have gone to war to win their independence, expand their national boundaries, define their freedoms, and defend their interests around the globe. This exhibition from the National Museum of American History examines how wars have shaped the nation’s history and transformed American society. It highlights the service and sacrifice of generations of American men and women.

Grades 6–12. History

The Nisei Soldier: Congressional Gold Medal

This exhibition by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center presents the extraordinary life stories of 12 Nisei soldiers who served in the US Armed Forces in World War II. While some had families in America’s concentration camps, all served with a highly uncommon and commendable sense of patriotism and honor. This is their American story.

Grades 6-12. History, Critical Conversations

Unpacking the Stories Behind Artist Bisa Butler’s Portrayal of the Harlem Hellfighters

When educators cover U.S. military history, they may not immediately think of contemporary art as a teaching resource. But a 2021 artwork by artist Bisa Butler on display in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery is tailor-made for sparking student inquiry into an essential chapter of World War I history.

Grades 6-12. Art, History, Critical Conversations

Diwali Celebration

|  National Museum of Asian Art

Join us as we celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, at an after-hours event where we light up the museum in celebration of light overcoming darkness. Enjoy food and sweets, watch performances, create crafts, and more.

On location. Sunday, November 5, 2023, 3:00 PM–9:30 PM EST. Registration recommended.

Educators' Evening

|  National Museum of Asian Art

Enjoy the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery after hours at this educators-only event. Participate in spotlight talks, engage in yoga and art-making, enjoy light bites, network with fellow educators, and more. Walk away with resources to incorporate Asian arts and cultures into your classroom. Register by October 30, 2023.

On location. Wednesday, November 8, 2023, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM EST. Registration required.

Honoring Native Veterans  |  National Museum of the American Indian

Join the museum on Veterans Day 2023 to recognize and honor the military service of Native Americans. Events include family activities, a special presentation about the National Native American Veterans Memorial by the designer, Harvey Pratt (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma), and Curator Rebecca Trautmann, special hospitality for veterans, and a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial, preceded by the presentation of colors by the Kiowa Black Leggings Warrior Society.

On location. Sunday, November 11, 2023, 10:00 AM–5:30 PM EST.

Photo credit: Matt Biegel, Reginald F. Lewis High School

Cultivating Environmental Leaders  |  Office of Educational Technology

This program explores strategies to empower young environmental changemakers by instilling hope, encouraging positive action, and promoting solutions. Attendees will gain resources and models to inspire youths to advocate for sustainability and embrace their vital roles in their communities.

Online. Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 4:00 PM–5:00 PM EDT.

What Makes a Habitat a Home?

|  Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

From deserts to rainforests, what makes a habitat a suitable animal home? This “Conservation Classroom” program explores habitats around the world and some of the animals that live in these habitats.

Online. Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 2:00 PM–3:00 PM EST. Registration required.