In this hands-on activity, students will learn the meaning of imagery on two Pueblo pots by examining images and reading short excerpts from Native American folklore. They will then design their own pots by creating symbols and will explain the meaning of the symbols. The decorations on Pueblo po

Use this guide to actively read Feivel’s Flying Horses a picture book about an immigrant who comes to America in the late 1800’s. Part of an OurStory module entitled Coming to America, this activity includes discussion prompts, a glossary, and background information.

In this activity, students will read Dakota Dugout by Ann Turner and answer questions about the book. They will then look at the image of an object that would have been important to women living in a house made of sod and try to determine what the object is. This resource is included in

When bad things happen, community helpers are there to keep people safe! Find out who helps in your community and celebrate them with a special certificate. Part of an OurStory module entitled September 11, 2001, this activity includes a photograph of a certificate in the Museum’s

In this activity, children will examine pictures of a Congressional Gold Medal for Japanese American soldiers, investigate the symbols on both sides, and design their own medal for kids who lived in the camps. Part of an OurStory module from entitled Life in a WWII Japanese American Internmen

This useful reading guide will help engage young readers as they read Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers, a children's book based on a true story about a girl who writes a letter to Abraham Lincoln. It includes 4 active reading helpers that will help children identify new vocabulary, make prediction

Find out about the sky through a field trip!  In this activity, children will determine the best way to observe the night sky (through a visit to a planetarium, using a telescope, or a trip outside in the evening) and discuss what they see.  The activity guide includes printable tip she

Dance is just one way to turn music into something you can see. Your computer can take music and turn it into a different kind of visible art. Part of an OurStory module entitled An American Story in Dance and Music, this activity includes step-by-step directions for exploring your compu

Scientists have had to record their observations in different ways throughout time. Use Google Sky to explore the sky, then share your observations through sketches and figurative language.  Included in an OurStory module from Smithsonian's National Museum of American History entitled Ex

Although many Americans are turning more and more to credit cards to buy the things they want, most Americans still handle paper money and coins on a regular basis.  It is important for children (and adults!) to be comfortable counting and handling money and to think about the people and ide