Human Origins Educational Laboratory

Daniel Kim/© AMNH
The Human Origins Educational Lab is open on Saturdays and Sundays, 12–5 pm.

Learn how humans compare to other species, how we've changed over time, and what makes us unique—the evidence may surprise you! 

In this learning lab, designed for ages 8 and up, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the latest discoveries in human evolution, handle fossil casts, look through a microscope, and more.

What You Can Do in the Human Origins Educational Lab

Educators will offer a variety of activities for visitors each day, and new activities are being developed for Fall 2024. On your visit, you may be able to:

  • See and touch casts of the most recent fossil discoveries in human evolution including Homo nalediHomo floresiensisAustralopithecus sediba, and Ardipithecus ramidus
  • Examine 3D scans of key fossil hominins, including Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis), Turkana boy (Homo ergaster), and The Taung Child (Australopithecus africanus)
  • Hold an early stone tool and determine how our early relatives created and used these tools to hunt and survive in their environments
  • Investigate the structure and function of the brain and DNA through hands-on activities

Plan Your Visit

  • The Hall of Human Origins Educational Lab is located on the 1st floor, in the Spitzer Hall of Human Origins.
  • Admission is included with any admission to the Museum.
  • Drop-in hours are on Saturday and Sunday, 12–5 pm.

Learn More

To stay up to date on new offerings in the Hall of Human Origins Education Lab, sign up for our Family Programs Newsletter.                                                              

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