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Welcome |
| Monique M. Chism, PhD Smithsonian Under Secretary for Education |
| As January unfolds, we are delighted to showcase our selection of resources reflecting the themes of renewal, unity, and historical appreciation relevant to this time of year. This month, we feature a diverse range of materials, including engaging at-home activities, enriching historical photographs, and insightful articles that resonate with the themes of new beginnings and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Our aim is to provide resources that not only celebrate the start of a new year but also honor the profound impact and teachings of Dr. King, fostering a deeper understanding of his role in shaping our history and ideals.
We hope these materials will encourage you to reflect, learn, and connect with the pivotal moments and figures that define our times. Wishing you a January filled with discovery, inspiration, and a renewed sense of community. |
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| Applications Open for the Claudine K. Brown Internship in Education |
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The Claudine K. Brown Internship in Education is funded through an endowed fund in memory of Claudine K. Brown, an educator and influential leader of the Smithsonian. Awardees of the Brown Internship are appointed based on a demonstrated interest in the field of education and museum leadership. Internships are available for college students, including under-served youth. The deadline for applying is Friday, February 16, 2024 (5:00 p.m. EST). |
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| 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. In the meantime, revisit some of your favorite 2023 sessions here. | |
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Resources for January |
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Each month we’ll feature education resources from across the Smithsonian that highlight relevant interdisciplinary content, concepts, and skills for grades PK–12+. |
| Teaching a More Complete Picture of MLK
While Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech was a pivotal moment in U.S. history, there’s more to his life and legacy than that single story. Smithsonian educators share approaches to expand classroom lessons and student understanding of this great civil rights leader.
Grades 4–12. Includes Primary Sources, C3 Inquiry framework, and Learning Lab collection. | |
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| Penguin Protection
This simulation by the Smithsonian Science Education Center allows users to take the role of an adult rockhopper penguin helping to raise its young.
Grades PK–1. Life Science. | |
| | At-Home Winter Activities
Ten innovative and inspired ideas from across the Smithsonian to keep kids learning and engaged while home from school during winter break
Grades PK–12. Activity collection. High-touch. | |
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| “Warm Wishes” Activity Booklet
The booklet features Smithsonian collections, specifically objects and clothing worn by inspirational role models and space for children to consider people in their lives that share attributes with these role models. Students will be able to draw and write the name of each of these special people and celebrate these qualities and possible futures for those close to them.
Grades K–6. Printable. Art and History. | |
| | Pioneering Photographer of Snowflakes
This article by the Smithsonian Institution Archives describes how Wilson A. Bentley documented snowflake crystals through photography.
Grades K–12. Includes classroom activities, primary sources, and further exploration. | |
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| Why New York Celebrates New Year’s Eve by Dropping a Ball
New Year’s Eve wasn’t always a riotous party! In this Smithsonian Magazine article, read about why we celebrate the New Year by dropping the ball in NYC.
Grades 6–12. History and Culture. | |
| | A History of Winter
This collection by the National Museum of American History Photographic History Collection documents winter throughout history.
Grades 9–12. Photographic History. | |
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Upcoming Events |
| Flights of Fancy Story Time: Goodnight, Astronaut by Scott Kelly | National Air and Space Museum
Join us for a reading of Goodnight Astronaut by Scott Kelly and hear about how twin brothers Scott and Mark Kelly supported each other’s dreams of wild and wonderful adventures that led them both to space. After the story, we will make astronaut finger puppets to represent your adventurous family! ASL interpretation will be provided during this program.
Online. Friday, January 12, 2024, 10:00–10:45 AM EST. Registration required. | |
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| The People’s Holiday: The Many Dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | National Museum African American History and Culture
Student artists from the Cinematic Arts & Media Production Department at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts will perform original work that reimagines and reinterprets the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. These brief but powerful performances will take place throughout the day.
On location. Monday, January 15, 2024, 11:00AM–4:00PM EST. Registration required. | |
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| Storytime: Martin's Big Words | Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Art communicates. Explore the power of words and images in this week’s Storytime. We’ll look closely at Belief + Doubt by artist Barbara Kruger, read aloud Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport, and we’ll practice using our own big words (and images and symbols!) to explore fairness, love, and our own power in making the world a better place. Meet in the Museum Lobby.
On location. Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 10:00–11:00AM EST. | |
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| NHSA and the Zoo in the Classroom: Me, You, and Elephants Too! | Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and the National Head Start Association
"Me, You, and Elephants, Too" is one of four virtual field trips to the National Zoo developed in collaboration with the National Head Start Association as part of the "Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian" project. These high-energy music and movement programs are designed to engage young children and support their teachers in engaging students with early science.
Online. Thursday, January 18, 2024, 2:00–2:30PM EST. Registration required. | |
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| Art & Me Preservation Family Workshop – Screen Time | Smithsonian Asian Art Museum
Art & Me is back in person! Visit our special exhibition Palace Life Unfolds: Conserving a Chinese Lacquer Screen and explore how art and science collide when conservators preserve precious works of art. Then return to the ImaginAsia studio to learn more about the process of repairing a work of art with Smithsonian conservators and educators and make your own creation to take home. This program is designed for children ages 3–8 with adult participation.
On location. Saturday, January 27, 2024, 11:00AM–12:30PM EST. | |
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| Winter Blast: A Family Day of Native Games | National Museum of the American Indian (New York)
Warm up on a cold winter’s day playing Native games from across the Western Hemisphere. Join Amanda Attla (Athabascan Yup’ik), a coach and judge for the World Eskimo Indian Olympics, as she teaches games of mental and physical skill. Challenge yourself to a game of Inuit yo-yo, ring and pin, kōnane (Hawaiian checkers), Inuit high kick, and more. Then take a break to work on your dance moves by learning the hula with Kaimana Chee (Native Hawaiian).
On location. Saturday, January 27, 2024, 12:00–5:00PM EST. | |
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Our mission is to inspire curiosity and connections in a changing world. Please reach out if you have questions or need support implementing Smithsonian Education resources. If you enjoy this e-newsletter, tell a friend. They can subscribe at https://s.si.edu/EduNews. |
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