Beyond Elementary Explorations in Science (BEES)

Dr. Jessica Ware points to an display in the Museum's Insectarium, surrounded by a small group of students and adults that watch attentively. Alvaro Keding/© AMNH
BEES is a residency experience to help teachers and students develop a stronger sense of belonging at the American Museum of Natural History.

While traditional school field trips span part of one day, Beyond Elementary Explorations in Science (BEES) transforms the field trip experience into a cross-curricular, week-long residency, creating a unique “school in a museum” opportunity for 3rd to 5th-grade students and educators.

Classroom teachers co-teach alongside Museum educators, using Museum halls, exhibitions, and classrooms to explore scientific phenomena while drawing connections to core subjects including reading, writing, and math. Teachers co-create the curriculum with Museum educators to tailor each residency to school needs. At the end of each residency, students and teachers receive tickets to the Museum to return with family and friends.

In a recent cohort, more than 70% of students were first-time visitors to the Museum. By the end of their BEES residency, the number of students who felt they knew the Museum well, and felt the Museum was a place for them, had nearly doubled.

Program Goals

Through BEES, teachers and students will develop a stronger sense of belonging at the American Museum of Natural History.

Teachers will:

  • learn phenomenon-based and interdisciplinary instructional strategies for science
  • gain skills in adapting existing curricula for deeper science engagement
  • use Museum resources to support classroom instruction

Students will:

  • learn about science and the Museum
  • develop more positive attitudes toward science

General Program Information

  • Twelve one-week BEES residency cycles offered per year to NYC public schools
  • Each residency hosts two classes from one school
  • Title I schools are given priority
  • The Museum provides buses to and from school, as well as supplies

Applications

The Museum’s BEES program is supported by the Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation, Inc.