History of Excellence
Science You Can Trust. Results You Can See.
Backed by decades of research and national recognition, Smithsonian’s science programs deliver measurable gains and top-rated materials trusted by districts nationwide.
The Proof Is in the Research
Featured Study: Center for Research in Educational Policy (CREP)
A large-scale, multi-state study evaluating the impact of Smithsonian science programs.
Key Findings
- 1,600+ students from North Carolina and South Carolina participated.
- Students experienced significant gains in science, reading, and math.
- Underserved students outperformed their peers, showing especially strong academic growth.
- Teachers reported increased confidence and stronger student engagement.
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom™ Earns EdReports’ All-Green Rating
EdReports says that Smithsonian Science for the Classroom™ meets expectations in all three gateways.
A Proven Legacy of Excellence
Smithsonian programs have evolved through decades of rigorous research, real classroom impact, and continuous innovation to earn national accolades, top-tier ratings, state approvals, and measurable gains in student achievement. Explore the milestones that shaped today’s trusted, research-backed science curriculum.
Smithsonian Science Education Center
Celebrates 40 years of Transforming K–12 Education through Science
The Center for Research in Educational Policy
(CREP) 5–Year Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Independent Study Results
EdTech Cool Tools Winner
Best Curriculum & Instruction Solution awarded to Smithsonian Science for the Classroom
The Center for Research in Educational Policy
(CREP) 5–Year Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform (Laser i3) Independent Study
Smithsonian Science Education Center
(formerly National Science Research Center) Partners with Carolina Biological Supply Company as Exclusive Science Curriculum Publisher
Smithsonian Science Education Center
Celebrates 40 years of Transforming K–12 Education through Science
The Center for Research in Educational Policy
(CREP) 5–Year Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Independent Study Results
EdTech Cool Tools Winner
Best Curriculum & Instruction Solution awarded to Smithsonian Science for the Classroom
The Center for Research in Educational Policy
(CREP) 5–Year Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform (Laser i3) Independent Study
Smithsonian Science Education Center
(formerly National Science Research Center) Partners with Carolina Biological Supply Company as Exclusive Science Curriculum Publisher
Notable State Approvals
Idaho State Adoption Approved
August 2025
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom (Gr. K–5)
Oklahoma
2019
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom 1st ed. (Gr. K–5)
Tennessee
Knox County: District Adoption (State waiver approved)
April 2025
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom (Gr. K–5)
State Adoption Approved
February 2025
Science and Technology Concepts™ Middle School (Gr. 7)
North Carolina State Adoption Approved
January 2025
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom (Gr. K–5)
Science and Technology Concepts™ Middle School (Gr. 6–7)
Louisiana Tier One Rated
December 2025
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom (Gr. 1)
February 2025
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom (Gr. K)
Indiana HQCM Approved
March 2025
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom (Gr. K–2)
Massachusetts CURATE Approved
August 2025
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom (Gr. K–2)
Rhode Island HQCM Approved
May 2025
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom (Gr. K–2)
IDAHO
Idaho State Adoption Approved
August 2025
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom (Gr. K–5)
INDIANA
Indiana HQCM Approved
March 2025
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom (Gr. K–2)
LOUISIANA
Louisiana Tier One Rated
February 2025
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom (Gr. K)
December 2025
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom (Gr. 1)
MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts CURATE Approved
September 2025
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom (Gr. K–2)
NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina State Adoption Approved
January 2025
- Smithsonian Science for the Classroom (Gr. K–5)
- Science and Technology Concepts™ Middle School (Gr. 6–7)
OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma
2019
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom 1st ed. (Gr. K–5)
RHODE ISLAND
Rhode Island HQCM Approved
May 2025
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom (Gr. K–2)
TENNESSEE
Knox County – District Adoption (State waiver approved)
April 2025
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom (Gr. K–5)
State Adoption Approved
February 2025
Science and Technology Concepts™ Middle School (Gr. 7)
Science You Can Trust. Results You Can See.
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom™ (K-5)
The only elementary science curriculum proven to raise student test scores in science, reading, and math through hands-on, phenomenon-driven activities built around coherent storylines that engage learners in exploring real scientific phenomena. Rated All Green by EdReports for meeting the highest standards of quality and alignment.
Science and Technology Concepts™ Middle School (6-8)
Empowers students to investigate, design solutions, and develop the scientific literacy needed for success in middle school science and beyond. Hands-on, phenomenon-driven investigations built around coherent storylines that engage learners in exploring real scientific phenomena.
Awards and Recognition
