Smithsonian Learning Lab Sign Up Information

Hello Peter,

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, October 8, from 4–5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Tess Porter,
Digital Content Producer

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab’s tools and features? Just want to say “hello”?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can't make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Hello Peter,

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, October 1, from 4–5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Ashley Naranjo,
Manager of Educator Engagement

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab’s tools and features? Just want to say “hello”?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can't make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Dear Peter,

If you like to integrate the arts into STEM instruction, meet our colleague and Learning Lab community member Sandra Vilevac, STEAM specialist at Washington International School. Sandra likes the Learning Lab because “Even though we are a school in Washington, D.C., and the students have the museums at their fingertips, their access to all of the collections is through the Learning Lab.” She makes collections “to provoke student interest and curiosity, as I often offer a different way of looking at a subject that other educational resources cannot offer. Students love using the collections for deeper thinking and understanding of complex subjects, even at the primary school level.”

Sandra’s collections show how to present concepts, interact with data, experience the work of scientists, and more. She incorporates Harvard Project Zero thinking routines, graphics, and media. Check them out!

Sincerely,

Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access

Office Hours with Tess Porter
Digital Content Producer, Smithsonian Learning Lab

We’re listening! Just tune in on Tuesday afternoon for a chance to talk with one of our staff members. All questions welcome, we’re here to help you make the most of Learning Lab.

If you can't make it this week, no problem. We'll be available most Tuesdays starting in September! Check out the online schedule here.

“Becoming US” and Smithsonian Learning Lab
With the National Museum of American History
Tuesday, December 3, 2019, 6 to 7PM ET

"Constructing Curriculum with the Smithsonian”
—a special National Art Education Association Professional Learning Webinar
With the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Portrait Gallery
Wednesday, December 11, 2019, 7 to 8PM ET

Did you know that the Learning Lab has a built-in tool for generating a citation for any resource or collection? Just click on the Quotation Mark Button in the tool panel to copy a MLA, APA, or Chicago-formatted citation for the webapge you are viewing!

You received this newsletter because you created an account on the Smithsonian Learning Lab or registered at learninglab.si.edu. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you may unsubscribe from this list.

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Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access
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Washington, DC 20024

Produced in 2019 by the Smithsonian Institution.

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Hello Peter,

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, October 15, from 4–5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Tess Porter,
Digital Content Producer

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab’s tools and features? Just want to say “hello”?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can't make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Dear Peter,

If you are mentoring student research for National History Day (NHD), this issue of Bright Ideas is for you. But wait! Anyone who takes an interdisciplinary approach to teaching historical themes will find fresh ideas here—as well as digital resources you may not have encountered before.

Read the article to discover new collections for this year’s theme, Breaking Barriers in History, and the distinguished contributors who collaborated to create them. For example, learn how individuals and organizations fought to overcome barriers during the Reconstruction era. Your students will find fruitful research topics through portraits of more than 150 barrier-breakers in such fields as education, science, and the arts. And there’s more!

If you have questions about any of these materials, tune in any Tuesday from 4 to 5 pm Eastern, for live “office hours“ with our staff. We’re always happy to help and glad to meet you!

Sincerely,

Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access

Hello Peter,

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, October 22, from 4–5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Ashley Naranjo
Manager of Educator Engagement

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab’s tools and features? Just want to say “hello”?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can't make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Hello Peter,

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, October 29, from 4–5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Darren Milligan
Director, Smithsonian Learning Lab

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab’s tools and features? Just want to say “hello”?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can't make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Hello Peter,

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, November 5, from 4–5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Tess Porter
Digital Content Producer

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab’s tools and features? Just want to say “hello”?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can't make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Dear Peter,

When you think of the Smithsonian, do you hear music? Well, if you combined all of its musical resources, the Smithsonian would be the world’s largest museum of music! There are instruments, sheet music, recordings, scholarly and popular articles, documentation of the music of different cultures and parts of the world, and much more.

Here we highlight just a few of these resources during this, the Smithsonian Year of Music. For the youngest listeners, music takes them traveling. The next collections take students from the intersection of technology with popular music to the art gallery, featuring paintings with musical connections. Conclude your exploration with “music stories.”

Happy listening!

Sincerely,

Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access

Hello Peter,

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, November 12, from 4–5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Darren Milligan
Director, Smithsonian Learning Lab

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab’s tools and features? Just want to say “hello”?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can't make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Dear Peter,

Engage your students in exploring the American story with exciting new collections developed by the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The 1958 painting Walking reflects the cultural context and historical events of the Civil Rights Movement and the role of women as social activists. A building—the museum itself—offers a lesson in thermal energy transfer. Collection objects (e.g., photographs, medals, clothing) reveal the perspectives and experiences of enslaved and free African Americans during the Civil War.

Enrich your teaching with a free webinar featuring primary and secondary sources aimed to support media-savvy, critical thinkers.

Finally, if you are a STEM educator, apply to become a master teacher at the museum—no matter where you live.

Sincerely,

Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access

Finding too many Resources or Collections? Did you know that you can narrow down your search results? Click "Refine Search" just below the search bar at the top of the page to filter by type, subject, user, language, and more. The filters are unique for Resource searches and Collection searches. Give it a try!

Hi Peter,

Join our webinar tomorrow, December 3, at 6 pm ET, to find out about a new high school teaching resource from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

Becoming US: A New History Curriculum from Smithsonian

Tuesday, December 3, 2019
6:00PM ET

" Becoming US" is a new history curriculum that includes essential understandings, ten units, case studies, and Learning Lab collections! Discover how to give students a more accurate and inclusive migration and immigration story.

Hope to see you Tuesday!

Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access

Dear Peter,

Have you ever noticed who publishes the Learning Lab collections you find and use with your students? Under the title of each collection is the name of its author, often an educator at one of the Smithsonian museums. But classroom teachers have made thousands of collections too! They keep some collections private and publish others so that everyone who uses the Learning Lab can use them. This issue features four of these published collections made by teachers for their middle, high school, and community college students.

We hope seeing their work will inspire you to publish your own collections. Remember, you may revise or “unpublish” a collection at any time!

Now, “meet” these educators by clicking on their names, and delve into the creative ways they are using digital museum resources with students.

Sincerely,

Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access

Because you are a registered user of the Learning Lab, you have a profile page that organizes your collections. Make it useful to the Lab community too by adding the subjects you teach or study, or anything else about yourself you’d like to share. Just click on the Smithsonian sunburst in the upper right hand corner, choose "Profile" under My Learning Lab, then click the pencil icon to edit your profile.

Hello Peter,

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, December 10, from 4–5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Ashley Naranjo
Manager of Educator Engagement, Smithsonian Learning Lab

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab’s tools and features? Just want to say “hello”?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can't make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Hello Peter,

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, December 17, from 4–5PM ET for the last live online office hours of 2019.

Office Hours with Tess Porter
Digital Content Producer, Smithsonian Learning Lab

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab’s tools and features? Just want to say “hello”?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can't make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Hello Peter,

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, January 28, from 4–5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Darren Milligan
Senior Digital Strategist, Smithsonian Learning Lab

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab’s tools and features? Just want to say “hello”?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can't make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Hello Peter,

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, February 4, from 4–5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Tess Porter
Digital Content Producer, Smithsonian Learning Lab

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab’s tools and features? Just want to say “hello”?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can't make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Hi Peter,

Join our webinar on Tuesday, February 11, at 6 p.m. ET to find out about an interdisciplinary series of teacher-created collections aimed at supporting global thinking.

Global Thinking Across the Curriculum

Tuesday, February 11, 2020
6 p.m. ET

Learn interdisciplinary classroom-tested techniques that support culturally responsive teaching. Build students' skills to analyze, understand, and take action on issues of global importance. The webinar features educator-created resources from Museums Go Global, a project directed by the Professional Development Collaborative at Washington International School and generously supported by the Longview Foundation.

Presenters: Maria Fernanda Garcia, MacFarland Middle School (DC Public Schools); Aleah Myers, Theodore Roosevelt Senior High School (DC Public Schools); Jim Reese, Washington International School; and Tess Porter, Smithsonian Learning Lab.

Hope to see you Tuesday!

Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access

Hello Peter,

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, January 14, from 4–5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Ashley Naranjo
Manager of Educator Engagement, Smithsonian Learning Lab

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab’s tools and features? Just want to say “hello”?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can't make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Dear Peter,

Do your students sometimes ask what the subjects they are learning have to do with real life? Are you trying to prepare them to succeed in our increasingly interconnected world? If so, try out the collections in this issue. Teachers made them to teach for global competence. This approach has students apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary expertise to examine real issues, understand and appreciate others’ perspectives and effectively interact with others, and finally, take action.

If you are not familiar with this approach, start with Culturally Responsive Teaching: A Guide for Urban Educators. It includes an instructional framework and “try-its” to use as entry points for teachers. Then explore environmental issues through a collection on animal conservation and another that takes an interdisciplinary approach to environmental advocacy. Finally, consider the manifesto, a key element in many cultural and social movements. And check out several more teacher-created collections in the article.

For more global competence collections, search Smithsonian Learning Lab using #GoGlobal. And tune in for a webinar with educators who produced these lessons, on Tuesday, February 11 (6 PM ET): Global Thinking across the Curriculum.

Sincerely,

Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access

Hello Peter,

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, January 21, from 4–5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Tess Porter
Digital Content Producer, Smithsonian Learning Lab

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab’s tools and features? Just want to say “hello”?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can't make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Hello Peter,

Happy New Year!

Due to weather conditions in the DC area, Office Hours have been rescheduled to tomorrow, Wednesday, January 8.

You are invited to join us today, Wednesday, January 8, from 4–5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Tess Porter
Digital Content Producer, Smithsonian Learning Lab

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab’s tools and features? Just want to say “hello”?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can't make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Hello Peter,

Happy New Year!

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, January 7, from 4–5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Tess Porter
Digital Content Producer, Smithsonian Learning Lab

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab’s tools and features? Just want to say “hello”?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can't make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Hello Peter,

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, February 18, from 4–5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Ashley Naranjo
Manager of Educator Engagement, Smithsonian Learning Lab

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab’s tools and features? Just want to say “hello”?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can't make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Dear Peter,

Join us and your colleagues throughout the nation in this week's virtual PD and help sessions. Take just 30 minutes to discover new resources and techniques.

Visit Smithsonian Learning Lab at any time to find, adapt, and create learning resources and materials. We're always open and free of charge.

Warm regards,

The Smithsonian Learning Lab Team

Easy PZ with the Smithsonian: Engaging Students in Inquiry with Project Zero
Professional Development

Easy-to-use approaches to improving student thinking. Each 30-minute live webcast features artworks and objects explored with a Thinking Routine from Harvard's Project Zero, a Learning Lab collection, and supplemental readings and media.

This week we'll focus on building a culture of thinking in the classroom with museums.

Monday, May 11
1-1:30 pm ET
With Carole Geneix (Washington International School) and Sher Anderson (Seneca Valley High School, Montgomery County, MD Public Schools)
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

Wednesday, May 13
1-1:30 pm ET
With Becca Ljungren (National Air and Space Museum) and Julie Carmean (National Gallery of Art)
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

View recordings of past Easy PZ with the Smithsonian sessions and resources.

Social Studies Online/Smithsonian Estudios Sociales en L?nea
Professional Development

Explorations of key social studies topics hosted by the National Museum of American History. Each 30-minute live webcast is available in English and Spanish and includes Learning Lab resources. Participa en una exploraci?n en l?nea de temas clave en estudios sociales, presentando recursos de museos de la instituci?n Smithsonian.

Thursday, May 14
11 am ET
Whose stories do we tell and who gets to tell them?
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

Jueves, 14 de mayo
12 pm ET
?Las historias de quienes contamos y quienes las cuentan?
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

Online Office Hours
One-on-One Support

Need help finding a resource or using one of the Lab's tools and features? Chat with a Learning Lab educator live every Tuesday, 4-5 pm ET.

Tuesday, May 12
4 pm ET
Facilitator: Tess Porter, Digital Content Producer
Join Office Hours Here

?

Smithsonian Distance Learning Resources

Smithsonian Learning Lab maintains continually refreshed listings of Smithsonian digital resources, PD, and learning experiences, organized by audience. Within each grouping you'll find more detail on subjects, applicable standards, and grade levels.

• Educators (by standards of learning, national and District of Columbia)
• Caregivers and families
• Teens and tweens (self-paced)
• Lifelong learners

Dear Peter,

Works of art, historical objects, and photographs can give your distance instruction a compelling visual focus for students. Join our brief, targeted webinars to confidently incorporate museum resources into your practice.

With thanks for all you do for students,

The Smithsonian Learning Lab Team

Easy PZ with the Smithsonian: Engaging Students in Inquiry with Project Zero
Professional Development

Easy-to-use approaches to improving student thinking. Each 30-minute live webcast features artworks and objects explored with a Thinking Routine from Harvard's Project Zero, a Learning Lab collection, and supplemental readings and media.

This week, we'll focus on "Think / Puzzle / Explore," a routine that sets the stage for inquiry:

Monday, June 1
1-1:30 pm ET
With Sher Anderson Petty (Montgomery County Public Schools)
Focus: Student Inquiry
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

Wednesday, June 3
1-1:30 pm ET
With Carole Geneix (Washington International School)
Focus: Reflecting on Teaching over Distance
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

View recordings of past Easy PZ with the Smithsonian sessions and resources.

Social Studies Online/Smithsonian Estudios Sociales en L?nea
Professional Development

Explorations of key social studies topics hosted by the National Museum of American History. Each 30-minute live webcast is available in English and Spanish and includes Learning Lab resources. Participa en una exploraci?n en l?nea de temas clave en estudios sociales, presentando recursos de museos de la instituci?n Smithsonian.

Thursday, June 4
11 am ET
Do technological advances change history?
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

Jueves, 4 de Junio
12 pm ET
?Cambian la historia los avances tecnol?gicos?
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

Online Office Hours
One-on-One Support

Need help finding a resource or using one of the Lab's tools and features? Chat with a Learning Lab educator live every Tuesday, 4-5 pm ET.

Tuesday, June 2
4 pm ET
Facilitator: Tess Porter, Digital Content Producer
Join Office Hours Here

?

Smithsonian Distance Learning Resources

Smithsonian Learning Lab maintains continually refreshed listings of Smithsonian digital resources, PD, and learning experiences, organized by audience. Within each grouping you'll find more detail on subjects, applicable standards, and grade levels.

• Educators (by standards of learning, national and District of Columbia)
• Caregivers and families
• Teens and tweens (self-paced)
• Lifelong learners

Dear Peter,

We launched the Smithsonian Learning Lab in June 2016 based on years of research with teachers who wanted to discover and engage with the Smithsonian's rich resources. To continue the process of continual improvement and make sure we are addressing your needs, we are requesting your feedback in a short survey, which should take about five to ten minutes to complete. Please be candid, knowing that all responses will be kept anonymous.

Take the survey here.

NOTE: All responses will be anonymous and no personally identifiable information will be collected. This survey is voluntary, and you may stop at any time without penalty. If you have any questions about the project please feel free to contact Pino Monaco, Associate Director for Program Evaluation, Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey about your experience with the Smithsonian Learning Lab.

The Smithsonian Learning Lab Team

Dear Peter,

Teachers, we know how important it is to have flexible options for building your teaching toolbox, so we co-developed an opportunity to learn from home with four Smithsonian museums. Enroll in our free, self-paced, Interdisciplinary Teaching with Museum Objects course and join a global, online community of educators in an immersive exploration of teaching with artwork and artifacts.

Participants will discover how to teach with museum resources to engage students in deeper thinking and support content learning across disciplines. They''ll also learn to use the Smithsonian Learning Lab to curate personal digital resource collections and share lesson ideas with a new network of colleagues. Museum educators will explore interdisciplinary connections and model teaching strategies that participants can implement with their students, whether online or in the classroom.

This self-paced course is a re-imagining of the Smithsonian Summer Sessions professional development series held synchronously in July 2020.

Course Instructors:
Educators from these Smithsonian organizations will lead the course:

• National Museum of African American History and Culture
• National Museum of American History
• National Portrait Gallery
• Smithsonian American Art Museum
• Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access

Teachers of all subjects and grades are welcome.

Click here to learn more and enroll in Interdisciplinary Teaching with Museum Objects via edX. ?

Sincerely,

The Smithsonian Learning Lab Team

Hello Peter,

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, March 24, from 4-5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Ashley Naranjo
Manager of Educator Engagement, Smithsonian Learning Lab

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab's tools and features? Just want to say "hello"?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can''t make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Hello Peter,

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, March 31, from 4-5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Darren Milligan
Senior Digital Strategist, Smithsonian Learning Lab

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab's tools and features? Just want to say "hello"?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can''t make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Dear Peter,

We are writing to let you know that the Smithsonian Learning Lab will be unavailable for planned system maintenance beginning tomorrow, Sunday, June 14, at 4 PM ET.

We will strive to minimize the downtime and hope this will not inconvenience you too greatly.

We will update @SmithsonianLab on Twitter with more specific details.

The Smithsonian Learning Lab Team

Hi Peter,

You are invited to join us Monday, March 9, from 7-8PM ET, for a social studies Twitter chat.

Social Studies (#SSChat)
Twitter Chat
with Ashley Naranjo
Manager of Educator Engagement
Smithsonian Learning Lab

We will be guest moderating a free Twitter chat for Social Studies teachers (#SSChat) across the country, highlighting American Women's History in the classroom.

#SSChat is a participant driven discussion group for social studies educators. #SSChat partners with guest hosts, like the Smithsonian, to lead the conversation and you can participate simply by following along on Twitter.

Take a minute to tune in and share your responses.

See you online!

Dear Peter,

We launched the Smithsonian Learning Lab in June 2016 based on years of research with teachers who wanted to discover and engage with the Smithsonian's rich resources. To continue the process of continual improvement and make sure we are addressing your needs, we are requesting your feedback in a short survey, which should take about five to ten minutes to complete. Please be candid, knowing that all responses will be kept anonymous.

Take the survey here.

NOTE: All responses will be anonymous and no personally identifiable information will be collected. This survey is voluntary, and you may stop at any time without penalty. If you have any questions about the project please feel free to contact Pino Monaco, Associate Director for Program Evaluation, Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey about your experience with the Smithsonian Learning Lab.

The Smithsonian Learning Lab Team

Hello Peter,

We are writing today with a quick note to let you know we are still working on the system maintenance and updates we contacted you about earlier this week. We hope to have the Learning Lab back up and running soon.

We will update @SmithsonianLab on Twitter with more specific details.

The Smithsonian Learning Lab Team

Dear Peter,

Smithsonian Learning Lab is open 24/7, always available for you to find, adapt, and create learning resources and materials.

Here are the week's virtual PD and help sessions (and notable new resources). Look for a Smithsonian Learning Lab email in your inbox every week.

With best wishes for your health and safety,

The Smithsonian Learning Lab Team

Easy PZ with the Smithsonian: Engaging Students in Inquiry with Project Zero
Professional Development

Easy-to-use approaches to improving student thinking. Each 30-minute live webcast features artworks and objects explored with a Thinking Routine from Harvard's Project Zero, a Learning Lab collection, and supplemental readings and media.

This week: How to use thinking routines when reading with young children. The feature story is "The Three Billy Goats Gruff."

Monday, May 4
1-1:30 pm ET
With Georgina Ardalan (District of Columbia Public Schools)
PZ routine: See, Think, Wonder
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

Wednesday, May 6
1-1:30 pm ET
With Georgina Ardalan (District of Columbia Public Schools)
PZ routines: See, Think, Wonder and Think, Feel, Care
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

View recordings of past Easy PZ with the Smithsonian sessions and resources.

Social Studies Online
Professional Development

Explorations of key social studies topics with educators from across the Smithsonian, hosted by the National Museum of American History. Each 30-minute live webcast is available in English and Spanish and includes Learning Lab resources.

Thursday, May 7
11 am ET
How is power gained, used, justified, and revoked?
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

Participa en una exploraci?n en l?nea de temas clave en estudios sociales, presentando recursos de museos de la instituci?n Smithsonian.

Jueves, 7 de mayo
12 noon ET
?C?mo se gana, usa, justifica y revoca el poder?
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

Online Office Hours
One-on-One Support

Need help finding a resource or using one of the Lab's tools and features? Chat with a Learning Lab educator live every Tuesday, 4-5 pm ET.

Tuesday, May 5
4 pm ET
Facilitator: Darren Milligan, Senior Digital Strategist
Join Office Hours Here

?

Smithsonian Distance Learning Resources

Smithsonian Learning Lab maintains continually refreshed listings of Smithsonian digital resources, PD, and learning experiences, organized by audience. Within each grouping you'll find more detail on subjects, applicable standards, and grade levels.

• Educators (by standards of learning, national and District of Columbia)
• Caregivers and families
• Teens and tweens (self-paced)
• Lifelong learners

Dear Peter,

We are writing to let you know that the Smithsonian Learning Lab will be unavailable for planned system maintenance beginning Friday, June 26, at 9 PM ET.

We will strive to minimize the downtime and hope this will not inconvenience you too greatly.

We will update @SmithsonianLab on Twitter with more specific details.

The Smithsonian Learning Lab Team

Dear Peter,

Do you miss talking with your colleagues about instructional strategies and best practices? If so, join one of our friendly online PD sessions!

Smithsonian and classroom educators co-host these focused demonstrations/ discussions, so wherever you are, you'll feel right at home. See you then!

With best regards,

The Smithsonian Learning Lab Team

Easy PZ with the Smithsonian: Engaging Students in Inquiry with Project Zero
Professional Development

Easy-to-use approaches to improving student thinking. Each 30-minute live webcast features artworks and objects explored with a Thinking Routine from Harvard's Project Zero, a Learning Lab collection, and supplemental readings and media.

This week, we'll focus on "Unveiling Stories" and culturally responsive teaching:

Monday, May 18
1-1:30 pm ET
With Maria Fernanda Garcia (District of Columbia Public Schools)
Focus: Building Culturally Responsive Teaching Practice
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

Wednesday, May 20
1-1:30 pm ET
With Maria Fernanda Garcia (District of Columbia Public Schools)
Focus: Using Culturally Responsive Teaching with Students
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

View recordings of past Easy PZ with the Smithsonian sessions and resources.

Social Studies Online/Smithsonian Estudios Sociales en L?nea
Professional Development

Explorations of key social studies topics hosted by the National Museum of American History. Each 30-minute live webcast is available in English and Spanish and includes Learning Lab resources. Participa en una exploraci?n en l?nea de temas clave en estudios sociales, presentando recursos de museos de la instituci?n Smithsonian.

Thursday, May 21
11 am ET
What happens when cultures collide?
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

Jueves, 21 de mayo
12 pm ET
?Qu? ocurre cuando dos culturas chocan?
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

Online Office Hours
One-on-One Support

Need help finding a resource or using one of the Lab's tools and features? Chat with a Learning Lab educator live every Tuesday, 4-5 pm ET.

Tuesday, May 19
4 pm ET
Facilitator: Tess Porter, Digital Content Producer
Join Office Hours Here

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Smithsonian Distance Learning Resources

Smithsonian Learning Lab maintains continually refreshed listings of Smithsonian digital resources, PD, and learning experiences, organized by audience. Within each grouping you'll find more detail on subjects, applicable standards, and grade levels.

• Educators (by standards of learning, national and District of Columbia)
• Caregivers and families
• Teens and tweens (self-paced)
• Lifelong learners

Dear Peter,

Today, the Smithsonian is launching the first of a #SmithsonianEdu monthly challenge series, with open-ended activity prompts for families to participate in at home. Each monthly challenge will include a prompt for sparking creativity. Are you up to the challenge?

This month, we're highlighting exhibit design with Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum and museum educators across the Smithsonian. Learn how museum teams think about objects and the stories they tell, then create your own mini exhibit from items you have at home.

Create a mini-exhibit with household items categorized by a theme, take a photo, and share it with us. It just may end up in our featured photo gallery! We're looking forward to seeing what you create!

Sincerely,

The Smithsonian Learning Lab Team

Hello Peter,

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, March 3, from 4-5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Darren Milligan
Senior Digital Strategist, Smithsonian Learning Lab

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab's tools and features? Just want to say "hello"?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can''t make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Hello Peter,

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, February 25, from 4-5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Tess Porter
Digital Content Producer, Smithsonian Learning Lab

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab's tools and features? Just want to say "hello"?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can''t make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Dear Peter,

The Smithsonian is committed to supporting caregivers, teachers, and their students around the globe as we navigate unprecedented new learning challenges in the face of a global pandemic.

We have prepared a Distance Learning Resources Guide to consolidate resources from across the Smithsonian and will continue, over the coming days and weeks, to add new relevant teaching and enrichment resources to it, including high tech, low tech, and technology-free activities. The Guide currently aligns Smithsonian resources to the Washington, D.C., K-8 curriculum and provides recommendations for families as well as self-directed learning by tweens and teens. In the days ahead will share recommended resources for nationwide educational needs (and we will notify you again once those are available).

As you already know, as a Learning Lab registered user, the Lab makes millions of free, high quality, digital resources from across the Smithsonian''s museums, research centers, libraries, archives, and more, available to you every day, all day. In addition to these resources, thousands of educator-created collections are available to help you locate and use our resources in ways that make sense for you. These pre-packaged collections contain lessons, activities, and recommended resources made by Smithsonian museum educators as well as thousands of classroom teachers like you. Each of them can be used as-is, or copied and modified to better suit your needs.

If you are looking for a refresher on using the Learning Lab, download our new Getting Started Guide here.

The Learning Lab team is available to support your discovery and use of these materials now and into the future through training, office hours, and models of best practice. We are expanding opportunities for you to connect directly to us for realtime guidance, discussion, and support, including adding additional dates to our weekly digital office hours schedule.

If you have a specific question or need, Smithsonian educators are standing by to help you. Email us at learning@si.edu or Tweet us using the #SmithsonainEdu tag, and we will connect you directly to the most appropriate educator.

We offer each of you our wishes for the health and safety of you and your families.

Most sincerely,

The Smithsonian Learning Lab Team

Hello Peter,

You are invited to join us today, Tuesday, March 10, from 4-5PM ET for live online office hours.

Office Hours with Ashley Naranjo
Manager of Educator Engagement, Smithsonian Learning Lab

Have a burning question for the Learning Lab team? Need help finding a digital museum resource or using one of the Lab's tools and features? Just want to say "hello"?

Take a minute to tune in to our free Q&A. Drop by anytime between 4 and 5!

If you can''t make it this week, no problem. We are available most Tuesdays! Check out the schedule here.

See you soon!

Dear Peter,

Smithsonian Learning Lab is open 24/7, always available for you to find, adapt, and create learning resources and materials. Now we are creating new ways to connect with and support you. This weekly message lets you know about free virtual PD and help sessions (and notable new resources), at a glance.

Look for a Smithsonian Learning Lab email in your inbox each week. We hope you and yours are staying healthy and safe.

Most sincerely,

The Smithsonian Learning Lab Team

Easy PZ with the Smithsonian: Engaging Students in Inquiry with Project Zero
Professional Development

Easy-to-use approaches to improve student thinking. Each 30-minute live webcast features artworks and objects explored with a Thinking Routine from Harvard's Project Zero. Each session includes a Learning Lab collection with supplemental readings and media.

Monday, April 20 1-1:30 pm ET
"Sports Heroes"
PZ routine: See, Wonder, Connect
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

Wednesday, April 22 1-1:30 pm ET
"Conservation Stories: Human Impact on the Environment"
PZ routine: See, Wonder, Connect
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

View recordings of past Easy PZ with the Smithsonian sessions and resources.

Social Studies Online
Professional Development

Explorations of key social studies topics with educators from across the Smithsonian, hosted by the National Museum of American History. Each 30-minute live webcast is available in English and Spanish and includes Learning Lab resources.

Wednesday, April 22 11-11:30 am ET
"What is our moral obligation during times of crisis?"
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

Thursday, April 23 11--11:30 am ET
"What is our moral obligation during times of crisis?"
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

NUEVO! Smithsonian Estudios Sociales en L?nea
Desarrollo profesional

Participa en una exploraci?n en l?nea de temas clave en estudios sociales, presentando recursos de museos de la instituci?n Smithsonian.

Mi?rcoles 22 de abril 12-12:30 pm ET
"?Cu?l es nuestra obligaci?n moral durante tiempos de crisis?"
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

Jueves 23 de abril 12-12:30 pm ET
"?Cu?l es nuestra obligaci?n moral durante tiempos de crisis?"
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

Online Office Hours
One-on-One Support

Need help finding a resource or using one of the Lab's tools and features? Chat with a Learning Lab educator live every Tuesday, 4-5 pm ET.

Tuesday, April 21 4 pm ET
Facilitator: Ashley Naranjo, Manager of Educator Engagement
Join the Webinar Here

?

Smithsonian Distance Learning Resources

Smithsonian Learning Lab maintains continually refreshed listings of Smithsonian digital resources, PD, and learning experiences, organized by audience. Within each grouping you'll find more detail on subjects, applicable standards, and grade levels.

• Educators (by standards of learning, national and District of Columbia)
• Caregivers and families
• Teens and tweens (self-paced)
• Lifelong learners

Dear Peter,

Smithsonian Learning Lab is open 24/7, always available for you to find, adapt, and create learning resources and materials.

Here are the week's virtual PD and help sessions (and notable new resources), at a glance. Look for a Smithsonian Learning Lab email in your inbox every week.

With best wishes for your health and safety,

The Smithsonian Learning Lab Team

How to Discover, Create, and Share in Smithsonian Learning Lab
Interactive Training

Get more from the Learning Lab with this orientation to its features and functions.

Thursday, April 30
2-3 pm ET
Presenter: Tess Porter, Digital Content Producer
Join the Webinar on YouTube
Join the Webinar on Facebook

Easy PZ with the Smithsonian: Engaging Students in Inquiry with Project Zero
Professional Development

Easy-to-use approaches to improve student thinking. Each 30-minute live webcast features artworks and objects explored with a Thinking Routine from Harvard's Project Zero, a Learning Lab collection, and supplemental readings and media.

Monday, April 27
1-1:30 pm ET
With Jaime Chao Mignano
(Washington International School)
PZ routines: Zoom In and Design Hunt
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

Wednesday, April 29
1-1:30 pm ET
With Jaime Chao Mignano (Washington International School)
PZ routines: Zoom In and Voice and Choice
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

View recordings of past Easy PZ with the Smithsonian sessions and resources.

Social Studies Online
Professional Development

Explorations of key social studies topics with educators from across the Smithsonian, hosted by the National Museum of American History. Each 30-minute live webcast is available in English and Spanish and includes Learning Lab resources.

Thursday, April 30
11:00 am ET
Who are ''We, the People''?
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

Participa en una exploraci?n en l?nea de temas clave en estudios sociales, presentando recursos de museos de la instituci?n Smithsonian.

Jueves, 30 de abril
12:00 pm ET
?Qui?n es 'Nosotros, el Pueblo'?
Learning Lab Collection
Join the Webinar Here

Online Office Hours
One-on-One Support

Need help finding a resource or using one of the Lab's tools and features? Chat with a Learning Lab educator live every Tuesday, 4-5 pm ET.

This week's special guests: the designers behind a new online game, "Secrets of the Sea," which explores a coral reef's hidden treasures. They'll answer questions about the interactive, the types of skills they use to do their work, and what it's like designing interactives and games for the Smithsonian. Open to everyone, including students. Come with questions!

Tuesday, April 28
4 pm ET
Facilitator: Tess Porter, Digital Content Producer
Guests: Cody Coltharp, Digital Interactive Designer, Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access, and Drew Robarge, Museum Specialist, National Museum of American History
Join the Webinar Here

?

Smithsonian Distance Learning Resources

Smithsonian Learning Lab maintains continually refreshed listings of Smithsonian digital resources, PD, and learning experiences, organized by audience. Within each grouping you'll find more detail on subjects, applicable standards, and grade levels.

• Educators (by standards of learning, national and District of Columbia)
• Caregivers and families
• Teens and tweens (self-paced)
• Lifelong learners