Overview

Scholars in the Schools brings Smithsonian experts in art, history, and science into classrooms across America. World-renowned scholars visit local communities in person to share their enthusiasm for learning with students and teachers.

Custom-designed specifically to meet your school’s goals, Scholars in the Schools programs enhance the traditional learning experience. The programs can be structured to complement and supplement course curriculum or take students beyond the required learning and content standards. Topics are selected in consultation with the local school(s).

Experts chosen to visit communities represent the diverse areas of research at the Smithsonian Institution and have demonstrated their ability to successfully engage many different kinds of audiences. The scholars always conduct visual presentations and often incorporate hands-on activities to effectively illustrate concepts and share ideas with students and teachers.

Scholars in the Schools programs are tailored to your school’s specifications. They range from a single visit by a scholar discussing one topic to multiple scholars covering a variety of subjects over several days. One school or an entire district may participate. Program length can be one day or multiple days over a week, semester, or academic year. Smithsonian experts work mainly with students but may also lead in-depth teacher workshops, present public lectures, and/or speak at community functions. Working with a Smithsonian Program Coordinator, you determine the scope of your Scholars in the Schools program!