This May at the National Museum of Natural History, Learn How Scientists Investigate Volcanic Eruptions

The museum is hosting events throughout the month ranging from an exploration of human evolutionary history to a celebration of all things amphibian

This May, the National Museum of Natural History is ringing in warmer weather with events exploring everything from amphibians to volcanoes as well as a deep-dive into how scientists study early human history.

Celebrate amphibian week
May 2, 10 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. ET

Frogs, toads and salamanders play a critical role in our ecosystems and are beloved by many. As spring progresses, you may even hear choruses of spring peepers — a type of small tree frog — calling in the evenings. To celebrate these cold-blooded creatures, the museum is kicking off Amphibian Week with a special family event. Drop by the Q?rius Education Center to meet experts from the US Geological Survey, see live amphibians, explore art and museum collections and learn all about these fascinating animals.

Hear how geologists at the museum study volcanoes
May 11, 6:30 P.M. to 8:15 P.M. ET

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to study volcanic eruptions up-close? Each month, the museum hosts the Behind the Science series, where museum researchers share insights into their latest discoveries. Join museum research geologist and curator Elizabeth Cottrell in the Q?rius Education Center this May to see pictures and hear stories from her field research on Alaska’s Aleutian Archipelago, a long chain of volcanic islands in the northern Pacific Ocean, and experience a Smithsonian rock-collecting expedition through the eyes of a curator. Registration is encouraged for this free event.

Learn how scientists identify humankind’s evolutionary relatives
May 21, 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. ET

Other human species lived on Earth for millions of years before Homo sapiens emerged, and some of these species even lived alongside us. Paleoanthropologists study fossils and the archaeological record left behind by our evolutionary cousins to understand how early human species developed and identify our relatives in the deep past. Join Bernard Wood, paleoanthropologist and professor at George Washington University, in conversation with Briana Pobiner, paleoanthropologist and educator at the museum, to learn about how scientists discover evolutionary relationships between now-extinct ancient species and ourselves and determine which fossils belong to which species.

This presentation is part of the ongoing Human Origins Today (HOT) Topic series. Registration is free and a link to the webinar will be sent to all registrants.

Join a spring bird walk
May 23, 9:30 to 11 A.M. ET

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is an oasis for birds, plants, beavers, turtles and a wide variety of other wildlife. More than 250 species of birds can be found at the park throughout the year, including many that are currently passing through during their spring migration. Join the museum and DC Bird Alliance for a beginner-friendly bird walk through the park. No equipment or prior birding experience is needed, but registration is required for this free event.

Ashley D'Souza | Read More

Ashley D’Souza is a science writing intern at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, where they cover natural history research and collections news for the museum’s blog, Smithsonian Voices. Ashley is currently completing their master’s degree in science writing at MIT, where they write about any and all things wildlife. They also run the blog and YouTube channel, Confessions of a Bird Freak. In their free time, Ashley can be found wandering through the woods with their camera and binoculars and talking to trees and birds. See more of Ashley’s work at https://ashleydsouza.contently.com/ and https://confessionsofabirdfreak.com/.