These activities help young learners build skills in literacy, creativity, and communication while using everyday materials and exploring interesting topics. A series of five, each activity uses objects from across the Smithsonian as a jumping-off point for learning through play as well as tips for

These activities help young learners build skills in literacy, creativity, and communication while using everyday materials and exploring interesting topics. A series of five, each activity uses objects from across the Smithsonian as a jumping-off point for learning through play as well as tips for

OurStory is designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through children’s literature, everyday objects, and hands-on activities.  Each OurStory module examines a moment in American history through a work of historical fiction and related activities and includes a

This online exhibition features approximately 100 objects from the Museum's collections to tell stories from the earliest days of America's colonial history through the 2008 presidential election. Each object is used as the starting point for a larger story about American history. The exhibition

Almost all Americans have family histories that trace back to other countries. By using this OurStory module, children and adults can enjoy exploring the experiences of immigrants who came to America and the ways that immigration has changed life in America through children's literature, museum o

Take a close look at a famous picture of Martha Graham, then grab your camera and make your own dance photo with a friend or family member. Part of an OurStory module entitled An American Story in Dance and Music, this activity includes a primary source photograph, guided looking questio

Field trips to memorials are great ways to learn about how communities remember important events.  In this activity, students will do a digital field trip to learn more about the Pentagon’s memorial for September 11,2001,  and then visit a local memorial. Part of an OurStory module en

Take a look at art that was created in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and then make a collage of those images as your own art. Part of an OurStory module entitled September 11, 2001, this activity includes links to artworks in the Museum’s collections, discuss

Railroads have moved people and cargo around America for more than 180 years. By using this OurStory module, children and adults can enjoy exploring the history of trains in America. Focused on actively reading Jingle the Brass, a historical fiction picture book about a ride on a steam l

Cartoons from World War II helped explain the war to children and encouraged families to do their part for the war cause. This video is part of the Price of Freedom learning resources package for use with the Mobilizing Children WWII lesson plan. It was produced to accompany th