Since its founding in 1846, the Smithsonian has been committed to inspiring generations through knowledge and discovery. The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum and research complex, consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. Nearly 500 PhDs serve as scientists, researchers, historians, curators, and scholars for the Smithsonian. There are over 30 million visits to the Smithsonian annually. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at 137 million.
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Embark on a fascinating journey through American history with 'Objects That Define America,' an educational course presented by the esteemed Smithsonian Institution, available on edX. This unique program delves into the stories behind iconic artifacts, inventions, and exhibits that have defined the United States' cultural and historical landscape over centuries.
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Dive into the captivating world of superhero comics with 'The Rise of Superheroes and Their Impact on Pop Culture'. This course, brought to you by edX in partnership with the Smithsonian, offers an exclusive opportunity to learn directly from comic book industry legend Stan Lee. Discover how superheroes have evolved over time and their profound impact on popular culture.
EdX
Transform your history classroom into a vibrant hub of inquiry and discovery with 'Teaching Historical Inquiry with Objects'. Designed for middle and high school teachers, this course introduces an engaging approach where students explore the past through tangible objects. Learn how to motivate students, foster critical thinking skills, and inspire civic engagement through hands-on historical inquiry.
EdX
Embark on a transformative journey into teaching methodologies that harness the profound potential of art for developing critical thinking in students. This online course, offered by edX in partnership with the esteemed National Gallery of Art, equips educators with innovative strategies to engage learners through visual arts and cultivate essential skills such as analysis, interpretation, and collaboration.
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Join a transformative 5-session online course that shifts the narrative around conservation from despair to hope. The #EarthOptimism program on edX teaches you to identify and share inspiring success stories via Twitter, fostering a worldwide movement of optimism and actionable change in environmental preservation.
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Dive into the heart of heroism with 'Power and Responsibility: Doing Philosophy with Superheroes.' This course, offered by SmithsonianX in partnership with Harvard's Division of Continuing Education, examines the complex narratives of superheroes through a philosophical lens. Uncover the ethical dilemmas, moral responsibilities, and existential questions that define our favorite caped crusaders.
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Discover how to engage audiences on the critical topic of climate change with our comprehensive online course. Designed for educators and volunteers, this program covers the science behind climate change, its impacts, and various mitigation strategies. Gain confidence in discussing these complex issues and inspire action within your community.
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Dive into a unique educational experience with 'Interdisciplinary Teaching with Museum Objects'. This course, offered by edX in partnership with the Smithsonian Museums, equips teachers with effective strategies to engage students through interdisciplinary learning. Explore connections among diverse collections and discover how museum objects can transform your teaching approach.
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Join the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian for an enlightening journey into the impact of harmful narratives about Native Americans on U.S. society and education. This course is designed to equip educators with the tools needed to identify and transform these narratives, fostering a more inclusive and accurate understanding in both classroom settings and beyond.