Coronavirus Closes Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

EDGEWATER, MD — As a precaution in light of the new coronavirus pandemic, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center has postponed or canceled all public events through May 3. All Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo also are closed for the time being, too. In the meantime, the Smithsonian offers free online resources to students as they find themselves out of school in the meantime.

“The Smithsonian should have a prominent place in every classroom and home in America,” said Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch in a statement. “Whether during the course of everyday learning or in a crisis like this, parents, teachers and students can rely on the Smithsonian’s wealth of expertise and knowledge that is available for free at the click of a mouse.”

Resources focus on pre-K through 12th education, and offer lesson plans tied to national learning standards and a variety of low-tech and no-tech solutions for students without reliable internet access. The Smithsonian Learning Lab will expand its online office hours with experts to answer questions and help identify lessons and activities for specific needs.