Sign up now for this summer's new digital educational programs.
This summer, the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) Teaching and Learning team is piloting innovative digital programs to keep young minds expanding in fresh and exciting ways.
As we all adapt to changing environments during the pandemic, young scholars can explore new worlds online — safely at home — with the help of NMAAHC educators.
Grades 3–12 Summer Reading Challenge
Join NMAAHC this summer for a new digital experience: the NMAAHC Summer Reading Challenge!
Students in grades 3 through 12 are invited to read fiction and nonfiction literature about African American history. The theme for summer 2020 is “Reading through the Galleries.”
Students will choose books from a list of monthly recommendations, explore related resources and activities, record their book selections, and send in their reading lists to receive a monthly digital completion certificate!
Grades 6–12 Artists at Home Wednesdays through August | 12 p.m. Eastern / 9 a.m. Pacific
Students in grades 6 through 12 with access to Zoom can join this interactive online program. Artists at Home is designed to engage students in hands-on art projects and conversations about African American artists and various genres of visual art. Registration opens one week prior to each session.
Grades 10–12 Young Historians Institute: The Digital Remix August 3–7 | 9 a.m. Eastern / 6 a.m. Pacific
Rising high school students can apply for a rigorous weeklong digital history workshop. We will explore and practice the historical thinking skills that define the lives and work of professional historians. The 2020 theme is “The Paradox of Liberty: The African American Experience in the Revolutionary Era (1763–1785).” Registration is extended to July 15.
Grades 6–12 Through the Window and into the Mirror: “Meet” African American STEM Professionals Fridays, July 10–August 28 | 2 p.m. Eastern / 11 a.m. Pacific
Middle and high school students are invited to join an exploration of careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through the Window and into the Mirror is a video-conversation series about the experiences of African American STEM professionals today.
Students will learn from guest speakers’ lived experiences as STEM professionals — with careers in science education, chemistry, science communication, science policy, biomedical research, engineering, and computer science — and will find connections to speakers’ childhoods, challenges, and accomplishments. Advance registration required.
STEM educators for grades 3–8 Examining the Contributions of African American Medical Professionals July 27–29 | 1 p.m. Eastern / 11 a.m. Pacific
This multiday teaching workshop for STEM educators explores the history of African Americans in healthcare. Gain practical experience for classroom teaching by investigating the stories and experiences of African American doctors, nurses, and researchers working to combat disease in our nation. Registration ends July 10 at 5 p.m. Eastern or when capacity is reached.
Grades K–8 Take a Summer Road Trip with the Smithsonian Download your free activity guide
“Summer Road Trip” is a 40-page print activity guide that uses the vast collections and expertise of the Smithsonian to take K–8 learners on a summer “road trip” of discovery. Through hands-on activities, puzzles, and games, students will explore topics in STEM, history, and the arts. The guide features bilingual Spanish/English language content.
Created in collaboration with USA Today, this summer learning guide is available for free download. A limited number of print copies also were offered at select pick-up sites, such as public libraries, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, meal distribution sites, and Smithsonian affiliate museums across the country.
We hope you and your family are safe and healthy during these challenging times. These programs represent NMAAHC’s effort to help families across the country as they contend with this unique period in our history.
We invite you to share these learning opportunities with family and friends. If you would like to support Museum programs like these, please consider becoming a Member.
