This website presents fact sheets about numerous reptiles. Choose from a pull-down list between snakes, lizards, crocodilians, and turtles. The fact sheets contain information such as taxonomy, distribution and habitat, eating habits, reproduction, life span, and basic facts about the reptiles.

A two-lesson unit using the Smithsonian collection of currency to teach students about the first American money. Other resources are given and all materials are downloadable.

This resource provides information about communities that lived on or near water, including the canals.

As part of the Smithsonian Art Museum's database of artists, this site provides in-depth biographical information on Robert S. Duncanson in addition to an extensive listing of his works as displayed at the museum.

As part of the Amazonia exhibit at the National Zoo, this site highlights various facts and interesting information on the Rock Cavy, which is closely related to the domestic guinea pig. In addition to several pictures, the site provides a brief series of facts on the Rock Cavy.

As part of the Birds exhibit at the National Zoo, this resource highlights various facts and interesting information on the Roseate Spoonbill. The information is brief but does include a picture.

Sam Gilliam is profiled at this site in a format that begins with a lengthy biographical sketch of his life. His works are then listed by appearance in the museum's database. Each work is presented in thumbnail format with brief information including title of work and date of creation.

The scientific method is more than just a series of steps to be followed like a recipe. It is a fluid, ever-changing process. This video discusses student's perception of the scientific method and how to make learning science in the classroom more authentic. [10:27]

The Secret in the Cellar is an interactive web comic based on the real finding of a body from the 17th century in the Chesapeake Bay area. Using historical and archaeological clues, students are guided to discover the truth about how this person lived and died. The whole comic, the activities, and the articles can be printed for off-line perusal.

From the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History, this exhibition on Brown v. Board of Education shows much of the struggle of the Civil Rights era, not only to achieve equality in educational opportunities but to achieve equality in all realms of American life.

The Smithsonian Institution has collected thousands of items and stories connected with the September 11 attack. View the items, read about them, and listen to the stories of survivors, first responders, and families of those who perished. A touching, moving memorial.

Did you learn to calculate using a 7-foot-long slide rule? Did you learn about the properties of numbers using brightly colored Cuisenaire rods? Ever wonder who invented the graph paper you used in geometry class? Go back to the classroom with this look at the tools used to teach math across American history, from the 1800s to the present.

A brief summary of the history of African American slavery and the Underground Railroad. Activities and books pertaining to slave life, plantations, and the Underground Railroad are suggested.

This website provides a fact sheet on sloth bears. Content includes information on their physical appearance, size, eating habits, geographic distribution, habitat, reproduction, life span, and typical behavior.

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park explores the lives of small mammals, both in the wild and in captivity. Choose a webcam to view a variety of small mammals live and up-close, learn about current conservation efforts, access an archive of fact sheet, or view the photo gallery.

Art is an important part of American culture. Peruse art work from the museum and get a taste of Americana.

Primary sources related to American art and artists, such as letters, diaries, manuscripts, photographs, oral histories, and sketches, can be found in this impressive archive. An array of tools make it easy to search the collections, and special features let you explore the archive by area of interest. Many "Curator's choice," pages direct you to the best the archives have to offer.

Chandra X-Ray Observatory is an space observatory designed to detect x-rays. The public web site gives information about Chandra and X-ray astronomy in general (in field guide). It also gives educational materials for teachers.

If you set out to do your own primary research with a tradition-bearer in your community, this guide will be very valuable. Get information about how to get the best results, along with an extensive list of possible questions for the person to be interviewed.

The online home of the Smithsonian Institution. Explore art and design, history and culture, science and technology, and much more!