Our dynamic programs are designed to empower educators with innovative tools and strategies to enhance their teaching and inspire their students. Elevate your teaching and ignite curiosity in your students with our in-person and virtual teacher professional development opportunities.
Jump to a Section: Professional Development Live Professional Development On Demand Teacher Newsletter Teacher Innovator Institute Resources for You Plan a Field Trip
Our dynamic programs are designed to empower educators with innovative tools and strategies to enhance their teaching and inspire their students. Elevate your teaching and ignite curiosity in your students with our in-person and virtual teacher professional development opportunities.
Jump to a Section: Professional Development Live Professional Development On Demand Teacher Newsletter Teacher Innovator Institute Resources for You Plan a Field Trip
Professional Development Live
Hear from museum educators and content experts, try hands-on activities, explore museum objects, and gain new resources to develop your teaching practice. Live webinars happen at least twice a year on Zoom. Pre-register today!
Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 8:00 pm ET
Wednesday January 31, 2024 at 8:00 pm ET
Professional Development On Demand
Bring professional development into your school with in-person or virtual sessions on a variety of topics. Professional development on demand can be customized for different teacher groups and grade levels. Browse the topics below and fill out our request form to connect with us and start planning.
The National Air and Space Museum has hundreds of objects that tell the story of aerospace history. But teaching with objects isn’t limited to museums. Learn how close looking and observation skills can be used on any objects.
Discoveries and technological advances sometimes have a darker side, and it is important to engage students around complex stories and perspectives. Learn how to facilitate difficult conversations with thinking routines.
Want to teach your students about the solar system and beyond but don’t have access to a planetarium? Learn about Stellarium, a free planetarium software that can help teach about seasons, moon phases, solar system bodies, constellation stories, and more.
Preschoolers may first notice their shadow while playing out in the sun. You can build on this interest to design playful explorations outside and inside the classroom that deepen children’s understanding of light and shadow.
Explore how using questions with no definitive answers can help students think deeply, engage in lively discussion, and provide evidence for their thinking. Think about the costs and benefits of space exploration through objects.
Available in Spring 2024 Check back for more information
Teacher Newsletter
Sign up here to receive the Museum’s monthly newsletter that highlights upcoming programs, amazing educators, and the Museum’s newest content for the classroom.
By submitting this form, you are granting the National Air and Space Museum permission to email you. You may unsubscribe via the link found at the bottom of every email. The National Air and Space Museum does not sell or share your personal information. For further information, please view the Smithsonian privacy statement and terms of use. Emails are serviced by Mail Chimp. Questions about how the information you submit will be used? Contact us.
Teacher Innovator Institute
The Teacher Innovator Institute is a summer professional development intensive for middle school STEAM teachers across the United States. Teachers form a professional learning community and explore ways to incorporate museum content and authentic inquiry into their classrooms.
Resources for You
From videos to ready-to implement classroom activities, we’re here to help you get your learners excited about air and space.
Our educators prepared the Learning Guides below to give you a week-long plan of activities and resources on topics your learners will love.
Discover over a hundred collections of artifacts and activities designed to help you bring air and space into your classroom.
Check out the Museum’s YouTube playlist made just for teachers, where you’ll find activity ideas and programs featuring teachers.
Plan a Field Trip
Don't see what you're looking for? Contact nasmteachers@si.edu for additional assistance.