In light of nearly everything transitioning to an online format, there are now more unique virtual learning opportunities than ever. Below, we share some of our favorites.

 

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The Carnegie Science Center

 

With a planetarium, in-depth space exhibit, and tons of hands-on science exhibits,

the Carnegie Science Center has long been a favorite spot for field trips.

 

Although they've had to close their doors, the Science Center is providing daily at home activities for kids that include "something to read, something to watch, and something to do." 

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Their topics can range from flamingos, to how NASA grows plants in space, to the invention of scotch tape. 

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PBS Learning Media

 

If you're looking for virtual field trips, lessons for all ages and subjects, or a hub for documentaries, then PBS Learning Media is a great place to start. Their lessons include videos and supporting materials like vocabulary sheets and discussion questions.

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There are even cartoon-led virtual tours that can take children on a "virtual road trip" and numerous ideas for different science and craft projects. 

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The National Aviary

 

Over 500 birds call the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA home, and now you can learn more about them wherever you are. In addition to their education corner, the aviary has added a cyBIRD learning program for students at home. Learn about bird adaptations, penguins, rainforests and more through the aviary's different videos.

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Every Thursday at 1 pm the aviary also does "Reading with Red" across their social media channels, which is a story time session with Red, a Scarlet McCaw, and other feathered friends. 

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The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

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Experience the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh with their Museum from Home program. Their site includes short lessons, crafting projects, and outside activities, and there's even a section for kids celebrating their birthdays during these closures. 

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The Nature Conservatory

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The Nature Conservatory has nine virtual field trips that can take you diving through a coral reef, canoeing through Vancouver, or hiking through a desert during a dust storm. There are also teaching materials for K-12 grade. 

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Virtual Museum Tours

 

Right now there are far too many museums giving virtual tours to name, and right now many are sharing art that audiences are making at home. If the sheer number of virtual museums has you unsure of where to start, we've compiled a small list by subject. 

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For the art aficionados:  

 

• Take a virtual tour to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and explore floor by floor. 

• Funded by the powerful Medici family, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, is one of the most renowned art museums in the world. 

• The National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. has an impressive array of American art, which are accompanied by 360 degree videos. 

• The Google Art Project is a collection of famous works of art from all over the world, and offers different activities, lessons, and virtual tours. 

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For the scientists of tomorrow:

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• The National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. and all other Smithsonian museums are open for virtual tours. 

• For those with their heads above the clouds, NASA is offering virtual tours, apps and activities that explore the universe and space travel innovations. While you're at it, take a moon tour with Google Earth, or see Mars. 

• Visit the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and learn with at home-activities, videos, and games. 

• Fly high with The Museum of Flight, with virtual tours dedicated to exploring our innovations in flight technology. Get the chance to see the cockpits of historical aircrafts. 

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For the history buffs:

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• Go through the exhibits in the National Museum of African American History and Culture to learn about different objects in exhibits in 3D. 

• Virtually visit the National Women's History Museum to learn about women who broke barriers, and learn about famous heroes like Harriet Tubman. You can also explore virtual exhibits on topics like women in the Olympics, the civil rights movement, and a history of women's fashions. 

• The British Museum in London has an impressive collection of different historical pieces from all over the world. Take a virtual tour, or explore by topic. 

 

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