The Science and Nature Program

Part of Children & Families

Museum educators gather around a large table containing pencils, glue, and paper to assist children with a creative project. Daniel Kim/© AMNH
Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year will be available online from February 24-March 10, 2025.  Please continue to check this website for the most up-to-date information regarding program offerings and how to apply.

The Science and Nature Program enhances children's understanding of and respect for the natural world, engages children in the foundations of scientific inquiry, and provides a window into the wonders of the Museum.  

Experienced science educators work with Museum scientists and specialists to create age-appropriate learning experiences in classrooms and Museum halls that reflect the Museum's research and scientific collections, including in zoology, Earth and planetary sciences, anthropology, and paleontology. 

Children and Adults Learn Together

Designed for young children, the Science and Nature Program meets weekly throughout the school year. 

Parents or grandparents attend class with children through 2nd Grade, a core principle of the program based on research that shows that young children attain deeper levels of understanding and richer connections to their learning when significant adults are present. 

Admissions

The entry-level class of the Science and Nature Program is Young Scientists Kindergarten. Children must be entering Kindergarten in the Fall of 2025 in order to be eligible to apply.

For younger children, please see the Early Adventures Program.

The Science and Nature Program classes are small, so enrollment in each class is limited.  All applications that have been submitted within the admissions window of February 24 – March 10, 2025 will be reviewed. All applications will be reviewed, and eligible families will be contacted to schedule an in-person family observation.  These interviews will last for approximately one hour and will provide families with the opportunity to explore our classrooms, participate in Museum-focused activities, meet other families, and engage with Science and Nature program staff. 

After all in-person observations have been completed, families selected to continue in the application process may also be offered a short phone interview.  Final decisions will be made, and families will be notified of their acceptance status in May.

Children who enter the program as Young Scientists will be offered the opportunity to re-enroll each year, so availability in higher grades is limited. Families applying starting in 1st through 5th grade will be contacted to continue in the application process only if spaces become available.

Refunds and Cancellations

If, after enrolling, you find that your child will be unable to participate in the Science and Program, please notify us in writing via email at Science&[email protected] by Monday, June 30, 2025.

Tuition payments are non-refundable after Monday, June 30, 2025. After that date tuition will be applied towards the Science and Nature Program's financial aid fund.

2025-2026 Classes

CLASS
AGE GROUP
DATES & TIMES

Class:
 Young Scientists | Kindergarten

What’s special about the seasons? The first year of the Science and Nature Program is dedicated to the cycles of the year as we examine how creatures of the Northeast survive and thrive through the seasons. Peek inside an acorn home, wonder at the winter woods, and spot signs of spring as you and your child go on “expeditions” to different Museum dioramas, collaborate on science crafts, and investigate your own local habitat!

Cost: $4,500

Age Group:
Kindergarten

Dates & Times:
Mondays or Tuesdays.
3:30–5 pm

Kindergarten

Mondays or Tuesdays

3:30–5 pm

Class:
 Young Scientists | 1st Grade

What can we learn from 34 million things? Study geology, marine biology, cultural anthropology, and archaeology to find out how the Museum uses its vast collection to answer questions about the natural world. Share your own collection with classmates, go behind the scenes to see a Museum collection, meet people who do science, and make your own observations of Museum specimens to gain insight into the wonderful world of science at the Museum.

Cost: $4,150

Age Group:
Grade 1

Dates & Times:
Thursdays or Fridays.
3:30–5 pm

Grade 1

Thursdays or Fridays

3:30–5 pm

Class:
 Young Scientists | 2nd Grade

What do paleontological pick axes and space telescopes have in common? Find out as you work to solve problems and ask questions that paleontologists and astrophysicists face in the real world! Use scientific tools, make models, and hear from people doing science at the Museum. Whether it is the vast scale of geologic time or the massive size and scale of the universe, the 2nd grade students investigate big questions about our planet’s past and the worlds beyond.

Cost: $4,150

Age Group:
Grade 2

Dates & Times:
Wednesdays.
3:30–5 pm

Grade 2

Wednesdays

3:30–5 pm

Class:
 Fellowship of the Young Scientist | 3rd Grade

 From the Lithosphere to the Atmosphere, our planet is made up of interconnected systems that play an important role in making all of Earth’s diverse biomes what they are today. Visit Museum dioramas, play games, create projects, and get to know our live animals as you investigate the integral relationships between the life on our planet and its physical landscape and consider how we can take action to mitigate climate change challenges.

Cost: $4,150

Age Group:
Grade 3

Dates & Times:
Tuesdays or Thursdays.
3:30–5 pm

Grade 3

Tuesdays or Thursdays

3:30–5 pm

Class:
 Fellowship of the Young Scientist | 4th Grade

What makes ecosystems on our planet healthy and why are healthy ecosystems important? Investigate environmental issues such as invasive species, pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change on both a local and global scale all while playing games, making models, and visiting Museum halls. Discover the ways that people can work to overcome these issues using science research, participating in community science, and taking action in their daily lives!

Cost: $4,150

Age Group:
Grade 4

Dates & Times:
Tuesdays or Thursdays.
3:30–5 pm

Grade 4

Tuesdays or Thursdays

3:30–5 pm

Class:
 Museum Investigations in Science | 5th Grade

If you built your own museum exhibition, what would the topic be? How would you choose to communicate that information? In the final year of the Science and Nature Program, explore not only different areas of Museum research, but also how Museum displays engage and share information with visitors. Connect with your classmates through culture and investigate the evolutionary story that led to the diversity of species we have on our planet today. Hear from Museum professionals, visit Museum lab spaces, and create your own Museum display

Cost: $4,150

Age Group:
Grade 5

Dates & Times:
Mondays.
3:45–5:15 pm

Grade 5

Mondays

3:45–5:15 pm

More Information

For more information about other class offerings affiliated with the Science and Nature Program, please see the Early Adventures Program and Adventures in Science pages.

If you have questions about the Science and Nature Program, please email us at Science&[email protected]

Health and Safety During Onsite Programs

The health and safety of our participants and staff is the top priority. You’ll notice some important changes to the Museum, our classrooms, and health and safety measures. For more information, please visit the Health and Safety page.

Children and Family Learning at the American Museum of Natural History provides exciting science learning opportunities for young children and families through OLogy, the Discovery Room, The Science and Nature Program, and Public Programs.

Support for Children and Family Learning programming has been provided by Shaiza Rizavi and Jonathan Friedland, the Filomen M. D’Agostino Foundation, and Ellen K. and Lawrence R. Gross.