Monique M. Chism, PhD

Smithsonian Under Secretary

for Education

As the summer comes to an end and the new school year approaches, we hope you feel reenergized and inspired. Having dedicated my entire professional career to education, I hold immense respect and admiration for teachers and educators worldwide who choose year after year to continue in their craft.

In this month's highlighted resources, we reaffirm our commitment to enhancing students' learning experiences beyond our museum walls and within classrooms, emphasizing subject-based skills and interdisciplinary resources.

Let's make this school year truly memorable, filled with wonder, curiosity, and transformative learning experiences. Wishing you an inspiring and successful year ahead!

“Explore, Discover, Learn: Back to School with the Smithsonian” Activity Guide

Period 1: Math

The Maya Math Game

In this online interactive by the National Museum of the American Indian, students perform Maya-style calculation using beans, sticks, and shells, just as they did two thousand years ago. Also includes a follow-up printable activity.

Grades 7-8. NCTM-Aligned (Number Systems, Place Value)

Period 2: Science

Science to Go: DNA Extraction

In this activity by the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, students learn about DNA and our Smithsonian scientists that study it, then replicate that science by extracting DNA from applesauce. The unit includes a teacher guide, student worksheets, an activity booklet in Spanish and English, and recordings for facilitating the activity.

Grades 3–7. NGSS-Aligned (3-LS4). Life Sciences 

Period 3: ELA/Writing

Hokusai: Slow Looking

In this exercise by the National Museum of Asian Art, students will experience “slow looking,” an observation technique that encourages students to slow down, select one artwork, and observe it deeply for a prolonged period in order to gain appreciation and insights. They will then write a descriptive essay about the artwork based on their notes using extension prompts. 

Grades 4–10. Visual Arts, Language Arts.

Period 4: Social Studies

Our Pillars: Reckoning with Our Racial Past

Understanding the past is the key to building a better shared future, but where do we begin? This new educational series of videos, created in partnership with Google Arts & Culture, illuminates how systemic racism shows up in our lives, and offers a resource for educators and all audiences to recognize how we might change it.

Grades 8–12. Critical Conversations

Lunch

“Pick Your Plate!” Online Interactive

This educational nutrition game by the Smithsonian Science Education Center helps teach students about building healthy meals while using nutritional guidelines from countries around the world. Pick your favorite plates for morning, midday, and evening meals. Be sure to meet your daily nutritional needs while not going over your budget! 

Grades 4–8. Web-based or tablet/mobile app. +Español.

Recess

Q?Digital Science Game Center

Explore and have fun with Smithsonian science-based games, animations, and activities focusing on current learning skills and inquiry from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.

Abre tu mundo virtual a una experiencia de aprendizaje que lleva la ciencia a tu casa!

Grades 2–7. Web-based. +Español

Period 5: History

Becoming A Historian: Historical Context

Historical thinking skills allow historians to better practice and interpret history. This series by the National Museum of African American History and Culture teaches students how to develop these skills to become better historians themselves. Students will be guided through the process of defining historical context and practicing employing strategies from an example dealing with the 1968 Poor People's Campaign. 

Grades 6–12. C3 Framework-aligned. Historical Thinking Skills

Period 6: Art

Alma Thomas: Visual Music

In this Learning Lab collection by the Smithsonian American Art Museum, students will explore the relationship between music and art through the paintings of Alma Thomas. They’ll learn about the types of music that Thomas’ work was inspired by and how she chose to portray nature through those types of music.

Grades K–3. Arts, Music, Visual Arts

Library

“Traveling Trunks” Library Kit

The Traveling Trunks program is a free, nationwide resource-lending program for middle-school students from the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives. These multimedia library kits are packed full of resources from across the Smithsonian Institution that deliver immersive experiences.

Grades 5–12. Free shipping anywhere in the United States.

Extra Credit

“The Bias Inside Us” Educator Toolkit

This free toolkit by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service facilitates conversations on the real-world impacts of bias. It contains discussion questions to spark dialogue, links to interactive activities on the online exhibition, and articles expanding on the research of bias.

Grades 5–12. Free shipping anywhere in the United States.

GirlTrek: Walk Towards Liberation and Healing  |  Anacostia Community Museum

Join us on a one mile walk through Anacostia with GirlTrek – an organization that describes itself as a “life-saving sisterhood.” GirlTrek is featured in our current exhibition, To Live and Breathe: Women in Environmental Justice in Washington D.C. Meet new friends while prioritizing your health.

On location event. Saturday, August 12, 2023, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT. Registration required.

Hip-Hop Block Party  |  National Museum of African American History and Culture

The Hip-Hop Block Party returns! This year’s celebration will honor 50 years of hip-hop’s artistry, innovation, and global transcendence.  The 2023 Hip-Hop Block Party will feature multi-generational performances by some of hip-hop’s most influential DJs, artists, and cultural influencers. Attendees will also be able to participate in interactive activities, such as graffiti art, breakdancing and more. There will also be hip-hop-focused tours of NMAAHC’s renowned galleries, revealing the genre’s connection to centuries-old improvisation and social-consciousness traditions.  

On location event. Saturday, August 12, 2023, 11:00 AM–11:00 PM EDT. Registration required.

Play Date at NMNH: Teeth in the Ocean  |  National Museum of Natural History

Tuesday, August 15 is all about ocean animal teeth!  Families can make close observations of different sizes and shapes of ocean animal teeth and learn about how different shaped teeth help animals eat. Come and join us for a fun time learning through play and exploration!

On location event.Tuesday, August 15, 2023, 10:30 AM–12:00 PM EDT

Hello, Museo | National Postal Museum

Join educators from the National Postal Museum every other Tuesday for a bilingual program featuring music, stories, crafts, and gallery exploration. Designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers, but all are welcome!

Únase a los educadores del Museo Postal Nacional cada dos martes para un programa bilingüe que presenta música, historias, artesanías y exploración de galerías. Diseñado para niños de 2 a 5 años y sus cuidadores, ¡pero todos son bienvenidos!

On Location. Tuesday, August 22, 2023, 10:30 AM–11:30 AM EDT.

Young Portrait Explorers | National Portrait Gallery

Join educators from the National Portrait Gallery as we learn about art, history and more! This 30-minute virtual workshop incorporates close looking at portraiture, movement activities and art making. Recommended for children ages three and up and their adult companions. 

Virtual event. Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 11:00 AM–11:30 AM EDT. Registration required.