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

Book a Scouts Event

Learn more about how we can assist Boy and Girl Scouts along their journey of achievement and adventure.

Scouts

Scouting provides boys and girls self-confidence, ethics and values that will stay with them throughout their lives.
The HMNS Scouting Program offers badge classes for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, as well as enrichment field trips and events at HMNS facilities in Hermann Park, Sugar Land and Brazos Bend State Park, home of the George Observatory. Classes take place on Saturdays during the school year and in week-long day camps during the summer.

Generously Supported by OXY

Summer Camps Program

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.
For further information, please contact:
Interactive Learning

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

FREE for Educators

Join us on February 20 for the Shell Educators’ Preview, where you’ll get an exclusive preview of the new Matter & Motion Hall and the Wortham Giant Screen Film, Cities of the Future”

Shell Educators’ Preview: Matter & Motion and Cities of the Future

Tuesday, February 20 | 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
You are invited to attend our Shell Educators’ Preview on February 20, featuring a sneak peak at the new Matter & Motion Hall and Wortham Giant Screen Film, “Cities of the Future”.

The new Matter & Motion Hall immerses visitors in the past and the present eras of the physical sciences – challenging them to imagine what may be next in our never-ending quest to define the nature of the universe.

Cities of the Future will take audiences into the imagination of the world’s most innovative engineers who are working right now to design the cities we will live in 50 years from now,” said producer Shaun MacGillivray. “From electric flying vehicles to space-based solar power to the most cutting-edge green technologies, the creative innovations being designed to solve society’s greatest challenges are downright mind-boggling and totally awe-inspiring, and the immense scope of this kind of creativity matches perfectly with the power of the giant screen. It doesn’t get much more exciting than this.”

Registration will open January 30 and close February 16 for this special event!

The Welch Hall: Matter & Motion is presented by the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation.

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 S. Frensley Outstanding Student Award in Science or Mathematics and the Wilhelmina C. Robertson Teaching Excellence Award in Science or Mathematics. Recipients are awarded $2,000.
For further information, please contact:
Scott Stevenson
Awards & Scholarships

The deadline for 2024 Student Scholarships and Teacher Awards is September 1, 2024.

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