Smithsonian Science Education Center
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| Smithsonian Science Education Center | |
|---|---|
| Name | Smithsonian Science Education Center |
| Formation | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. |
| Parent organization | Smithsonian Institution |
Smithsonian Science Education Center The Smithsonian Science Education Center is a unit of the Smithsonian Institution focused on advancing science learning for K–12 students globally. The Center develops curricular materials, professional development, and partnerships to support educators and policymakers in improving STEM instruction across diverse school systems. It collaborates with museums, National Science Foundation, ministries, and nongovernmental organizations to scale evidence-based practices.
History
The Center traces roots to initiatives within the Smithsonian Institution responding to national priorities after the Sputnik crisis, aligning with reforms influenced by the National Science Teaching Association and research from the National Academy of Sciences. Early projects connected to programs supported by the Carnegie Corporation and the Ford Foundation, and evolved through policy shifts prompted by reports from the National Research Council and legislation such as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Throughout the late 20th century it partnered with institutions like the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, and the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum to translate collections-based research into classroom resources. In the 21st century the Center expanded internationally, aligning with initiatives from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and technical assistance from the World Bank.
Mission and Programs
The Center's mission connects to priorities set by the Smithsonian Institution Board, reflecting objectives from the National Science Foundation and standards established by the Next Generation Science Standards consortium and the National Research Council. Core programs include curriculum development, standards alignment, and policy advising used by state departments such as the New York State Education Department, the California Department of Education, and ministries like the Ministry of Education (Singapore). Other initiatives partner with organizations including the U.S. Department of Education, the Gates Foundation, and philanthropic actors like the Carnegie Corporation of New York to support scalable STEM improvements.
Curriculum and Resources
The Center produces curricular frameworks and instructional units that reference artifacts and research from the National Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Materials align with frameworks used by the Next Generation Science Standards, the Common Core State Standards Initiative, and assessments such as those developed by the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium. Resources are designed for use alongside collections from partners including the Field Museum, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Science, Boston, and draw on expertise from scholars at institutions like Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of California, Berkeley.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The Center maintains collaborations with international agencies such as UNESCO, development banks like the World Bank, and educational consortia including the Global Partnership for Education and the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement. Domestic partnerships include consortia with the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National Science Teachers Association, and the Association of Science-Technology Centers. It works with museums such as the Exploratorium, research universities like Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and technology partners including Google and Microsoft for digital resource development.
Outreach and Professional Development
Professional development offerings are delivered in collaboration with state agencies like the Texas Education Agency and organizations such as the Council of Chief State School Officers and the National Governors Association. Training models incorporate research from the American Educational Research Association and best practices endorsed by the International Society for Technology in Education. Outreach efforts extend to community partners including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the YMCA, and networks such as the Teach For America corps to reach underserved populations and informal learning settings associated with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Educator Programs.
Impact and Evaluation
Impact studies reference methodologies from the National Center for Education Statistics and evaluation frameworks used by the Institute of Education Sciences and the RAND Corporation. Outcomes are assessed via partnerships with research teams at universities including Johns Hopkins University, University of Chicago, and Columbia University, and reported to stakeholders such as the U.S. Department of Education and philanthropic funders like the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. International evaluations have been coordinated with agencies including the United Nations Children's Fund and the Asian Development Bank to measure scalability, equity, and learning gains.