Live Programs and Classroom Resources
Bring the Smithsonian into your preschool or Head Start classroom! We explore popular Pre-K themes like colors, foods, homes, and more with live virtual field trips to the National Zoo and fun classroom activities.
Each 30-minute virtual field trip features music, movement, and amazing animals to introduce these topics. Then extend the learning with playful, easy-to-use activities from across the Smithsonian that meet early learning standards.
Upcoming Programs
Fancy Food
What do animals eat? What do humans eat? Are animal diets and human diets similar, different, or both? Explore the answers to these questions with Pinky Jackalope and various Smithsonian museums including the National Zoo, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, and more!
Food
National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History
Healthy Teeth
Why do animals need teeth? How do they use their teeth? And how do they keep them healthy just like we do?
Teeth
Supports Head Start ELOF Goals
Colorful Creatures
What animals are colorful and why?
Color
Supports Head Start ELOF Goals P-SCI-1; P-SCI-2; P-SCI-3
Let's Celebrate!
Help us celebrate Head Start's 60th birthday by throwing a party with different Zoo animals!
Celebrations
Supports Head Start ELOF Goals
Recorded Programs and Resources
Home Builders
How and why do animals and humans create a safe and comfortable home for themselves and their families?
Home
Supports Head Start ELOF Goal P-SE 11; Goal IT-SE 13
National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History
Our Bodies and the Five Senses
How do the animals at our Kids' Farm keep their bodies healthy year-round?
Our Bodies and the Five Senses
National Portrait Gallery
Supports Head Start ELOF Goals P-SCI-1; P-SCI-2; P-SCI-3
Do Sea Lions Wear Sunglasses?
How do animals stay comfortable in different weather and habitats?
Weather and Space
National Air and Space Museum, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center
Supports Head Start ELOF Goals P-SCI-1; P-SCI-2; P-SCI-3
Me, You, and Elephants, Too!
Join the herd as we learn about identity and community with our Asian elephants!
Identity and Community
National Postal Museum, National Museum of American History, National Portrail Gallery, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Supports Head Start ELOF Goals P-SCI-1; P-SCI-2; P-SCI-3
Pre-Math With Cheetahs
Counting with colorful creatures is the best way to learn pre-math concepts!
Early Math Concepts
National Museum of American History, National Air and Space Museum, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
ELOF P-SCI-1; P-SCI-2; P-SCI-3
Happy Bird-Day, Head Start!
Celebrate Head Start's birthday with the flock-stars of the National Zoo: the flamingos! But wait, where's Pinky? Can you help us find her in the Zoo?
Elephant March
Can elephants do yoga? What about the hokey-pokey? Join in the fun with the National Zoo's Asian elephants.
Cats of All Kinds
Lions, tigers, spots, and stripes. Meet the cats of the National Zoo!
Small Mammal Sing-Along
What makes a mammal a mammal? Sherman the armadillo and Manny the tamandua help us sing, dance, and play as we learn!
Featured Resources
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!