How do Gray seals, California sea lions, and other animals stay comfortable in different weather and habitats? Join the National Zoo and the National Air and Space Museum to learn about adaptations that animals... and humans use to survive in different climates.

Content Unit:

Weather and Space

Smithsonian Partners:

National Air and Space Museum, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center

Standards:

Supports Head Start ELOF Goals P-SCI-1; P-SCI-2; P-SCI-3

Classroom Resources: Weather and Space Unit

An abstract artwork made up of small rectangles forming columns that are repeated over and over again. Each column uses a new bright color.

Nature Stamp Painting

Look outside your window and get inspired by the colors and patterns of nature! Use this lesson by the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden to explore seasonal changes, such as flowers blooming in springtime or autumn leaves falling.

Resource Description:

  • Type: Interactive Lesson and Art Activity
  • Time: 30+ Minutes
  • Best for Ages: 3+
Nature Stamp Painting
Pinky Jackalope and Nick the Music Man with Magnifying Glass

Music Playlist

Put on your dancing shoes!  Find all the songs you loved from the program, plus more songs from Nick the Music Man about weather and space inspired by Do Sea Lions Wear Sunglasses.

Music Playlist
An image is split in half. On the left is a photograph of a brown speckled seal lying on a rock while looking up to the camera. On the right is a photograph of a white space suit complete with a helmet, gloves, and boots.

Explore Weather with Astronaut Suits and Seals

Launch into space fully protected and ready to explore your new surroundings with a custom-made astronaut helmet from the National Air and Space Museum and the National Zoo!

Resource Description:

  • Type: Interactive Lesson and Activities
  • Time: 30+ Minutes
  • Best for Ages: 3+
Astronauts and Seals
A cartoon image of a bright yellow sun with mustard or gold colored rays.

Explore the Sun

Discover the sun and what sunny weather looks like and feels like! This resource is created and provided by the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center.

Resource Description:

  • Type: Activity Suggestions
  • Time: 10+ Minutes
  • Best for Ages: 2+
The Sun
A cartoon graphic of a blue/grey raincloud.

Explore Rain and Clouds

Discover what rain and clouds look like and feel like! How do these two things go together? This resource is created and provided by the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center.

Resource Description:

  • Type: Activity Suggestions
  • Time: 10+ Minutes
  • Best for Ages: 2+
Rain and Clouds
Two seals shown in profile touch noises.

Make Your Own Seal Mask

Pretend to be a seal swimming in the water by making and wearing your own seal mask brought to you by the National Zoo!

Resource Description:

  • Type: Arts and Crafts
  • Project Time: 15+ Minutes
  • Adult Supervision: Required
  • Best for Ages: 4+
Make Your Own Sea Lion Mask
A woman smiles while wearing a paper bag astronaut helmet in front of a bright yellow background.

Make Your Own Astronaut Helmet

Launch into space fully protected and ready to explore your new surroundings with a custom-made astronaut helmet brought to you by the National Air and Space Museum!

Resource Description:

  • Type: Arts and Crafts
  • Project Time: 15+ Minutes
  • Adult Supervision: Required
  • Best for Ages: 4+
Make Your Own Astronaut Helmet

Letter to Caregiver

Learn about what your Head Start cuties experienced at the NHSA and Zoo in the Classroom program!

Carta para el tutor

¡Descubra lo que sus estudiantes de Head Start aprendieron en el programa NHSA y Zoo in the Classroom!

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