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Now more than ever, we need your support. Make a donation to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute today!
Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian
The National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is proud to partner with the National Head Start Association to produce world-class programs and activities that connect young children in Head Start classrooms nationwide to animals, nature, and science. This innovative project brings together resources from across the Smithsonian to support initiative and curiosity, language and communication, and exploration and discovery!
The Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian project combines live virtual field trips to the Zoo with wrap-around activities and resources that encourage early STEAM learning through play.
- Learn more about our high-energy, music and movement based virtual field trips and register for upcoming programs at "NHSA and Zoo in the Classroom."
- Find activities that support each of the field trip themes, developed by early educators from across the Smithsonian to support key early learning goals and standards.
Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian is funded in part by the Jeff Bezos gift to the National Air and Space Museum. The program is a collaboration with the National Head Start Association.
Join Us Live!
Cats of All Kinds
January 19 at 2 p.m. EDT
Pounce like a tiger; roar like a lion; run like a cheetah! Meet some very special furry friends and learn about different kinds of cats from around the world!
Grades: Preschool; Young Children
Standards: Supports Head Start ELOF Goals P-SCI-1; P-SCI-2; P-SCI-3
Past Programs (Recorded)
Small Mammal Sing-Along
What is a mammal? Manny the tamandua and Sherman the armadillo teach us that mammals have hair and drink milk, but also love to learn, play, and even do crafts, just like their Head Start friends!
Standards: Supports Head Start ELOF Goals P-SCI-1; P-SCI-2; P-SCI-3
Panda-Versary!
Celebrate 50 years of giant pandas at the Zoo with music, movement, and a playful conversation with giant panda keepers designed to inspire the next generation of panda scientists!
Standards: Supports Head Start ELOF Goals P-SCI-1; P-SCI-2; P-SCI-3
Fun at the Farm
Zoo educators celebrated the Lunar New Year with music, movement and some amazing animal guests! Explore the "playgrounds" of the animals on the Kid's Farm and help us solve the mystery of the 2022 lunar new year animal.
Standards: Supports Head Start ELOF Goals P-SCI-1; P-SCI-2; P-SCI-3