Filled with exhibit descriptions, suggested classroom activities, ideas for related outdoor lessons, links to NYC Department of Education Performance Standards, and much more, the Museum’s professional development resource materials packets bring new layers of learning to the experience of visiting the all-new galleries.

Collections Central

“Objects . . . invite close looking, spark imagination, inspire us to make things, raise questions that lead us to learn about the world.”
—Beth Alberty

Right-click here to download Teacher Tools for the Collections Central exhibit, where children discover treasures from the Museum’s collection of nearly 30,000 pieces—fascinating, revealing objects gathered from all over the world that represent the many ways people live, past and present, and the diversity of our natural world. Students are invited to look, make, imagine, and know as they explore objects and the stories they tell.

Neighborhood Nature

“The best place to study nature is where you are.”
—John Burroughs

Right-click here to download Teacher Tools for the Neighborhood Nature exhibit, a place where you can trek through urban natural habitats, from woodland fields to ocean tide pools. This exhibit is designed to spark your students’ desire to explore and discover. From place to place, they hone their skills of inquiry, laying the foundation for scientific thinking as they gain greater understanding and respect for the natural world.

Special Needs

“But it’s not just learning things that’s important. It’s learning what to do with what you learn and learning why learn things at all that matters.”
—Norton Justen, The Phantom Tollbooth

Right-click here to download Teacher Tools for special-needs students in the Collections Central, Neighborhood Nature, and World Brooklyn exhibits, which are all designed to facilitate cultural and scientific inquiry explorations while developing an awareness and appreciation of natural environments, diverse communities, and the world around us.

Totally Tots

“There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in.”
—Deepak Chopra

Right-click here to download Teacher Tools for the Totally Tots exhibit, where the Museum’s youngest visitors turn into scientists, artists, and adventurers through experiences specially designed for ages 5 and younger. With twice the original space of pure fun and play, kids can develop the cognitive, physical, and social skills needed for a lifetime of learning.

World Brooklyn

“Brooklyn is the home to everyone from everywhere.”
—Marty Markowitz

Right-click here to download Teacher Tools for the World Brooklyn exhibit, where students can celebrate the diverse cultural communities that call Brooklyn home. The re-created city street includes a series of kid-sized stores—each based on a real Brooklyn business—where students are transported around the borough and the world.