The Smithsonian Science Education Center is a nationally and internationally trusted source in science education. Our work meets the needs of a changing educational landscape through our mission of transforming K-12 education through science, in collaboration with communities across the globe.
The need for stronger science education is clear and urgent. In the United States, only 22% of high school graduates are proficient in science, and international results show students are emerging from school with low interest in science. The Center’s inquiry-based approach seeks to reverse these trends by accelerating learning for all students and closing gaps for at-risk students.
Through our learning resources—such as our Smithsonian Science for the Classroom curriculum, Smithsonian Science Stories literacy series and our Smithsonian Science for Global Goals community research guides for youth—the Center leverages the Smithsonian’s unparalleled network of scientists and vast collection of scientific artifacts to inspire inquiry and problem solving. We help students apply what they learn to explain scientific phenomena and engineer solutions to real world problems.
A gift to the Smithsonian Science Education Center enables us to open pathways to new knowledge for students by: building a national program to recognize and support world-class science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in schools; expanding programs to ensure all students and teachers are included in STEM opportunities and recognize themselves in STEM; and creating tools to support educators as they teach about socio-scientific issues and emerging technologies. In addition, a named endowment of our two education chairs will ensure your legacy in transforming K-12 education through Smithsonian science.
Your donation ensures that all young people get the high-quality science education they deserve and are prepared to be the next generation of innovators, scientists and engineers.