The Science and Nature Program

Part of Children & Families

Science and Nature Program Slide 1 Hero Family Page
Applications are now closed for Fall 2023. 

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 2023 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 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.

Please note that families currently enrolled in the Early Adventures Program will be contacted and offered an observation during your current class day and time.  During this observation, it is requested that a parent/guardian attend class with their child.

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 Friday, June 16, 2023.

Tuition payments are non-refundable after Friday, June 16, 2023. After that date tuition will be applied towards the Science and Nature Program's financial aid fund.

2023-2024 Classes

CLASS
GRADE LEVEL
DATES & TIMES

Class:
 Young Scientists | Kindergarten

What’s special about the seasons? Whatever the weather, the second year of Science and Nature is dedicated to the cycles of the year as we examine how creatures of the Northeast survive and thrive in each of the seasons. Peek inside an acorn home, wonder at the winter woods, and spot signs of spring at the pond with “expeditions” to different exhibits at the Museum. Close the year by digging into our first dissection.

Cost: $3,950

Grade Level:
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 Museum collections in geology, marine biology, anthropology, and archaeology to find out. Share your own collection with classmates and meet scientists who will give us a window into research at the Museum and explain how they fell in love with the natural world.

Cost: $3,500

Grade Level:
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 skeletons and solar systems have in common? Study systems in action, whether it’s blood moving through bodies, the formation of fossils, or celestial objects circling the sun. Solve problems and ask questions that veterinarians, paleontologists, and astrophysicists face in the real world, and learn to use  tools like telescopes, microscopes, and stethoscopes.

Cost: $3,500

Grade Level:
Grade 2

Dates & Times:
Wednesdays.
3:30–5 pm

Grade 2

Wednesdays

3:30–5 pm

Class:
 Fellowship of the Young Scientist | 3rd Grade

Delve into the dynamic Earth for a year of examining the rock record, climate change, and life in the planet’s most precarious places. How does life at the limits survive and thrive? Explore evidence from earthquakes, explosive volcanoes, and deep-sea vents as we look for life in the unlikeliest places.

Cost: $3,500

Grade Level:
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

Delve into the dynamic Earth for a year of examining the rock record, climate change, and life in the planet’s most precarious places. How does life at the limits survive and thrive? Explore evidence from earthquakes, explosive volcanoes, and deep-sea vents as we look for life in the unlikeliest places.

Cost: $3,500

Grade Level:
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

How does the Museum meet its mission? Explore the connection between research, collections, conservation, and education efforts taking place at the Museum every day. Consider how to craft questions that drive scientific research in this capstone year as we examine the history of Museum expeditions and exhibitions through a critical lens.

Cost: $3,500

Grade Level:
Grade 5

Dates & Times:
Mondays.
3:30–5 pm

Grade 5

Mondays

3:30–5 pm

View archives.

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.