| Smithsonian in Your Classroom: Making Friends with Franklin |
| Lesson plans in which portraits of Benjamin Franklin introduce his writings and scientific experiments. Students do their own writing and conduct their own experiments. In addition, they learn about the international scientific community in which Franklin was a prominent member. |
| Provider: Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access |
| State Standards: View state standards for this resource |
| Grade(s): 4–8, 9–12 |
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| Lighting a Revolution |
| Online exhibit exploring the process of invention by comparing Thomas Alva Edison’s well-known work on the electric light bulb a century ago with several modern lighting inventions. Considers the process of innovation through five steps: preconditions, invention, promotion, competition, and consequences. A guest lounge and library include two photo galleries, scripts, and curator notes for the exhibit, a mystery object, links, a bibliography, and additional scientific and historic information. |
| Provider: National Museum of American History |
| Grade(s): 4–8, 9–12 |
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| The Cosmos in Miniature: The Remarkable Star Map of Simeon De Witt |
| Online exhibit telling the story of early American science includes a digital reproduction of the oldest surviving Anglo-American star map. This map, created in 1780, reflects a story of scientific curiosity and the practical applications of astronomy in colonial America. Focuses on the map's creator, Simeon De Witt, and the scientific context in which he lived. |
| Provider: National Museum of American History |
| Grade(s): 9–12 |
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| Clark’s Nutcracker |
| Interdisciplinary extension to lessons describing the Lewis and Clark Expedition to follow a viewing of the Smithsonian primary resources. Provides an example of ecological interdependence between plants and animals. |
| Provider: National Museum of Natural History |
| State Standards: View state standards for this resource |
| Grade(s): 4–8, 9–12 |
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| Constellation Maker |
| Art activity making a constellation commemorating an American woman such as scientist Maria Mitchell. Many cultures have used constellations to remember the stories of heroes, and this activity helps develop the ability to use symbols to illustrate and tell stories. Part of the “Exploring the Sky” resource. |
| Provider: National Museum of American History |
| Grade(s): All grades |
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| CyberCenter |
| Web site where students “become” planetary researchers and complete three levels of assignments. |
| Provider: National Air and Space Museum |
| State Standards: View state standards for this resource |
| Grade(s): 4–8, 9–12 |
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| Edison Invents |
| Online exhibit about Thomas Alva Edison's creative genius. He gave us electric lights in our home; a system to produce and deliver electric power; was the first to record sound and started the recording industry; and he developed the first movie camera and produced the first movies. The exhibit includes a biography of Edison, instructions on how to make a light bulb, an interactive game and a list of recommended resources. |
| Provider: National Museum of American History |
| Grade(s): General audience |
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| From Smithson to Smithsonian |
| Online exhibition focusing on James Smithson, the English scientist who bequeathed his fortune to the United States to create the Smithsonian Institution. Traces the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution and its early years. Includes lesson plans. |
| Provider: Smithsonian Institution Libraries |
| State Standards: View state standards for this resource |
| Grade(s): General audience |
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| John Wesley Powell Library of Anthropology |
| Homepage for the John Wesley Powell Library of Anthropology, one of 20 branches in the Smithsonian Institution Libraries’ system. Supports the research, publication, exhibitions, and public programming of the Department. |
| Provider: National Museum of Natural History |
| State Standards: View state standards for this resource |
| Grade(s): General audience |
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| Joseph Henry: American Physicist |
| Website presenting the history and papers of Joseph Henry (1797-1878), revered scientist of his time and first secretary (director) of the Smithsonian. Includes biographical information, Henry's papers, articles on Henry, and Henry namesakes. |
| Provider: Smithsonian Institution Archives |
| State Standards: View state standards for this resource |
| Grade(s): 4–8, 9–12 |
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