Nature Museum programs support locally-based, rigorous and accessible science experiences centered in real-world, curiosity-driven learning.
The Nature Museum’s education programs reach over 400 classrooms and 150 schools each year with locally relevant science by leveraging the museum’s current, real-world science—including preserved specimens, live animals, and our scientists’ conservation work.
Through in- and out-of-school time opportunities for students and teachers throughout Chicago, museum educators make a lasting impact through whole-child learning approaches that build knowledge, skills, interest, and enthusiasm for STEM topics. Education programs are founded in a student-driven and inquiry-based approach to connecting our audiences to authentically interdisciplinary nature and science phenomena. These approaches are founded in cooperative learning models that support positive social and emotional learning and building STEM identities.

School Partnership Programs
Support rigorous and accessible science teaching and learning with one of these on-going and multi-touchpoint program models.

In-School Programs
Bring the Nature Museum to your school for engaging and inquiry-based science learning.

Out-of-School Time Programs
Discover ways to engage your learners with out-of-school time programming.

Field Trips
Spark wonder and curiosity with locally relevant real-world learning opportunities by taking a field trip.

Teacher Professional Development
Build your comfort and confidence with science teaching best practices with Nature Museum support.

Parent, Caregiver, and Teacher Resources
Engage your school community through workshops that give teachers and caregivers tools to support their children’s success in school and beyond.