Booking

HMSC Summer Science Weeks

Each Summer Science Week program is taught by a professional educator and serves a maximum of 15 students. Based in one of the museum classrooms, students work independently and in groups to examine museum specimens, conduct experiments, create crafts, explore museum galleries, play games, and have fun!

Program Information

All programs run for one week, Monday through Friday, 9:30 am–12:00 pm

Visit the membership page for more information on how to become a member and receive discounted program fees. 

Class sizes are limited and advance registration is required. Payment in full is due at registration. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover. You may cancel up to two weeks before any program begins and receive a refund less a $25 fee. After that time no refund can be made. A full refund is issued if the museum cancels the program.

We encourage persons with disabilities to participate in programs and activities. If you anticipate your child needing any type of accommodation to participate in Summer Science Weeks, please contact us in advance.

Email hmnhreserve@hmsc.harvard.edu for more information or for assistance with registration.

Activities

Earth Explorers

 

Monday–Friday, July 27–31, 9:30 am–12:00 pm

 

Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge MA

 

For children entering grades 1–3

Our planet is an exciting place! Explore geology and paleontology using the museum’s collections and exhibits. Study rocks, fossils, volcanoes, and earthquakes through experiments, specimens, stories, and models.

$235 members/$260 nonmembers

Register

Science in Action

Monday–Friday, July 27–31, 9:30 am–12:00 pm

 

Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge MA

 

For children entering grades 4-6


Use your creativity, curiosity, and enthusiasm to ask questions we can answer with science! Experiment with animal behavior, movement, and diet. Do fieldwork collecting outside and use microscopes to catalog what you found. Construct circuits and mechanical models. Investigate light, shadows, and what that tells us about distant planets. Meet scientists doing similar work and have fun!

$235 members/$260 nonmembers

Program is full

Life in Ancient Times

Monday–Friday, August 3–7, 9:30 am–12:00 pm

Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, 11 Divinity Ave., Cambridge MA

For children entering grades 1–3

Practice age-old skills used by early civilizations in Egypt, Europe, and Central America. Try cuneiform and hieroglyphics, recreate a working oil lamp, practice with stone-age tools, paint with bugs, and make something to take home. Explore two archaeology museums and enjoy hands-on activities as you learn more about ancient peoples of the past.

$235 members/$260 nonmembers
Program is full

Ins and Outs of Skeletons

Monday–Friday, August 3–7, 9:30 am–12:00 pm

 

Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge MA

 

For children entering grades 4–6

 

Investigate the ins and outs of skeletons! Using observations of skulls, bones, and live animals, we will explore how animals use their skeletons for protection, support, and movement. We will see how bones and fossils can solve recent and ancient mysteries. Extend the fun and learning through experiments, puzzles, and crafts.

$235 members/$260 nonmembers

Program is full

Oceans Alive

Monday–Friday, August 10–August 14, 9:30 am–12:00 pm

 

Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge MA

 

For children entering grades 1–3


Jump into the water without getting wet! Study live marine creatures such as crabs, plankton, and sea stars. Learn about life in the sea by playing games, visiting ocean galleries, and getting crafty. Build a model of an octopus, urchin, or your favorite animal, tell a tale of sea monsters, and explore our connection to the deep blue sea.

$235 members/$260 nonmembers
Register

Grab Your Sketchbook

Monday–Friday, August 10–14, 9:30 am–12:00 pm

 

Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge MA

 

For children entering grades 4–6

 

Hone your observational superpowers and zoom in on the lives of animals while developing your drawing skills. Learn about elements of design such as contour, form, and texture as we sketch animals from the museum collection. Try other techniques such as collage and printmaking to capture plants and animals with the same elements of design. This art and science program is open to students of all skill levels and all materials will be provided.

$235 members/$260 nonmembers
Register

Amazing Animals

 

Monday–Friday, August 17–21, 9:30 am–12:00 pm

 

Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge MA

 

For children entering grades 1–3

Leaping lemurs, sluggish sloths, burrowing beetles, and cagey crows....Explore the world of animals as we travel through museum exhibits, observe live animals up close, and get to know these amazing creatures through crafts, games, and experiments.

$235 members/$260 nonmembers
Register