Smithsonian Program Resources

Use these criteria to evaluate if students are making sense of phenomena and/or designing solutions to problems through tasks that integrate the three dimensions of the NGSS.

Teaching science provides an opportunity to meet English Language Arts (ELA) standards and improve reading skills. When you tie language and literacy instruction to science, your students develop disciplinary core understanding while following their curiosity about phenomena.

Science and engineering naturally intersect in the real world. The best way to show students the subtle differences and striking similarities in the work of these fields is through the Science and Engineering Practices. Scientists explain phenomena; engineers solve problems. Share this student-friendly infographic in your classroom!

Science and engineering naturally intersect in the real world. The best way to show students the subtle differences and striking similarities in the work of these fields is through the Science and Engineering Practices. Scientists explain phenomena; engineers solve problems. Share this student-friendly infographic in your classroom!

Learn why an increasing number of schools are exploring lesson study as an approach to their teacher professional development programs.

The Smithsonian Science Education Center recently completed a five-year validation study funded by the US Department of Education (U396B100097) to test its theory of action—which it calls LASER (Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform). Evidence from the study supports the efficacy claims of hands-on science learning in K–8.

See how one educator uses creative funding to provide her district's students with quality STEM materials.

Learn how a great middle school assessment system can positively impact students' learning of the multidimensional standards of the NGSS.

The Smithsonian's 5-year LASER i3 validation study provided evidence that grades 1–8 students learning through inquiry-based science education demonstrated real-life skills needed for the workforce.

The Smithsonian's 5-year LASER i3 validation study revealed that the Smithsonian Science Education Center's hands-on programs helped ELLs, students with IEPs, and FRLs outperform students in comparison schools in PASS assessments.

The Smithsonian's 5-year LASER i3 validation study revealed that the Smithsonian Science Education Center's inquiry-based programs helped raise student achievement on science, reading, and math assessments.

Bring the power of the Smithsonian into your summer program through engaging, problem-based modules that will improve reading and math while making science fun!

The Smithsonian's Dr. Carol O'Donnell shares why you should focus on "the stuff" and how to order physical and digital experiences to drive learning and engagement.

The Smithsonian Science Education Center recently completed a five-year validation study funded by the US Department of Education to test its theory of action—which it calls LASER (Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform). Evidence from the study supports the efficacy claims of hands-on science learning in K–8.

For students to truly grasp science concepts, learning must logically progress lesson by lesson, unit by unit. The Smithsonian’s STCMS™ from Carolina does just that.

From the all-new Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, the How Do We Send a Message Using Sound? lesson sampler highlights Lesson 2: Zoo Game. Students design a solution to the problem of sending a message a short distance without speaking. They use a pattern of drum beats to help a zookeeper feed the animals in a simple board game.

From the all-new Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, the How Do We Stop Soil From Washing Away? lesson sampler highlights Lesson 2: Wind and Water. Students develop a model that represents land and how it is affected by wind and water. They carry out an investigation to provide evidence for how wind and water can change the shape of the soil and sand.

From the all-new STC Middle School, the Earth’s Dynamic Systems unit sampler highlights three lessons that build understanding of how dynamic systems change Earth’s surface. These lessons focus on analyzing and interpreting geological events, particularly volcanoes; the relationship between volcanic activity and earthquakes; and developing preparedness plans for geodynamic events.

From the all-new STC Middle School, the Structure and Function unit sampler highlights three lessons that build understanding about cells. Students explore cell specialization and functions, the role that cells play in the development and survival of an organism, and unique structures that allow animals to better survive in their environment.

From the all-new STC Middle School, the Matter and Its Interactions unit sampler highlights three lessons that build understanding of volume, mass, and density of liquids and solids. Students apply this information to design a solution to the challenge of recreating a density bottle with mystery liquids.

With this sample investigation from STC Middle School, students design a flower, a pollinator, the resulting seed, and germination conditions.

Explore gravity's role in the universe with this sample investigation from STC Middle School.

The Smithsonian's STCMS™ is research-based science instruction focused on experiential phenomena, engineering, and design. Learn how it meets and exceeds the NGSS.

The Smithsonian's STCMS™ is research-based science instruction focused on experiential phenomena, engineering, and design. Learn how it's built to meet your state standards.

See how thoroughly standards are woven into each STCMS™ lesson.

Ignite your students' curiosity and potential with this hands-on investigation.

An understanding of medieval warfare can enhance science understanding and literacy skills.