Human Origins Learning Lab

Daniel Kim/© AMNH 

Visit for activities about biomechanics of the human body, part of the World Cup, World Cultures series, through January 3, 2027.

The Human Origins Learning Lab is open for drop-in on Saturdays and Sundays, 12–5 pm, and weekdays for field trips only.

Drop-in Visits | Book a Field Trip

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.

An adult leans over to help two seated children with a hands-on project involving tools and mammal bone casts. Daniel Kim/© AMNH 
An adolescent looks through a microscope on a table with an adult standing nearby and chidlren in the background listening to an adult. Daniel Kim/© AMNH 

What You Can Do in the Human Origins Learning Lab

Educators will offer a variety of activities for visitors each day. On your visit, you may be able to:

  • See and touch casts of the most recent fossil discoveries in human evolution including Homo naledi, Homo floresiensis, Australopithecus 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

Drop-In Hours

  • The Hall of Human Origins Learning 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.

Field Trips

Explore the fascinating study of humanity with your students in the Human Origins Learning Lab. School-year offerings include New York State standard-aligned, inquiry-based 90-minute lab activities, which provide students with authentic experiences in anthropology and evolutionary science. 

Field trips are offered Wednesday through Friday and run from 11 am–12:30 pm. 

  • The cost per session is $325. 
  • Maximum class size is 30 students.

Grades 7-8: Identifying Fossil Skulls

  • In this hands-on lab activity, students will explore how scientists classify living things by collecting evidence from fossil skulls to reconstruct the human family tree. 

Grades 9-10: Analyzing Ancient DNA 

  • In this hands-on lab activity, students will simulate the process of preparing and identifying ancient DNA, while considering practical limitations.

Grades 11-12: Forensic Anthropology 

  • In this hands-on lab activity, students will apply forensic anthropology techniques to identify the age, sex, stature, and body mass of skeletal casts, while reflecting on the practical applications of anthropological studies.

Find out about other field trips that are available, and get detailed information on the booking process, or call 212-769-5200, 9 am–5 pm, to reserve.

Learn More

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

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