Smithsonian Science How

Smithsonian Science How is a live, interactive webcast series produced by the National Museum of Natural History that connects students with Smithsonian science experts. The program delivers real-world STEM content directly into classrooms, allowing participants to engage with researchers from across the Smithsonian Institution, including the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Launched in 2014, it forms a core component of the Smithsonian Science Education Center's digital learning initiatives, aiming to demystify scientific careers and inquiry.

Overview

The series was developed to extend the educational reach of the Smithsonian Institution beyond the walls of its museums in Washington, D.C.. It is managed by the education and outreach teams at the National Museum of Natural History, with foundational support aligned with the mission of the Smithsonian Science Education Center. Each episode features a practicing scientist, such as a geologist studying the Grand Canyon or a zoologist tracking monarch butterfly migration, who shares their latest research and fieldwork. The program aligns with Next Generation Science Standards and is designed to supplement middle school science curricula, though it is utilized by a broad range of grade levels.

Program format and content

A typical webcast runs 25 to 30 minutes and follows a structured format beginning with an introduction to the scientist and their institution, which may include the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center or the Museum Conservation Institute. The core segment involves the expert presenting their work using visual aids like microscope feeds, 3D models of Tyrannosaurus rex fossils, or satellite imagery from NASA. Content spans diverse fields, featuring specialists in marine biology discussing coral reef ecosystems, anthropologists analyzing artifacts from Pompeii, or astrophysicists explaining data from the James Webb Space Telescope. The final segment is a live question-and-answer period where students submit queries via a moderated chat.

Educational impact and reach

The program has achieved a significant global reach, with registered participants from all 50 U.S. states and over 60 countries, including classrooms in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Impact studies conducted by the Smithsonian Office of Educational Technology indicate increased student engagement with STEM topics and improved understanding of the scientific process. The series is frequently integrated into lesson plans by educators affiliated with the National Science Teaching Association and is archived for on-demand use, allowing for flexible implementation in diverse learning environments from public schools to homeschool networks.

Technology and delivery platforms

The webcasts are produced using professional broadcasting equipment and streamed via the Smithsonian Education website and its dedicated YouTube channel. Interactive functionality is enabled through a partnership with the video service Vimeo, which supports the live chat feature essential for real-time Q&A sessions. The production team utilizes technologies like digital imaging from the Smithsonian Archives and 3D scanning from the Smithsonian Digitization Program Office to create immersive visual content. Archived episodes are often accompanied by downloadable educational resources hosted on the Google for Education platform.

Collaborations and partnerships

The series actively collaborates with other units within the Smithsonian Institution, such as the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, to feature a wide array of research. External partnerships have been formed with organizations like the National Geographic Society for co-produced content and with Microsoft Education for technology integration initiatives. Funding and support have been provided through grants from the National Science Foundation and collaborations with state-level departments of education, such as the Virginia Department of Education, to promote wider adoption and accessibility.

Category:Smithsonian Institution educational programs Category:Science education television series Category:American web series