Houston Museum of Natural Science

Education

Plan an Outstanding School Year
Download our Educator’s Guide for all things education.
Download the HMNS Educator's Guide

Bring Learning to Life

At HMNS, our love of learning is evident in everything we do.
Students of all grade levels and subject areas play an active role in their learning. We’ve got it all—from interactive labs for students, to world-class exhibit halls, to phenomenal films. We hope that when you think of immersive, quality education, you think of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and we are proud to be a part of your educational toolkit.

Featured Opportunities

Shell Educators’ Preview: Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & The Myths

Friday, November 17 | 4:00 – 9:00 pm
FREE for Educators
 
You are invited to attend our Shell Educators’ Preview on November 17, featuring Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & The Myths
 
Dive into the extraordinary world of sharks. Debuting on a floor all to itself is Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & The Myths. We’re making your dreams come true and bringing you up close and personal with live sharks for a hands-on experience that will be – dare we say – jawsome. You’ll get a chance to touch a shark and discover what makes these creatures unique – from bait balls to bioluminescence.
 
Our attendees will have the opportunity to speak with our Education Staff about the various programs we offer to enhance their experience.
 
Registration will open September 26 and close November 15 for this special event!
FREE for Educators

Explore the fascinating world of sharks at the Shell Educators’ Preview, featuring live sharks and interactive experiences.

Interactive Learning

Week-long, hands-on camps featuring science activities for children ages 6 – 12.

Summer Camp 2023 / Summer Programs

This isn’t your average summer camp. Against the backdrop of real dinosaur fossils, chemistry in action and a world-class institution, kids can experience a summer of education and adventure. Geared for kids ages 6-12, Summer Camps at HMNS use fun, hands-on learning and distinguished teachers to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists. A wide range of topics from physics and coding to paleontology and forensic science are explored.

Summer Camp 2023 registration is over. Be sure and check back in the Spring of 2024 to register.
For further information, please contact:

Distinguished Lectures

Talks by the world’s foremost scientific experts.
Got brain food? HMNS brings you from the world’s foremost experts like Kara Cooney, Zahi Hawass and Kathy Reichs along with HMNS curators and scientists. Our lecture partners include The Leakey Foundation, Rice University, University of Houston Law Center, The Nature Conservancy in Texas, Houston Archaeological Society and Fort Bend Archaeological Society and Rothko Chapel.

Distinguished Lectures at HMNS are supported by Apache Corporation
Explore Upcoming Distinguished Lectures

Find an upcoming lecture to attend.

Book the Aramco iExplore Biodiversity Program

To schedule or inquire about our private programming, please click the Book Now button below. A team member will contact you shortly after about the booking process.

For any questions, please email us at

Aramco iExplore Biodiversity CTE Credit

Explore the foundational concepts of biodiversity with a two-hour virtual workshop.
Aramco iExplore Biodiversity is a program that utilizes Museum resources to educate fifth grade students about biodiversity and related TEKS objectives. All participants will receive two hours of CTE credit and free access to digital classroom materials developed by HMNS.
The Student Experience Includes:
  • A Docented tour of the Cockrell Butterfly Center and the Brown Hall of Entomology
  • A Rainforest Wildlife live-animal presentation
  • A self-guided tour of the Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife, the Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife, the Hamman Hall of Texas Coastal Ecology and the Morian Hall of Paleontology

Awards & Scholarships

Through the generosity of the Cockrell Foundation, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is proud to offer the Evelyn Frensley Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement in Science or Mathematics and the Wilhelmina C. Robertson Excellence in Science or Mathematics Teaching Award. Recipients are awarded $2,000.
For further information, please contact:
Scott Stevenson
Awards & Scholarships

The deadline for 2023 Student Scholarships and Teacher Awards is September 1, 2023.

Educator Resources
Events & Workshops
Discover hands-on activities to use in your classroom, experience Museum exhibits after hours, take a late night tour, and earn continuing education credit!
Explore Events & Workshops
Educator Membership
Your gift provides visitors of all ages with world-class exhibitions, innovative STEM programming, and unparalleled educational resources that spark a lifelong love of learning.
Explore Membership
Beyond Bones Podcast
The Beyond Bones Podcast is the place where you can hear engaging conversations about HMNS exhibitions, behind-the-scenes museum lore, and so much more.
Listen on YouTube
Outreach Programs

TEKS-aligned presentations that bring an exciting field trip experience right to your classroom or event.

Youth & Family Education

Opportunities for youth and families to participate in museum programs and volunteering.

Teens & Adult Education

Unique and engaging classes for adults—expand your mind and be inspired to discover the world around you.

Come Here Go Anywhere
See the Best HMNS Has to Offer