The National Building Museum welcomes school groups of all ages for programs led by our professional education staff. We also provide schools and educators with training and learning opportunities to bring the built environment into the classroom.
Explore the Museum independently or through guided activities.
Grades PreK–1
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Grades 2–4
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Grades 5–9
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Grades 10–12
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Homeschool
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CityVision is a multi-visit program for students from middle schools in the fall and spring semester. Students spend one full school day for six weeks at the Museum, working with Museum staff as well as volunteer professionals and university students in the fields of architecture, urban planning, or education. They work in studio teams to explore D.C., develop creative solutions to addresses community needs, and defend their designs to a panel of professionals.
Teacher Appreciation Night
Wednesday, August 7, 6-9 pm
Join us for the Lawn Late Night to learn about our teacher resources and meet other educators. Teachers and administrators at D.C.-area schools get free admission to this late night.
Evicted Teaching Guide
Developed in conjunction with the Museum’s 2019 exhibition Evicted, this teaching guide provides tools and resources to engage 6th – 12th grade students in analyzing, discussing, and proposing solutions to the complex social issue of eviction in the United States. The guide includes background information from the exhibition and a format for facilitating open collaborative inquiry that can be applied to other topics.
Download a printable version of the teaching guide (PDF) Coming Soon
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St. Elizabeths Teaching Guide
Developed in conjunction with the Museum’s 2018 exhibition Architecture of an Asylum: St. Elizabeths 1852-2017 this teacher guide includes historical information and activities that focus on understanding the connection between a space’s design and how people use and interact in it. Students analyze primary sources like historical photographs, maps, and architectural drawings to research the theory of moral treatment and architecture to treat mental illness at St. Elizabeths.
Download the lesson plan (PDF)
Download the images and resources (PDF)
This teaching guide was generously supported by the General Services Administration.
Teaching Kits for Schools
The Museum’s boxed teaching kits include multi-lesson curriculum units, resources, and materials for analyzing the built world in your classroom. They are available for sale through the Museum Shop.
Bridge Basics (grades 5-9) uses bridge engineering and design as vehicles for exploring and solving problems.
Green Community (grades 5-8) provides a comprehensive approach to studying green, sustainable communities.
Designing for Disaster (grades 7-9) teaches students about the tools design professionals employ to limit the impact of natural disasters on structures, communities, and people.