Monique M. Chism, PhD

Smithsonian Under Secretary

for Education

We are excited to present the following resources celebrating February’s cultural and historical events. The first of our offerings is a dedicated Black History Month page filled with events and resources that pay tribute to the rich heritage and invaluable contributions of the African American community. In addition to this, we have curated special resources for Lunar New Year, International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Presidents Day, and Valentine’s Day; it’s certainly a month filled with holidays and reasons to celebrate!

Our offerings are designed to engage and educate, featuring a variety of at-home activities, captivating historical photographs, and thought-provoking articles embracing the festive spirit of February's holidays. We hope these resources inspire you to embrace the richness of our shared heritage, learn about defining moments in history, and connect with diverse narratives that have shaped our nation.

Applications Open for the Claudine K. Brown Internship in Education

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).

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.

Celebrating Black History Month

This February, the National Museum of African American History and Culture is celebrating Black History Month with educational programs, ongoing tours and activities, and our award-winning public programs. These resources will be available all year, promoted year-round and year-after-year study of African American history.

Grades PK–12. Includes Activities, Events, and Stories. Activism. Civil Rights. Education. Historic Moments.

Lunar New Year Celebration Page

On this resource page by the National Museum of Asian Art, find links to Lunar New Year history, hands-on activities, videos, educator guides, event links to performances, talks, and tours, and more.

Grades PK–12. History. Educator Guides. Events. Activities.

Lunar New Year Events Page

On this resource page by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, find links to Lunar New Year events across the Smithsonian, including a special screening of “Enter the Dragon” at the end of the month.

Grades PK–12. Events.

Coloring Our World

All the extraordinary women in this coloring book by the Smithsonian Office of the Under Secretary for Education made history by being courageous and creating solutions to problems big and small. 

Grades PK–1. History. Print-friendly. #BecauseOfHerStory

How to Be a Scientist: Careers in Astronomy

In this video, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory expert Dr. Kimberly Arcand offers a glimpse into her career in “data visualization” - translating bits and bytes into pictures and stories that bring astrophysical phenomena to life. She and her students also discuss diversity and inclusion in science careers.

Grades PK–12. Includes Online Game and Activity collection.

Valentine's Day Science Board

Love Valentine's Day? Love science? The the Smithsonian Science Education Center has you covered! Check out their Valentine's Day Science Pinterest board for an assortment of Valentine's Day themed science activities, experiments, jokes, cards, and more.

Grades K–6. Pinterest Board.

Valentine’s Day Cards

This collection of plant-themed Valentine’s are created from images of plants in Smithsonian Garden’s “Living Collection.” Send them to your friends and loved ones, or print them out and leave them on their doorstep with a sweet treat for Valentine’s Day!

Grades PK–12. Puns Included.

Lincoln: Key Collection Items

Explore collection items related to Abraham Lincoln (sixteenth president, 1861–1865) from across the Smithsonian. Includes paintings, posters, clothing items, and more.

Grades 3–12. History and Culture.

Reading the Lansdowne Portrait

In this short video by the National Portrait Gallery, a historian guides through reading the Lansdowne portrait of George Washington to better understand the kind of society America was and the kind of society Americans wanted at the beginning of the republic.

Grades 8–12. Video. Inquiry Strategies.

Learning to Look “Summer Teacher Institute” Applications Open |  National Portrait Gallery

In this week-long educator professional development workshop, NPG curators, historians, and educators will model a variety of "learning to look" strategies—unique ways to hook and engage students when they look closely at portraits. Participants will learn how to "read" portraiture and use the artworks as a springboard into a more in-depth discussion about biography and history. Teachers in grades kindergarten-12 may apply as individuals or as part of a team. Priority will be given to social studies, English/language arts, and visual arts teachers.

On location Professional Development. July 8–11, 2024. Application Deadline: March 15, 2024

Soar Together at Air and Space Virtual Family Day: The Importance of Teamwork  |  National Air and Space Museum

Working as a team has been the key to unlocking the mysteries of space and overcoming engineering challenges. This month, we’ll explore examples of people from all corners of the world teaming up to share their ideas and talents to push the boundaries of air and space innovation. 

Online. February 9–11, 2024. All day.

Lunar New Year Family Celebration  |  Smithsonian American Art Museum

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with SAAM! Join us for our annual celebration showcasing the ways different Asian cultures ring in the Lunar New Year. Attendees will enjoy dance and music performances, crafts, traditional Chinese and Korean art demonstrations, photo booths, face painting (for children 12 and under, while supplies last), family-friendly activities, and the showstopping lion dance. The Courtyard Café will also offer special holiday treats to celebrate the occasion. 

On location. Saturday, February 10, 2024, 11:30AM–3:00PM EST.

Baseball Saved Us with Ken Mochizuki

|  Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center

National Veterans Network and Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center are excited to bring this free virtual program for educators K-12 around the country. The program will feature the author Ken Mochizuki of Baseball Saved Us –– the groundbreaking K-8th children’s book about the Japanese American concentration camp experience during World War II. Mochizuki will speak for 30 minutes about the Japanese American experience and baseball at the Minidoka WRA camp. Questions will be collected during the presentation for a facilitated Q & A with the author at the end. The first 25 teachers who register will receive a free copy of Baseball Saved Us signed by Ken Mochizuki!

Online. Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 7:00PM–8:00PM EST.

Explore More! in STEM: Flying High with the Triple Nickles  |  National Museum of African American History and Culture

Explore More! in STEM is a pop-up program for ages 8+ that focuses on a particular STEM concept and relates it to the museum or African American History and Culture. In this lesson, people will learn about 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion (aka the Triple Nickles), make their own parachutes, and test them.

On Location. Thursday, Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 11:00AM–1:00PM EST.