Smithsonian Distance Learning
Resources. Training. Support.
The Smithsonian is committed to supporting the distance learning needs of educators and students. Here, on the Learning Lab, teachers have access to millions of digital resources from across the Smithsonian's museums, research centers, libraries, archives, and more. You will also find pre-packaged collections that contain lessons, activities, and recommended resources made by Smithsonian museum educators as well as thousands of classroom teachers like you. Use the search bar below to search for Smithsonian Learning Lab Collections.
We are here to support your discovery and use of these materials now and into the future through trainings, office hours, and models of best practice.
¿Busca recursos bilingües (español/inglés)?
Please note that some documents provided below are hosted on Google Drive, a platform that some school districts may restrict access to.
For questions and requests to Smithsonian educators, email us at learning@si.edu.
National Resources
Smithsonian Resources for National Audiences
Smithsonian educators identified online learning resources for teachers across the country. Note: We will continue to update this space as we develop and align additional online resources from across the Smithsonian.
Resources for: English/Language Arts PK-12 | Social Studies/History PK-12 | Science PK-12 | National Early Learning (PK-2) | Spanish Language PK-12
Looking for a specific Smithsonian museum's education resources? A full listing is available here.
Looking for your local museum education resources? The Smithsonian Affiliations’ network has a list from museums nationwide.
(updated 11/10/2021)
Washington, D.C. Resources
Smithsonian Resources for Washington D.C. Public Schools (DCPS)
Smithsonian educators have identified specific online learning resources aligned to the DCPS Curriculum Pacing Guides for grades K–8 and beyond. These documents will continue to be updated as we develop and align additional resources.
Resources for: Kindergarten | First Grade | Second Grade | Third Grade | Fourth Grade | Fifth Grade | Sixth Grade | Seventh Grade | Eighth Grade | Science K–12, April 14–April 24, 2020
(updated 11/10/2021)
Caregivers and Families
Smithsonian Resources for Caregivers
Smithsonian educators have identified specific online learning resources designed for use by you and your children. These documents will continue to be updated as we develop and align additional resources.
Resources for: Caregivers
Recommended Read: Talking with Children about COVID-19, from the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center
Not sure where to start? Use our Choice Boards to introduce your learners to a sampling of recommended learning opportunities from across the Smithsonian in science, social studies, culture, and the arts. Includes hands-on and technology-enabled activities.
Choice Boards: Choice Board #1 | Choice Board #2 | Choice Board #3 | Choice Board #4 | Choice Board #5 | Choice Board #6 | Choice Board #7 | Choice Board #8 | Choice Board #9 | Choice Board #10
¿Se está preguntando por dónde empezar? Pruebe estos Tableros de Opciones en español para mostrarle a sus alumnos las oportunidades de aprendizaje recomendadas a lo largo de todo el Smithsonian en ciencias, estudios sociales, cultura y artes. Incluyen actividades manuales y tecnológicas.
Tableros de Opciones: Tablero de Opciones #1 | Tablero de Opciones #2 | Tablero de Opciones #3 | Tablero de Opciones #4
(updated 12/02/2021)
High-touch Learning
Learning Anytime, Anywhere
The Smithsonian serves learners nationwide anytime, anywhere. Through these high-touch downloadable activity guides, we hope to spark curiosity, foster innovation, and reinforce that learning – especially with the Smithsonian – is fun. Each guide features Smithsonian content and engagement activities, spanning history, science, culture, and the arts. These guides provide learners with printed resources that they can see, hold, and return to again and again – allowing them to unlock something new every time.
“Summer Road Trip” (June 2020) |
“Yesterday, Today” (October 2020) |
“Warm Wishes” (December 2020) |
“Winter at Home” (January 2021) |
“Inspiration Nation” (June 2021) |
“Present History” (August 2021) |
“Innovation Across the Nation” (November 2021) |
“Look, Talk, Play” and "Mira, Habla, Juega" (December 2021) |
“We Built This” (March 2022) |
“Coloring Our World” (March 2022) |
“¡Presente!” (September 2022) |
(updated 9/15/2022)
Self-directed Learning
Smithsonian Resources for Tweens and Teens
Smithsonian educators have identified specific online learning resources designed for self-directed learning. These documents will continue to be updated as we develop and align additional resources.
Resources for: Tweens and Teens
Smithsonian Resources for Lifelong Learners
Smithsonian educators have identified podcasts, online courses, and more designed for learners of all ages. This list will continue to be updated as we develop and align additional resources.
Resources for: Lifelong Learners
(updated 11/10/2021)
Virtual Tours, Exhibitions, and Programs
Students Virtual Field Trips
Tour our museum collections and the big ideas that come along with them through virtual tours, online exhibitions and virtual programming and events.
Resources for: Virtual Field TripsLifelong Learners Virtual Tours
Tour our museum collections and the big ideas that come with them through virtual tours, online exhibitions and virtual programming and events.
Resources for: Virtual Tours
Connect with a Smithsonian Educator
Classroom Videoconferences
Visit the Smithsonian American Art Museum without leaving your school or home. Offered by request.
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