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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 bring together resources from across the Smithsonian to support initiative and curiosity, language and communication, and exploration and discovery in Head Start classrooms nationwide!
Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian 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 Head Start ELOF standards.
Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian is funded in part by the Jeff Bezos gift to the National Air and Space Museum.
Celebrate Head Start's 58th Birthday!
Happy Birthday, Head Start!
Pinky's coming to the Zoo for a very special party with all of her favorite animal friends! Are you ready to join us and party like a flock star?
Standards: Supports Head Start ELOF Goals P-SCI-1; P-SCI-2; P-SCI-3
Prep Your Party Hat!
It's not a party without a birthday hat! Make a Smithsonian-inspired birthday hat for your class or family to wear as you watch the party! What Smithsonian treasures will you choose for your hat?
Why are Flamingos Pink?
Lots of Head Start friends asked this question during our birthday party! Let's do an experiment together to figure out the answer!
Past Programs (Recorded)
Join the Elephant Herd
Ready to walk, talk, and play like an elephant? Let's learn how with the Zoo's Asian elephants! Don't miss your chance to do the hokey pokey with Rani the elephant!
Standards: Supports Head Start ELOF Goals P-SCI-1; P-SCI-2; P-SCI-3
Cats of All Kinds
What do all cats have in common and what makes each of them unique? Let's pounce like a tiger, roar like a lion, and run like a cheetah as we learn about cats of all kinds at the Zoo! Don't miss the special visit from Cheese and Olly the bobcats and Nikita the tiger!
Standards: Supports Head Start ELOF Goals P-SCI-1; P-SCI-2; P-SCI-3
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
Head Start Asks...
Head Start Asks the Smithsonian
Head Start classrooms nationwide asked us their questions about cats of all kinds. How loud is a lion's roar? Do big cats chase butterflies? Let's find out the answers with educators from across the Smithsonian!