Led by a Museum Educator, each session blends classroom learning with gallery exploration. Participants will have the chance to explore exhibitions and take part in a hands-on activity to further their learning. Sessions are 45 minutes for PreK 3-1st grade and 90 minutes for 2nd grade and up. Our next homeschool day is September 29, 2025.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\t Foundations of a Building (Grades PreK3-3):<\/b> In this program, students will explore the basics of building, focusing on the design and construction of roofs. This program will incorporate elements of geometry, art, and design into learning about the process of building and the tools and materials used.\u00a0<\/p>\n City by Design (Grades 2-4):<\/b> Students become city planners for a day as they explore how Washington, D.C. and its neighborhoods were developed. They identify common challenges cities face and design their own model communities in response. Using LEGO\u00ae bricks, students bring their cities to life while learning about planning, problem-solving, and creativity.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Before the Museum: Civil War Origins (Grades 5-8): <\/b> This program uses the National Building Museum, formerly the Pension Building, as a lens into Civil War history in Washington, D.C. Through primary sources, historic architecture, and hands-on activities, students explore the Civil War’s impact on many groups and how this iconic building came to be.\u00a0<\/p>\n Build Your Story (Grades PreK3-3):<\/b> Through guided exploration of the Building Stories exhibition, students uncover the shared skills of architects, authors, and illustrators. They will use these skills to design and create their own pop-up book, blending storytelling with design thinking in a fun and creative experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n Career Exploration (Grades 2-5):<\/b> This program introduces students to the wide range of careers connected to the National Building Museum. Participants will learn about construction-based careers and arts and culture careers, like curators, preservationists, and exhibition designers, introducing learners to a world of possibilities.\u00a0<\/p>\n Designing for Disaster (Grades 6-8): <\/b> Students explore how engineers design buildings to withstand natural disasters, particularly earthquakes. After learning about engineering and disaster resilience, students put their skills to the test by constructing and evaluating their own buildings on a shake table.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tRegistration\n\t\t\t\t Registration is now open! Click here<\/a> to register now.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tFAQ\n\t\t\t\t What time should we get to the Museum?<\/b>\u00a0 What should we do for lunch?\u202f<\/b>\u00a0 Do adults have to purchase tickets?<\/b>\u00a0 What are the expectations for adult participation? Do I need to stay with my child?<\/b>\u00a0 For children in second grade or above, guardians may drop off their children, but they must remain within the Museum.\u00a0<\/p>\n Can I bring my infant\/toddler?<\/b>\u00a0 My child is advanced for his\/her age and grade level. Can I sign them up for a program designed for students older than his\/her age?<\/b>\u00a0 My child has physical and\/or academic special needs. What is the best procedure to include him\/her in the program?\u202f<\/b>\u00a0 What programs are offered?<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n Each Homeschool Day offers a different selection of programs. Please see the event page for a list of what programs are scheduled on a specific Homeschool Day.\u00a0 How large are the classes?<\/b>\u00a0 How do we get to the National Building Museum?<\/b>\u00a0 I registered my child, but we can no longer come. What should I do?<\/b>\u00a0 I have additional questions. What is the best way to communicate with the National Building Museum?\u202f<\/b>\u00a0MORNING SESSIONS<\/h3>\n
AFTERNOON SESSIONS<\/h3>\n
Check in for each program will begin half an hour before the program starts inside the Museum’s F Street entrance.\u00a0<\/p>\n
You may bring a bag lunch and picnic on the Museum’s Great Hall carpet. Additionally, our cafe will be open from 10 am – 4 pm and light snacks are available for purchase. There will be a break for lunch between 12 pm and 1 pm with activities in the Great Hall for families to participate in while they eat.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The $20\/child cost covers one child’s participation in one program and exhibit access for one child and one adult.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
For children in grades Pre-K – 1st, at least one adult guardian must stay with each child at all times. All programs require the active participation of a few adult chaperones, and adults can contribute immensely to students’ experience at the Museum.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Yes. Please bring toys or activities to keep small children occupied during program times.\u00a0<\/p>\n
No. Please follow the age ranges for each program when registering your children. Several of the programs for older children require children to have hand-eye coordination appropriate for their developmental age\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Museum’s school programs are designed to accommodate all needs and are ideal for those students with special needs because they are hands-on and designed to complement a variety of learning styles. For your students to get the most out of our programs, it is important for our trained Museum Educators to be made aware of any special needs your students have. The Museum strongly encourages you to indicate any special needs, whether physical or academic, when registering your student. Given enough notification, Museum educators can adapt school programs to fit the specific needs of your student. Please indicate how best to accommodate the student(s). A wheelchair accessible entrance is located at the G Street entrance of the Museum. Please email school@nbm.org<\/a> with any questions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Each program’s enrollment is limited to 28 students.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Museum is located at 401 F Street NW and is adjacent to the Judiciary Square station on Metro’s Red Line. Using the Metro is quick and easy, plus offers a great opportunity to talk with students about city design and transportation. The Museum is unable to provide public parking. If you are driving, please allow an extra 30 minutes for traffic and to find parking. Two-hour metered parking is available on all sides of the building, however, if you are planning on staying at the Museum for longer than two hours, we recommend parking in one of the nearby parking garages.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Email\u202fschool@nbm.org\u202fto let us know you won’t be coming. While refunds are not available for program tickets, we will be able to offer your spot to another family\u00a0<\/p>\n
Due to the high volume of phone calls, e-mail is the most efficient method of communication. Email school@nbm.org\u202ffor all questions regarding registration.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tHomeschool Sessions\n\t\t\t\t