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Smithsonian Education

A student leans over a table, writing on a large poster board with a marker during a classroom activity. Surrounding the workspace are colorful pens, papers, and notes, while additional tables, chairs, and a kitchen area with cabinets and a counter appear

New Resources Transform Classrooms into Engines of Civic Engagement by Equipping Educators with the Tools They Need to Take Students from Learning to Leading

The Smithsonian’s Civic Education resource hub offers educators ready-to-use tools and inspiring stories designed to turn civic learning into civic action. Students benefit from guidance that can channel their concerns into meaningful expression and action that shapes the future of the communities in which they live.

A group of students in bright blue shirts gather around a statue of George Washington with a museum facilitator

Equipping Today's Teens with Strong Examples of Historic Changemakers

For several years, the Smithsonian and Boys & Girls Clubs of America have collaborated with teens to support learning opportunities that offer space to imagine change in their communities

Three women stand in a circle laughing and discussing printed handouts

2026 Summit Spotlights Civics Teaching through Connections to Art, Culture, History, and Science

The Smithsonian continues its 250th celebration of the nation with a free three-day Summit for educators featuring more than 40 sessions through virtual and in-person programming

Students are working on their laptops and tablets while a teacher looks over their shoulders

Free Digital Webinar Series Features Teaching Techniques and Resources for Celebrating America at 250

This school year, the Smithsonian Office of Educational Technology launches a series to explore strategies for using digital museum resources at a milestone moment in American history

People stand and listen to a speaker in a brightly lit museum room underneath a large gold art installation.

Smithsonian Program Connects Youth Across America Through Dialogue

Since September 2024, the Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange program has offered sets of paired classrooms across the country a key question to explore together: "How has your community played a role in 250 years of the American experience?"

eople stand near a mural by the artist Cita Sadeli, and listen to her talking about why and how she made the mural.

A Deep Dive Into D.C. Chinatown's History With Educators and Visitors

Museum educators from the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center share reflections about the "Sightlines" exhibition and its unique approach to honing in on the power of place

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A Treasure Trove of Online Education Resources From the National Museum of African American History and Culture Spans Art, Culture, History and Science

Hundreds of PreK-12 teaching and learning resources that support developmentally appropriate skill-building and leverage both well-known and lesser-known stories in American history are freely available online for use in the classroom and at home

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A New Smithsonian Guide Honors the Service and Sacrifice of America’s Veterans

In collaboration with USA TODAY, “America’s Veterans: Honor, Service, and Sacrifice” is a tribute to veterans—covering Veterans Day history, personal stories, military branches and awards, and intergenerational activities to honor the legacy of the country’s veterans

A man in a blue shirt looks at a photograph of archival images while several other people look toward a presentation

Creativity and Co-Creation Bring Local Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Histories to the Classroom

Through a convening of educators and community organizations, new education resources for students spotlight local histories in engaging new formats, telling stories from right in their own backyards

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Brown at 70: The Continued Pursuit Toward Equitable Education

On the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, experts reflect upon its ongoing relevance and spotlight work to address systemic inequities and foster opportunities for those adversely affected by segregation

Hard-copy of the FY2023 Smithsonian Education Impact Report held in someone’s hands.

2023 Education Impact Report Released

This past year, the Smithsonian Education community has worked tirelessly to solidify partnerships, launch innovative initiatives, and empower youth and educators alike

A black ink on a red-orange poster board with a small picture of Martin Luther King, Jr. at the top left and Joseph Lowery at the top right. The poster reads: [SCLC / INJUSTICE / Anywhere... / a threat to / JUSTICE / EVERYWHERE / M. L. KING].

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.

Three young activists are outside at a protest – looking off into the distance. They all appear to be African American. One is holding a bullhorn and has a determined look on her face. Another is holding the bullhorn’s microphone and speaking into it.

Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum's Message to Students: 'You, Too, Can Be a Changemaker'

A new field trip offering spotlights local contemporary history, promotes self-efficacy and urges secondary students to imagine a more equitable future

A person looking at a wall of posters in front of a building under construction

Inspiring Creative Changemakers

Six Smithsonian educators share techniques to help students creatively intervene and achieve community-based, transformative justice for social good

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Unpacking the Stories Behind Artist Bisa Butler’s Portrayal of the Harlem Hellfighters

Tips for teaching the layered World War I history of the 369th Infantry Regiment on their return from France

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Creating Dialogue on Bias Through 'The Bias Inside Us' Educator Toolkit

A new toolkit, designed for educators, brings together the psychology, science and history behind the concept of implicit bias. The toolkit provides posters, starter questions, links to activities and articles expanding on the research of bias

Playbill for "A Raisin in the Sun" with a black and white photo of playwright Lorraine Hansberry

Ten Education Resources to Explore this Women’s History Month

From videos to lesson plans and podcast episodes to coloring books, an educator from the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum shares her top picks for teaching and learning this Women's History Month.

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To Reimagine the Future, Start by Expanding the Stories of Our Past

Looking back at beloved children's stories and historical narratives taught in the classroom, two educators ask us to consider whose perspectives were centered. Through ongoing National Youth Summit programming, historical case studies provide an opportunity for students to expand their thinking about stories of our past.

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'We Are Here' Introduces Readers to 30 Inspiring Profiles

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center’s new middle-grade anthology dives into stories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who shaped the United States

50 plus men in corresponding lodge regalia are posed in four staggering rows in a gathering hall.

Undiscovering the Hidden Histories of California's Filipino Community

A Smithsonian intern shares her personal journey in research and preservation of the immigrant community history found within her hometown of Stockton, California

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